(We apologize for lateness of this story. Our information was just confirmed by KSP)

Aftermath of deadly crash - Photo by C. Friley

(Hazard, Ky.) On March 15, 2012 Kentucky State Police in Hazard received a call of a 2 vehicle collision on Ky. 15 in the Lost Creek community of Breathitt County. Preliminary investigation indicates that Terri Lynn Moore, age 44 of Avawam Ky., was traveling North when she crossed over the center line and struck a vehicle traveling South operated by 30 year old Seth A. Marshall.

Moore vehicle after deadly crash - Photo by C. Friley

Terri Moore was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Breathitt County Coroner. Seth Marshall was transported to the Kentucky River Medical Center where he was treated and released. Seat belts were in use at the time of the collision. The investigation is continuing by Det. Randy Combs.

LEXINGTON — A federal jury sitting in Lexington convicted two Eastern Kentuckians for buying votes in the May 2010 primary election in Breathitt County.

The jury convicted Naomi Johnson, 61 and Earl Young, 44, of conspiring to buy votes and one count each of vote buying. The verdict was returned following two and half days of trial and approximately three and half hours of deliberation.

Another co-defendant, Jackie Jennings, 61, pleaded guilty to two vote buying counts and a conspiracy charge during the first day of the trial.

Evidence at trial proved that the three defendants conspired to buy votes for Michael Salyers, a candidate for county Magistrate.

Testimony proved that Salyers was provided hundreds of dollars to pay individuals to cast their votes for him by absentee ballot. Evidence showed that the defendants traveled with voters to the courthouse. Young and Jennings verified that the voters voted. Voters were paid after informing Salyers they voted for him. One witness testified that he was paid $25.

Salyers pleaded guilty to the vote buying conspiracy in February.

Kerry B. Harvey, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, Perrye Turner, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI, and Jack Smith, Chief of the Public Integrity Division at the Department of Justice jointly made the announcement today.

The investigation was conducted by the FBI. The U.S. Attorney’s Office was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ken Taylor and Richard B. Evans with the Public Integrity Division.

Vote buying guilty verdicts

Jennings, Johnson and Young will appear in federal court for their sentences on July 26. Salyers will be sentenced on May 23. Each defendant faces up to five years in prison.

——————————————-

It is the hope of the hard working citizens of Breathitt County that there will several more convicted for their part in the vote buying. Locally owned print media as well as citizens of Breathitt County are to be thanks for their parts in helping identify vote buying In Breathitt County to the proper authorities.

We will have more on this huge case when more names are released.

How many people risked their freedom for a handful of money?

LEXINGTON — Three Breathitt County men admitted their roles in a conspiracy
to buy votes during the May 2010 primary election in Breathitt County.

Joseph Strong, 51, George Daniel Strong, 53, and Richard L. Turner, 54, pleaded
guilty to a conspiracy charge yesterday. Seven people have now either pleaded guilty or
been convicted by a jury for taking part in vote buying conspiracies in the 2010 primary
election in Breathitt County.

Court documents state that during the primary election, George Strong provided
Richard Turner with vote buying money. Turner was given several thousand dollars from
Strong and others in the parking lot of an elementary school in Breathitt County. He
approached voters and offered to pay them to vote for a slate of candidates for various offices
on the ballot. Turner transported voters to the poles and paid them after they voted.

Joseph Strong admitted that as part of the conspiracy, several voters lied about having
a disability in order to qualify for assistance at the voting machine. Knowing that they were
being paid for their vote, Strong assisted them in voting for the slate of candidates the
conspiracy members wanted in office.

The men were indicted in November of last year.

Earlier this week, in a separate case, two people were convicted and another pleaded
guilty to conspiring to buy votes for a candidate for Breathitt County Magistrate in the May
210 primary election.

Kerry B. Harvey, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, Perrye Turner,
Special Agent in Charge, FBI, Jack Smith, Chief of the Public Integrity Section at the
Department of Justice and Jack Conway, Kentucky Attorney General jointly announced the
pleas.

The investigation was conducted by the FBI and the Kentucky Attorney General’s
Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ken Taylor and Brian Lichter represented the United States
in this case.

The three defendants will appear for sentencing in August. The conspiracy charge
carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison. However, the court must consider the
U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the statute governing the imposition of sentences before
issuing a sentence.

Press release from USDOJ:

Election Fraud investigation continues

LEXINGTON — The  Breathitt County Schools Superintendent faces additional allegations relating to his participation in a vote buying conspiracy.

