EKB News

AGRESTI Biofuels Advancing Pike County Project.

noreply@blogger.com (Joe Kinzer) — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 21:29:00 +0000

Pikeville, Ky. – AGRESTI Biofuels, working in partnership with Pike County’s Office of the Judge Executive, has significantly advanced negotiations for the Central Appalachian Ethanol Plant Project in Pike County. AGRESTI and county officials have agreed on preliminary language for the contract and have executed an agreement on terms and conditions. AGRESTI and county officials are hopeful to execute the full contract later this month.

The Central Appalachian Ethanol Plant is a state-of-the-art alternative to landfills that recycles 90 percent of municipal solid waste (MSW) into saleable products, including ethanol. The facility does not have any smoke stacks, nor does it consume water in the production of ethanol. It is a fully closed-loop system, making it an excellent partner in Pike County’s comprehensive energy strategy. The 1,600 ton per day facility is expected to produce 20 million gallons of fuel-grade ethanol per year. The facility will use a patented weak acid hydrolysis plug flow process invented by Mr. James Titmas of GeneSyst International.

The announcement of the project in Pike County is consistent with the leadership and vision of Judge/Executive Wayne T. Rutherford, for beneficial and sustainable use of solid waste.

“The collaborative use of MSW and yard waste, an abundant and underutilized feed stock, for the commercial production of cellulosic ethanol in Kentucky provides our country an opportunity to greatly reduce our dependency on foreign oil, while addressing our MSW issues and green house gases associated with landfills,” says Judge Rutherford. “This project is especially exciting to us because it is a privately funded investment, provides jobs for the local economy and has a direct positive and profound impact on our environment.”

The project calls for the employment of approximately 120 employees to operate the facility when fully developed.

“Pre-construction activities for Pike County are moving forward for the $200 million project, and we could not be more pleased with the leadership and partnership provided by Judge Wayne T. Rutherford and Roger Ford in moving this project forward,” says Zig Resiak, program director, AGRESTI. “We are firmly committed to utilizing the local workforce in building the state of the art facility in Pike County,” says Resiak.

AGRESTI expects the project to begin in early 2009 and to be completed within two years.

Kentucky First Lady Announces Launch Of American Red Cross Disaster Relief Campaign

noreply@blogger.com (Joe Kinzer) — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 21:28:00 +0000

FRANKFORT, Ky. – First Lady Jane Beshear today announced Kentucky’s statewide effort to assist the National American Red Cross (ARC) in its $100 million Campaign for Disaster Relief fundraising initiative.
“I am thrilled to chair the Honorary Campaign Committee and help raise awareness of the unique role Red Cross plays in serving residents affected by disaster,” said First Lady Jane Beshear. “This campaign provides Kentuckians with the opportunity to improve disaster preparedness for the Commonwealth.”
The First Lady will serve along with Madeline Abramson, wife of Louisville Mayor Jerry Abramson and Cheryl Ann Newberry, wife of Lexington Mayor Jim Newberry, as Honorary Campaign Chairs for Kentucky. Along with a group of volunteers across the commonwealth, they will assist Red Cross members in seeking funding to meet Kentucky’s goal of $2 million.
To kick-off the initiative, the Kentucky-based Humana Corporation made the lead contribution of $300,000. In just the past five years, Humana and its employees have contributed more than $1.8 million to the National Disaster Relief Fund, international Red Cross relief efforts and to the Louisville Area Chapter of the American Red Cross for regional disaster preparedness.
All chapters draw money from the National Disaster Relief Fund to pay for services delivered in large disaster relief operations. The Louisville Area Chapter, in cooperation with the Bluegrass Chapter in Lexington will join together to take the lead in the state endeavor to replenish the National Disaster Relief Fund.
The American Red Cross is a nonprofit organization comprised of over 700 chapters, chartered by Congress to provide immediate disaster relief services to all residents of the United States. Red Cross disaster relief services, including shelter, food, water and immediate care delivered free of charge. Kentucky Red Cross chapters have responded to almost 14,000 disasters in the past 10 years.