According to a superseding indictment returned yesterday, Arch Turner, 66, of Booneville, Ky., conspired with John L. Turner, also of Booneville to buy votes in the May 2010 primary election. The new indictment also alleges that Arch Turner influenced another individual to commit perjury. Turner allegedly instructed this individual to falsely testify before a grand jury that he had no knowledge of buying votes.

Arch Turner was originally indicted on March 1, 2012 for conspiracy to buy votes in the fall 2010 election in Breathitt County. He also was charged with obstructing justice and making false statements to a federal agent. John Turner was not charged in the original indictment.

Kerry B. Harvey, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, and Perrye Turner, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Jack Conway, Attorney General of Kentucky, Office of the Attorney General, jointly made the announcement today.

The investigation preceding the Indictment was conducted by the Kentucky Attorney General’s Office and the FBI. The Indictment was presented to the grand jury by Assistant United States Attorney Kenneth R. Taylor and trial attorney Brian Lichter with the Public Integrity Section of the United States Department of Justice.

The defendants’ appearances before the United States District Court have not yet been set. If convicted, Arch Turner faces a maximum prison sentence of 20 years, and John L. Turner faces a maximum prison sentence of five years. However, any sentence following conviction would be imposed by the court after consideration of the United States Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of sentences.

The indictment of a person by a grand jury is an accusation only, and that person is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

Copy of Indictment provided in press release from USDOJ.

Turner Superseeding Indictment -

Just minutes before midnight around 11:00pm a call went out to authotirites Tuesday night about a vehicle that had wrecked in the Shoulderblade area on HWY 30 in Breathitt County. Shortly after authorities arrived on the scene, the vehicle was determined to be a State vehicle, belonging to Breathitt County Judge Harvey Richardson. There was no one around the vehicle when Kentucky State police and Breathitt County Sheriff officials arrived on the accident scene.

County Judge Executive Harvey Richardson's vehicle after mysterious crash.

East KY Media has made calls to the County Judges office, Sheriff’s office, County Attorney, Towing Company and KY State police Public Relations officials. Here are the responses we got when we asked about the accident: (Note, these calls were made Wednesday & Thursday immediately after finding out about who the vehicle belonged to.)

Tony Watts KSP Public Relations via email; “I was also contacted by WYMT and I have checked with the dispatchers and Tpr. Hollon. We responded to that wreck and it was an official county vehicle, however noone was around and a report was not done for that reason. That’s all I have at this time. Sorry” - Tony

Sheriff Ray Clemons, Breathitt County Sheriff, via Phone Call; “We cannot investigate the wreck because it involves a State vehicle, it is a conflict of interest for us to get involved in the investigation. It is State Police’s job to investigate the crash.”

County Attorney Brendon Miller via phone call; “I have not been notified of the incident as of right now.”

Breathitt County Judge Executive Office, Secratary Mary (Judge Richardson was unavailable); “It is the first we have heard about this.”

(Name with held at request from County Judges Office); “I was told by Judge Richardson that while he was taking a shower, his County SUV was stolen. That’s all I know”

Noble’s Body & Towing Representative; “We arrived on scene and loaded vehicle onto roll back and it was taken to the County Garage. It was un loaded there.”

(Name withheld at request); A County employee was wtnessed removing beer cans from the County vehicle after it was unloaded at the County garage. Unclear why you would remove evidence from a possible stolen vehicle.

As of right now, there appears to be no action taken on this accident of a County Vehicle. There is a Fiscal Court meeting coming up on Tuesday April 24th at 10:00am. this would be a good time to ask questions about what happened to your tax funded County vehicle. How is going to be reported to the State insurance Company KACO?

If it is an accident by the Judge, why did he leave the scene and why did A County and or State owned SUV, contain beer cans?

If it was indeed stolen, why hasn’t anyone filed a police report on it? If it was stolen, why would a County employee have to remove the beer cans from it. Couldn’t authorities obtain finger prints from the cans? Were the cans placed in sealed plastic bags upon their removal?

Why wasn’t this immediately reported to the County attorney, (Note: this is not uncommon in Breathitt County. Most accidents are not formally reported to the County Attorney)

Most disturbing to me is the Sheriff’s comments he cannot investigate a possible crime because of a conflict of interest? There is no conflict of interest in a crime, is there?

If it is a drunk driving case, we should all be thankful a County vehicle didn’t crash in to someones family, your mother, father, kids or a family friend. 

Also, why were keys left in the vehicle at that late of an hour.

No one is pointing fingers at anyone but the whole situation raises several questions about the use of tax payer vehicles. There should be a very simple explaination in this case. Either the Judge wrecked it and walked away from an accident scene, or it was indeed stolen, not reported and evidence was removed. We will provide more information as it becomes available in this case.