Kentucky Mansion Celebration Set For 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Joe Kinzer) — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 21:26:00 +0000

FRANKFORT, Ky. – First Lady Jane Beshear was joined today by former First Lady Libby Jones and former residents of the Old Governor’s Mansion to announce plans for the revitalization of the historic structure on High Street in downtown Frankfort.
In 2010, Kentucky will become the first venue outside of Europe to host the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, which will also be the largest equestrian event ever held in the United States. The world stage has inspired Kentuckians to put their best faces forward for this international audience. History will be made in 2010, but history itself will also be made-over before the audience takes their seats.
“The Old Governor’s Mansion is a treasure of our heritage that has seen more than two centuries of wear and tear. Although it is structurally sound thanks to a recent restoration, its walls and rooms are mostly bare and in need of a makeover,” said First Lady Beshear. “I hope you will get excited about this project as visitors from all over the world come to Kentucky for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. Let’s show them Kentucky, and an integral part of our history, at its best,” she said.
Through a complex design entry process, talented volunteers from across Kentucky will be invited to compete in 2009 for the opportunity to showcase their designs and redecorate history in the nation’s oldest official executive residence. A weeklong celebration culminating in a grand gala will precede the unveiling of the redecorated mansion. Details of specific special events will be announced at a later date.
Unlike a traditional decorators’ showcase, participants in this revitalization will be asked to volunteer their skills and talent. All of the furnishings, window treatments, furniture and accessories used to complete each room will remain in the mansion as donations to the commonwealth. Design specifications will be developed by the event committee to protect the history and integrity of the mansion while still achieving tasteful and functional rooms for continued use. All designers must be certified by the American Society of Interior Designers to be eligible to participate in the project.
The Mansion Celebration concept originated out of the shared concern of Mrs. Beshear and former First Lady Phyllis George for the vacant mansion. Although there are no funds available for a renovation, neither let that deter from their shared mission. They quickly pulled together people they knew who can make things happen, including Margaret Jewett , owner of L.V. Harkness & Company in Lexington and co-vice president of the Kentucky Equine Humane Center Board of Directors, and thus was born the Kentucky Mansion Celebration project. All of this is being done through private or in-kind donations. No public funds will be used in the renovation or the gala celebration.
Partial proceeds from the grand gala will help benefit another of Kentucky’s historic icons, the horse. The Kentucky Equine Humane Center (KyEHC), located in Nicholasville, will use a percentage of the funds to go toward their mission of finding homes for horses in precarious situations.
The Kentucky Executive Mansions Foundation, Inc. (KEMFI), in partnership with the Governor’s Office, KyEHC and platinum event sponsor L.V. Harkness & Company will be coordinating the celebration and showcase.
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About the Old Governor’s Mansion
Since its construction in the late 1700s, the Old Governor’s Mansion has withstood the wear and tear of large families and entertaining of important guests and delegates. The mansion is an integral contribution to Kentucky’s political and social history. The parlor and formal dining room have welcomed dignitaries such as Theodore Roosevelt, Andrew Jackson, Louis Philippe of France, Henry Clay and William Jennings Bryan, to name a few. The mansion was added to the National Registry of Historic Places in 1971 and celebrated its 200th birthday in 1998. It is reportedly the oldest official residence in use in the United States today.
About KEMFI
The Kentucky Executive Mansion Foundation, Inc. (KEMFI) was organized to undertake, support, promote, foster and assist, financially and otherwise, the modification to increase environmental efficiency and sustainability, the restoration, the maintenance, and the preservation of Kentucky’s Executive Mansion, Kentucky’s Old Governor’s Mansion and other public buildings, sites, structures, places and objects of historic significance owned by the commonwealth of Kentucky. KEMFI is also to undertake, support, promote, foster and assist, financially and otherwise, the acquisition, restoration, maintenance, or preservation of appropriate works of art, furnishings, and decorative arts for the benefit of Kentucky’s Executive Mansion and Kentucky’s Old Governor’s Mansion.
About KyEHC
The Kentucky Equine Humane Center plays a lifesaving role for horses that would have dim prospects for a productive future. The KyEHC is a first-of-its-kind facility, established with the specific goal of providing owners with a humane option when they need to give up their horses. Any equine—horses, ponies, mules, donkeys and miniature horses—in a precarious situation is accepted at KyEHC. The vision for KyEHC is to educate the public about responsible equine ownership and become a model for horse shelters in all 50 states.

Three Charged With Murder Of Floyd County Man.

noreply@blogger.com (Joe Kinzer) — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 21:17:00 +0000

Three Hueysville residents are lodged in the Floyd County Jail accused of murdering a Floyd County man whicjh was reported missing late last week by family members.

20 year - old Tommy Crum, 41 year old Susan Morgan and 33 year old Tina Adkins were arrested Tuesday.

The body of 38 year old Gregory Allen Shepherd was located at 6:30 am Tuesday morning in a remote part of Knott County called Elkview Point. Police received that information after interviewing the suspects.

No motive has been established.

The body has been sent to the medical examiner to pinpoint cause of death.

Bond has been set for the three at $ 500,000

Coal Run Gives Donation To Pike County PRIDE.

noreply@blogger.com (Joe Kinzer) — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 20:55:00 +0000

Pikeville, Ky.—The Pike County PRIDE coalition received a $1,000 check from the City of Coal Run Village Monday, November 17.

“On behalf of myself and the Coal Run Village City Commission, we want to help PRIDE in any way we can. We think it is a great think for Pike County,” said Coal Run Mayor LaVerne Dye.

“Pike County PRIDE is grateful to have community sponsors like the City of Coal Run Village. We appreciate the money and the support that we receive from all of them,” said Pike County Judge/Executive Wayne T. Rutherford.

“This money will help PRIDE continue the work it has been doing to clean up the county and to educate Pike County’s children of ways they can help to be good stewards of the environment,” said Pike County PRIDE Board Chairman Adam Akers, D.C.

Pike County PRIDE Honors Rodney Scott.

noreply@blogger.com (Joe Kinzer) — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 20:53:00 +0000

Pikeville, Ky.—The Pike County PRIDE coalition presented Pike County Jailer Rodney Scott with a plaque in recognition of his service at its meeting on Monday.

“As Judge/Executive, it’s technically my duty to determine which inmates to send out to work every day. I’ve turned that duty over to Rodney, and he does a great job. We’re lucky to have him as jailer. We send out 50 to 60 inmates a day to work in this county, and it shows,” said Pike County Judge/Executive Wayne T. Rutherford.

“I am honored to have been presented this plaque today, and I’m proud to be able to help with the PRIDE organization. I think the organization is a great vehicle for improving the county,” said Scott.

Pike County Indictments

noreply@blogger.com (Joe Kinzer) — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 20:50:00 +0000

Justin Boyd , 24, of Island Creek : second degree burglary and theft by unlawful taking.
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David Baker, 23, of Jenkins : first degree burglary and theft by unlawful taking.
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Barbara Norman , 27 , of Pikeville : theft by unlawful taking.
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Samuel Sawyers , 25, of Regina : operating a motor vehicle with alcohol concentration of or above .08 or while under the influence of alcohol fourth offense, operating motor vehicle without an operators’ license.
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Ricky Taylor , 22, of Elkhorn City : possession of handgun by convicted felon.
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Barry N. Abshire , 47, of Phyllis : first degree assault, first degree criminal attempt assault , second degree persistent felony offender.
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Jason Rose, 27, of Pikeville

Stephen T. Varney , 36, of Pikeville

First degree promoting contraband.
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Shauna R. Mullins, 29, of Stanville : first degree trafficking in a controlled substance oxycontin
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Effie Sue McPeek , 60, of Raccoon : first degree trafficking in a controlled substance ( oxycontin )
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Norman Adkins , 54, of Shelbiana : first degree trafficking in a controlled substance ( oxycontin )
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Brenda C. Adams , 61, of Pikeville

Linda S. Holloway, 51 , of Pikeville

First degree trafficking in a controlled substance ( oxycontin )
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Justin Teddy Anderson , 31, of Georgetown :receiving stolen property
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Jeff Thomas , 25 , of South Rapids, MN : four counts of third degree rape.