Right now, it appears that nothing is being done and tax payers in the end will foot the bill.

(From WYMT News)

Breathitt County Schools Superintendent Arch Turner is in jail after a judge said he violated conditions of his bond. Court records show Turner had contact with his co-defendant, John L. Turner, in a federal vote buying case. Turner’s attorney says they will not appeal the ruling, which means the superintendent will remain in jail until the end of his trial. “There was no question there was a violation of the court’s order about having contact with witnesses or other co-defendants. We’re just going to continue to vigorously get ready for trial and proceed and present our case at trial and defend him to the best of our ability and work for his acquittal,” Brent Caldwell said.

Arch Turner is behind bars.

Turner maintains his innocence. An indictment accuses Turner of conspiring with John Turner to buy votes in the May 2010 primary election. It also alleges that Arch Turner influenced another person to falsely testify before a grand jury that he had no knowledge of buying votes. Turner faces up to 20 years in prison if he is convicted. His trial is set to begin July 30th in Lexington.

——————————————————————-

Turner’s indictment and arrest comes on the heels of several other indictments and convictions in what is turning out to be one of the biggest vote buying incidents in recent memory. If this investigation has shown anything, it is the fact that the State of Kentucky and Federal officials are serious about trying to put an end to small town voting corruption and this is only the tip of the iceberg in the illegal voting practices in Breathitt County. Citizens and local print media have played a big part in keeping this story out in the public eye. We will have more on this story as more indicments and arrests are made.

(Hazard,Ky) On Sunday June 24, 2012 at approximately 8:10 p.m. Kentucky State Police in Hazard received a call that an individual on Rt. 30 West in the Canoe community of Breathitt County had fired shots from his residence at them as they were traveling on the roadway. Brenda Southwood and Larry Adams both were in the vehicle and had been struck and received injuries from the gunshot.

Trooper King

Troopers and Breathitt County Deputies responded to the scene. Contact was made with the alleged perpetrator and he began firing shots at the officers. Tpr. Joey King was struck in the face with buckshot and two Breathitt County Deputies also received minor injuries from buckshot. Kentucky State Police from Richmond Post were also called for assistance. Officers returned fire as the perpetrator refused to stop firing on the officers.

After the gunshots stopped the perpetrator was located on the front porch with a gunshot wound. He was transported to Kentucky River Medical Center where he was later pronounced deceased. Brenda Southwood and Larry Adams also were treated for their injuries from gunshot wounds. Trooper King was transported to the hospital and is being treated for his injuries sustained in the incident. The name of the deceased is not being released at this time pending notification of the next of kin. Investigation is continuing. Update to follow as information becomes available.

(Update)

(Hazard Ky.) The name of the perpetrator in the trooper involved shooting which occurred in Breathitt is 59 year old Danny R. Johnson of Houston, Ky. Mr. Johnson was pronounced deceased at the Kentucky River Regional Hospital and the body was sent to the medical examiners office for an autopsy.

Tpr. Charles Joey King is a 12 year veteran with the Kentucky State Police and assigned to the Hazard Post. He still being treated for his injuries received in the incident. The investigation is continuing. Photo of Tpr. King is attached.

Arch Turner is behind bars.

(Information submitted by United States Department of Justice)

 Former Breathitt County Schools Superintendent admitted
in federal court today that he distributed money to others to buy votes.

Arch Turner, 66, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to buy votes.

Turner admitted that during the spring of 2010 he provided money to individuals
to buy votes for candidates in the May 2010 primary election in Breathitt County. Turner
acknowledged he distributed the money at a meeting he arranged with a group of people.

According to his plea agreement, Turner also received money from an individual
to be used for vote buying.

A total of 11 people have pleaded guilty or been convicted in federal court of vote
buying related charges stemming from Breathitt County’s May 2010 primary election.
Former Breathitt County Sheriff, John Turner, pleaded guilty last month.

Kerry B. Harvey, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, Perrye
Turner, Special Agent in Charge, FBI and Jack Conway, Kentucky Attorney General
jointly announced the plea.

The investigation was conducted by the Kentucky Attorney General’s Office and
the FBI.

Turner is scheduled to appear for sentencing on October 24. He faces a
maximum of five years in prison. However, the Court must consider the U.S. Sentencing
Guidelines and the applicable Federal statutes before imposing a sentence.

————–

Plea Agreement:

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
EASTERN DISTRICT OF KENTUCKY
CENTRAL DIVISION
LEXINGTON

CRIMINAL ACTION NO. 12-30-S-KKC

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

PLAINTIFF

V.