Thomas is accused of engaging in sexual intercourse with a minor less than 16 years old. The alleged acts occurred from July to September of this year.
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Leonard McCrary Jr , 29, of Mouthcard : first degree trafficking in a controlled substance two counts. ( oxycontin )
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Ronnie Ratliff , 42, of Belcher

Debra Senters, 27 , of Belcher

First degree burglary, theft by unlawful taking.

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Christopher Little, 31, of Hellier : setting fire on lands of another, second degree persistent felony offender.

Little a former emergency firefighter for the Kentucky Division of Forestry is accused of setting a forest fire in the Hellier area of Pike County.

Little was convicted in 2001 on a second degree burglary charge in Estill County.
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Clifton Ratliff Jr , 32 , of Raccoon : third degree rape. Ratliff is accused of engaging sexual intercourse with a minor under 16 years old.
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Dennis B. Horn , 44 , of Inez : fourth offense operating a motor vehicle with alcohol concentration of or above .08 or while under the influence of alcohol , operating motor vehicle while license is suspended or revoked for driving under the influence third offense , second degree persistent felony offender.
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Gregory Arthur Coleman , 42, of Elkhorn City : second degree burglary , theft by unlawful taking, second degree possession of controlled substance, third degree possession of controlled substance , second offense possession of drug paraphernalia, second degree persistent felony offender.
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James D. Damron , 19 ,of Virgie : third degree burglary and theft by unlawful taking. Accused of entering the Virgie Double Kwik and stealing cigarettes

17 Die On Kentucky Roadways.

noreply@blogger.com (Joe Kinzer) — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 20:01:00 +0000

FRANKFORT, Ky.) - Preliminary statistics* indicate that seventeen people died in fifteen separate crashes on Kentucky roadways from Monday, November 10 through Sunday, November 16, 2008. Fourteen of the fatalities involved motor vehicles and nine of those victims were not wearing seat belts. Three of these crashes involved the suspected use of alcohol. Motor vehicle crashes occurred in Barren, Breckinridge, Floyd, Hardin, Letcher, Lyon, Madison, Pike, Trimble and Warren counties.

Two double-fatality crashes occurred in Morgan and Nelson counties.

There were two pedestrian fatalities in Harlan and Jefferson counties.

One motorcycle fatality occurred in Pike county. The victim was wearing a helmet and alcohol was not a factor in this crash.

Through November 16, preliminary statistics* indicate that 705 people have lost their lives on Kentucky roadways during 2008. This is 56 fewer than reported for this time period in 2007. Of the 534 motor vehicle fatalities, 337 victims were not wearing seat belts. Of the 87 motorcycle fatalities, 52 were not wearing helmets. Twenty-four people have been killed in ATV crashes and 22 of those were not wearing helmets. Fifty-four pedestrians have been killed. A total of 148 fatalities have resulted from crashes involving the suspected use of alcohol.

Citizens can contribute to highway safety by reporting erratic drivers to the Kentucky State Police toll-free at 1-800-222-5555. Callers will remain anonymous and should give a description of the vehicle, location, direction of travel and license number if possible.

*These statistics are still preliminary as KSP waits for all local law enforcement agencies throughout the state to report any crashes and fatalities that may have occurred in their areas.

Meta Double Kwik Robbed.

noreply@blogger.com (Joe Kinzer) — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 19:59:00 +0000

The Kentucky State Police in Pikeville is searching for a male suspect that entered the Meta Double Kwik at 2:56 a.m. Monday morning threatened the clerk , demanded money and fled the scene on foot with an undetermined amount of cash. The alleged perpetrator made threats that we was brandishing a weapon , however he never produced one. If anyone has any info contact the KSP at 433-7711.

Two Hospitals Go Smoke Free

noreply@blogger.com (Homer Owens) — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 10:04:00 +0000

Two additional hospitals in eastern Kentucky will go "smoke free" on Thursday. St. Joseph's Hospital in Martin and Highlands Regional Medical Center in Prestonsburg recently announced a NO SMOKING policy will take place on their campuses.

Not Giving Up

noreply@blogger.com (Joe Kinzer) — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 17:20:00 +0000

Wes Gilliam, a recent District 3 candidate for the Floyd County Board of Education, says he will seek an attorney in an attempt to prove illegal activites occurred at certain precincts on election night.