PLEA AGREEMENT

ARCH TURNER

DEFENDANT

* * * * *

1. Pursuant to Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 11(c), the Defendant will enter

a guilty plea to Count 2 of the Indictment, charging a violation of 18 U.S.C. ‘ 371,

Conspiracy to commit offense to defraud the United States. Pursuant to Rule 11(c)(1)(A),

the United States will move at sentencing to dismiss Counts 1, and 3-5.

2. The essential elements of Count 2 are:

(a) Defendant conspired and agreed with others known and unknown, to
violate a law of the United States, that is to pay and offer to pay persons to
vote in an election held in part to select a candidate for the office of United
States Senator; and

(b) In furtherance of the conspiracy, the Defendant committed the overt acts of
receiving and distributing money to be used for vote buying, and giving money
to be used for vote buying to his co-conspirators.

3. As to Count 2, the United States could prove the following facts that establish the

essential elements of the offense beyond a reasonable doubt, and the Defendant admits these

facts:

(a) During the spring 2010 primary election season in Breathitt County,
Kentucky, the Defendant led and assisted a group of individuals in distributing
funds to buy votes for candidates in the May 2010 primary election. At one
point, the Defendant received money from an individual to be used in vote
buying. The Defendant accepted the money then personally contacted a group
of individuals to arrange a meeting for them to pick up the money. The group
of individuals each met with the Defendant. At the meeting the Defendant
distributed the money to each person for the purpose of buying votes in the
May 2010 primary election. In this election, there was on the ballot a race for
candidate for United States Senate.

4. The maximum statutory punishment for Count 2 is imprisonment for not more than

5 years, a fine of not more than $250,000, and a term of supervised release of not more than

3 years. A mandatory special assessment of $100.00 applies, and the Defendant will pay this

assessment to the U.S. District Court Clerk at the time of the entry of the plea.

5. Pursuant to Rule 11(c)(1)(B), the United States and the Defendant recommend the

following sentencing guidelines calculations, and they may object to or argue in favor of

other calculations. This recommendation does not bind the Court.

(a) United States Sentencing Guidelines (U.S.S.G.), November 1, 2011,
manual, will determine the Defendant’s guidelines range.

(b) Pursuant to U.S.S.G. ‘ 2H2.a(a)(2), the base offense level is 12.

(c) Pursuant to U.S.S.G. ‘ 3C1.1, increase the offense level by 2 levels for
obstruction of justice.

(d) Pursuant to U.S.S.G. ‘ 3B1.1(a), increase the offense level by 4 levels for
the defendant’s role as organizer or leader of the criminal activity.

(e) Pursuant to U.S.S.G. ‘ 3E1.1 and unless the Defendant commits another
crime, obstructs justice, or violates a court order, decrease the offense level by
2 levels for the Defendant’s acceptance of responsibility. If the offense level
determined prior to this 2-level decrease is level 16 or greater, the United
States will move at sentencing to decrease the offense level by 1 additional
level based on the Defendant’s timely notice of intent to plead guilty.

6. No agreement exists about the Defendant’s criminal history category pursuant to

U.S.S.G. Chapter 4.

7. The Defendant will not file a motion for a decrease in the offense level based on

a mitigating role pursuant to U.S.S.G. ‘ 3B1.2.

8. The Defendant waives the right to appeal the guilty plea and conviction. The

Defendant also waives the right to attack collaterally the guilty plea and conviction. The

Defendant does reserve the right to appeal the sentence imposed by the Court.

9. After pleading guilty, the Defendant will make a full and complete financial

disclosure to the United States and will assist the United States in the gathering of all

financial information. The Defendant will complete and sign a financial disclosure statement

or affidavit, will sign financial releases prepared by the United States, and will submit to

a deposition in aid of collection at times and places that the United States directs. The

Defendant authorizes the United States to obtain the Defendant’s credit reports. The

Defendant agrees that any unpaid penalty will be submitted to the United States Treasury for

offset. If the Defendant fails to comply with any of the provisions of this paragraph, the

United States will not move the Court pursuant to U.S.S.G. ‘ 3E1.1(b) to reduce the offense

level by one additional level, and may in its discretion argue to the Court that the Defendant

should not receive a two-level reduction for acceptance of responsibility pursuant to U.S.S.G.

‘ 3E1.1(a).

3

10. If the Defendant violates any part of this Agreement, the United States may void

this Agreement and seek an indictment for any violations of federal laws, and the Defendant

waives any right to challenge the initiation of additional federal charges.

11. This document and the sealed supplement contain the complete and only Plea

Agreement between the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky and the

Defendant. The United States has not made any other promises to the Defendant.