Incumbent Jeff Stumbo officially maintained his seat on the board after a canvass showed he held a 42 vote lead. That was the same margin announced on election night.

One Year Old Dies In Auto Accident.

noreply@blogger.com (Joe Kinzer) — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 13:48:00 +0000

The West Virginia State Police continue to investigate a single vehicle accident early Friday morning in which a one year old baby boy died and his mother and sister were injured.

According to authorities, the victim's mother Cynthia Hurley, lost control of her vehicle and slammed into a house. The accident happened just after midnight in the small communtiy of Davin. Hurley and her four year old daughter were transported to a hospital.

Disaster Diverted.

noreply@blogger.com (Joe Kinzer) — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 12:41:00 +0000

Logan County emergency officials lifted a "shelter in place" issued for the Town of Man Friday afternoon. A leak was detected from a gas line behind the Nazarene Church. The gas company turned off the gas while they fixed the problem. Emergency crews also responded. No one was injured.

Portion Of Ceiling Collapses At Logan High School.

noreply@blogger.com (Joe Kinzer) — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 12:28:00 +0000

Students at Logan High School were dismissed from classes early on Friday after a portion of a ceiling fell from a second story hallway. No was hurt. The building is over 50 years old . Officials blame the wet weather for the problem.

Floyd County Woman Dies In Accident.

noreply@blogger.com (Joe Kinzer) — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 12:13:00 +0000

A weekend accident in Floyd County, involving three vehicles, kills one and injures another.

The victim 36 year old Michele Sparkman of Bull Creek died when the vehicle she was operating was hit by another driven by Virginia Sloan. The accident happened on Town Branch Road. The impact of the crash caused Sparkman's vehicle to pull into the path of another. Sloan and her passenger was not injured. The driver of the third vehicle was treated with back and neck injuries.

Accident On US 23 In Floyd County Has Road Closed.

noreply@blogger.com (Joe Kinzer) — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 20:58:00 +0000

The Kentucky State Police in Pikeville has told us that a two vehicle accident has happened on US 23 in Floyd County on Holiday Inn Hill. We have confirmed that one person has been seriously injured. All four lanes of US 23 are closed. Motorists need to seek an alternate route.

Bond Set For Suspected Drug Dealer

noreply@blogger.com (Homer Owens) — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 08:55:00 +0000

A $100,000 cash bond has been set for suspected drug dealer, 64-year old Howard shepherd of Perry County.

Officials say they found 600 pills and a half pound of marijuana when they arrested him in Cornettsville following a six month investigation. He's charged with several counts of trafficking.

Three Plead Guilty In Pike County Circuit Court.

noreply@blogger.com (Joe Kinzer) — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 19:46:00 +0000

Three plead guilty to various charges in Pike County Circuit Court.

Jimmy Conley pleaded guilty to being in possession of oxycontin. The plea deal calls for Conley to serve one year behind bars.

Barry Kinney pleaded guilty to third offense DUI and three counts of drug possession. The deal calls for Kinney to serve three and a half years and be put on probation for four years.

Jackie Chatman pleaded guilty to two counts fraudulent use of a credit card. Chatman must serve five years probation and pay $ 18,000 in restitution.

Bond Reduced In Hunting Death Case

noreply@blogger.com (Homer Owens) — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 10:01:00 +0000

Bond has been reduced from $500,000 to $100,000 for Steven Crum, 32, and now a grand jury will decide if he should be charged with murder.

Crum admits he shot Harrison Butcher, 42, of Kermit, West Virginia, but says it was a hunting accident, not a murder. He says the sun was in his eyes when he shot toward an area where he thought there were turkeys. Being a felon, he says he panicked and left quickly when he heard what sounded like a human gasping and asking for help.

His wife implied Butcher accidentally shot himself when she called 911, but the bullets did not come from Butcher's gun.

Court Date Set For Four Accused of Virgie Middle School Break-In

noreply@blogger.com (Homer Owens) — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 09:56:00 +0000

Thomas Bartley, Jordan Holbrook, Christopher McPeek and Janelle Ratliff appeared in court Wednesday to plaead "not guilty" after being accused of breaking into Virgie Middle School.

McPeek and Ratliff are charged with receiving stolen property. Next court date is set for February 13.

Pike County Doing Pilot Program To Enhance Highway Safety.

noreply@blogger.com (Joe Kinzer) — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 21:57:00 +0000

Pikeville, Ky.— Pike County Judge Executive Wayne T. Rutherford and Pike County District 4 Magistrate Kenneth Robinson recently striped a road in Shelbiana with yellow and white lines in order to improve driving safety along the road.

The striping is part of a pilot program the Fiscal Court is currently conducting in preparation of a bill which could be introduced during the state’s next legislative session. The bill, if passed, would set aside a portion of the money that counties receive from the state to go towards safety improvements, such as road striping. Should this bill go into effect, the Fiscal Court wants to be ready to use the money wisely.

“There are approximately 770 miles of county roads throughout Pike County, and the magistrates and I want people to feel safe along the county’s roads. At present, we are not required by the state to stripe county roads, but we feel that it would definitely improve their safety. If the county were to receive money to pay for the striping of county roads, we would definitely comply. We are trying to figure out in advance which methods of striping county roads would achieve the highest levels of safety, so that if we do receive funding, we can proceed without any delay,” said Pike County Judge/Executive Wayne T. Rutherford.

Rutherford said the county needs to become familiar with road striping, because all of the county’s roadways would be made much safer by the addition of either double yellow lines down the center or single white lines down the edges.

“Our roads are mountainous and follow a lot of creeks and hollows. There is a lot of early morning fog in this area, and in some higher elevations of the county, the fog lasts all day. Placing lines along county roads would make them much safer,” said Rutherford.

“Striping our roads, either with yellow lines or white lines depending on the width of each road, will make our citizens and all who drive along the county’s roads safer,” said Magistrate Robinson.

Pike County Road Commissioner Frank Hatcher agrees. “Hopefully the governor and the state legislators will realize how much the striping of county roads, especially with white lines along the roads’ edges, would improve driving conditions throughout the state, and, consequently, will provide funding for that purpose,” he said.

The road striping in Shelbiana was done by KVWV Traffic Control, Inc. Jeff Holderby, the company’s vice-president of operations, also thinks striping the county’s roads would benefit the safety of Pike County’s citizens.

“(Striping) would help a good deal, not just striping yellow lines, but the white lines, as well. Many of the county’s roads are one lane and travel along the edge of mountains. With white lines drawn around the edge of these roads, it would really help guard against dangerous driving accidents,” Holderby said.

– END –

Woman Pleads Guilty In Federal Court

noreply@blogger.com (Homer Owens) — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 09:08:00 +0000

Susan Witherspoon has entered a guilty plea in Federal Court in Pikeville. Investigators say she helped her husband, Desmond Greene, escape from the Big Sandy Federal Penetenitary in Martin County, before returning him in an attempt to get medical help before his death.

She's scheduled for sentencing on December 16.

Pike County Receives Envi Award.

noreply@blogger.com (Joe Kinzer) — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 19:46:00 +0000

Caption: Pike County Judge/Executive Wayne T. Rutherford and Pike County Energy and Tecnology Director Roger Ford accepted on behalf of the Pike County Fiscal Court a 2008 PRIDE Envi Award in Hazard, on Monday. Pictured above, from left, are Judge Rutherford, former NFL Quarterback Tim Couch, who presented the award, U.S. Congressman Harold “Hal” Rogers and Ford.

Pikeville, Ky.—Pike County was well represented in Hazard on Monday, November 10, at the 2008 PRIDE Envi Awards, as awards were given to a local business, a local student, and the Pike County Fiscal Court.

PRIDE, which stands for Personal Responsibility in a Desirable Environment, is sponsored by United States Congressman Hal Rogers. The awards ceremony spotlighted individuals and entities throughout southern and Eastern Kentucky who have taken major actions towards environmental cleanup, recycling, or environmental stewardship efforts.

Pike County Judge/Executive Wayne T. Rutherford and Pike County Energy and Technology Director Roger Ford accepted one of five “Green with Envi Awards,” for the Pike County Fiscal Court’s current negotiations to bring the Central Appalachian Ethanol Plant to Pike County. The Green with Envi Awards were given to organizations who began innovative, forward-thinking projects, and the Central Appalachian Ethanol Plant’s technology fits the category, because it will create ethanol from municipal solid waste without polluting the environment in any way. Contract negotiations are in the final stages to bring this plant to Pike County.
“I would like to thank Hal Rogers and (PRIDE Director and CEO) Karen Engle for this award, which I accept on behalf of myself and the magistrates of the Pike County Fiscal

Pike Central Veterans Day Program

noreply@blogger.com (Joe Kinzer) — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 19:44:00 +0000

Caption: Above, Pike County Central High School JROTC Cadets perform a Memorial to Fallen Veterans during the school’s 2008 Veteran’s Program, held at the Pike County Courthouse on Friday, Nov. 9.

Pikeville, Ky.—The Pike Central High School JROTC, Band, and Chorus held a Veteran’s Day Program on the first floor of the Pike County Courthouse on Friday, November 7, at 1 p.m.

First Sergeant Sherell Duncan, Pike Central’s JROTC director, organized the event, and he was aided by Pike Central’s band director Matt Moon.

“I would like to thank First Sergeant Duncan, the Pike Central JROTC, and the Pike Central Band and Chorus for coming to the courthouse to perform this program in honor of our veterans. These young people realize the great respect that is due our veterans, because it is through the sacrifices of our veterans that our country is the great nation it is today,” said Pike County Judge/Executive Wayne T. Rutherford.

During the ceremony, Judge Rutherford recognized Southeast Telephone employee and Marine Corps veteran Ronnie Parsons for the enormous amount of volunteer hours he has spent creating and maintaining a computer compilation of veterans’ pictures and information, which accompanies the Veteran’s Wall of Honor on the first floor of the Pike County Courthouse. The Veteran’s Wall of Honor was begun by the Pike County Fiscal Court and is co-sponsored by Southeast Telephone.

“As a veteran myself, I’m glad I could do something to give back to my fellow veterans. I’m glad I could contribute to the honoring of such brave, deserving men and women. I also want to thank the Judge, Southeast Telephone, and all of the courthouse staff who have dedicated their time to help me get this program up and running,” Parsons responded, after receiving the Honorary Judge’s Certificate Judge Rutherford bestowed upon him.

During the ceremony, the Pike Central High School Band played a touching medley of patriotic songs, including God Bless the USA, the Star-Spangled Banner, and the Armed Forces Salute. Band member Travis Burgess played the Taps solo on his trumpet.

Pike Central High School JROTC Cadet Kayla Scott gave a history of the naming of Veteran’s Day, as well as the benediction. Cadet Shelby Meek gave a recitation of the famous poem “In Flanders Fields,” which was written during WWII by Canadian Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD. Several JROTC Cadets performed a Memorial to Fallen Veterans, and several others gave a Presentation of Colors for the United States Flag.

Pike County Veterans Day Ceremony

noreply@blogger.com (Joe Kinzer) — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 19:38:00 +0000

Pikeville, Ky.—The Pike County Fiscal Court, in conjunction with East Kentucky Broadcasting held its Veteran’s Day Celebration on Sunday, November 9, at the Mark V in Pikeville.

Several distinguished guests participated in the event, including keynote speaker, Sgt. Lloyd W. Holland and U.S. Army Veteran, Lt. Col. David Zoellers, who spoke about the significance of the United States Flag.

The program began with a splendid tribute to veterans, given by East Kentucky Broadcasting’s Randy Jones. Guests were welcomed by Pike County Deputy Judge/Executive John Doug Hays, who also served as the event’s master of ceremonies.

U.S. Air Force Veteran and Southern Baptist Association Director Bob Finch gave the invocation, which was followed by the Posting of the Colors by members of Pike County Central High School’s JROTC and the Pledge of Allegiance. The Star-Spangled Banner was sung by the Pikeville High School Quartet.

Pike County Judge/Executive Wayne T. Rutherford introduced Sgt. Holland.