12. This Agreement does not bind the United States Attorney’s Offices in other

districts, or any other federal, state, or local prosecuting authorities.

13. The Defendant and the Defendant’s attorney acknowledge that the Defendant

understands this Agreement, that the Defendant’s attorney has fully explained this

Agreement to the Defendant, and that the Defendant’s entry into this Agreement is voluntary.

KERRY B. HARVEY
UNITED STATES ATTORNEY

JACKSON – Police continue their search for five of nine Breathitt County residents wanted on drug-related charges.

Undercover drug investigations over the past year by Operation UNITE resulted in indictments by a Breathitt County Grand Jury on August 10.

Most of the cases were developed through undercover drug purchases in Breathitt County and involved the sale of Percocet, OxyContin or heroin.

Law enforcement officers from the Jackson Police Department assisted Operation UNITE detectives in attempting to serve the arrest warrants last week, but only four of the individuals have been located.

“We really appreciate the assistance of Chief John Marshall and his staff,” said Keith Napier, Big Sandy Task Force Supervisor for UNITE. “With our close working relationship with the Jackson Police Department we hope we have been able to reduce the amount of drugs being sold in Breathitt County.”

As of Monday afternoon, the four people arrested and lodged in the Three Forks Regional Jail were:

• Robin Conner, 36, Fontaine Road, Lexington, two counts second-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.

• Ralph Hayes, 59, Miles Lane, Jackson, first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.

• Chris King, 25, of Picnic Hill, Jackson, first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.

• Jessica Noble, 26, Sewell Street, Jackson, first-degree possession of a controlled substance.

Police continue to search for the remaining suspects – Geneva Coomer, James Coomer, Crystal Spicer, Robin Stamper and Baylis Ritchie. Anyone with information should contact the Jackson Police Department.

For more information about Operation UNITE visit their website at www.operationunite.org<http://www.operationunite.org>.

* * * * *
In 2003, Fifth District Congressman Harold “Hal” Rogers (R-Somerset) worked to create Operation UNITE, a regional anti-drug initiative empowering citizens groups and community leaders in 29 southern and eastern Kentucky counties. UNITE, which stands for Unlawful Narcotics Investigations, Treatment & Education, seeks to fight the drug epidemic by expanding drug awareness and education programs to keep people from using drugs; coordinating drug treatment and outreach programs for those who are already addicted; and operating regional undercover law enforcement task forces for interdiction and prosecution of those dealing drugs.  For more information contact Karen Kelly toll-free at 1-866-678-6483.

Drug Tip Hotline – 1-866-424-4382     /     Treatment Referral Line – 1-866-90-UNITE (1-866-908-6483)

(Hazard, Ky.) On October 6, 2012 Kentucky State Police Post 13 in Hazard received a call that a vehicle was on fire on Hwy 1098 in the Southfork community of Breathitt County. The fire was extinguished and preliminary investigation indicated that there were two bodies located inside the vehicle. The bodies and the vehicle were removed and taken to the medical examiners office in Frankfort. A positive identification or cause of death has not yet been determined. The investigation is continuing by Kentucky State Police and more information to follow as it becomes available.

Below is the information listed on the audit and findings against Breathitt County School System.

This information is directly from Audit.

For copy of Audit, Click Here 2012BreathittBoardofEducationletter (PDF Format)

Click here for Word Doc:  2012BreathittBoardofEducationletter (Word Doc)

The information found in attached document is public record.

Clarence Stidham, 68, Jackson passed away Thurs., May 17, at the Nim Henson Geriatric Center in Jackson.  He was the son of the late Charlie and Lula Belle (Lawson) Stidham.  He was also preceded in death by two brothers, Delbert Stidham and John Stidham; five sisters, Judy Brown, Gracie Jones, Sue Southwood, Mary Southwood and Inez Smith.  He is survived by one son, Bradley Stidham of Ohio; four sisters, Carolyn Pettit of Jackson, Florence Taylor of Lima, Ohio, Shelby Jean Ritchie of Hazard, Joyce Stidham of Jackson.  Funeral services Sunday, May 20, 12PM at the Breathitt Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Clyde Kilborn and Rev. Emmitt Campbell officiating.  Breathitt Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Brenda C. Montgomery, 63, Jackson passed away Tues., May 15, in Floyd Co.  She was the daughter of the late McKinley Mac and Grace Pauline (Dunn) Hudson.  She was also preceded in death by two daughters, Deandra Kaye and Danielle Montgomery.  She is survived by her husband, J.C. Montgomery of Jackson; two sons, James Keith (Dora) Montgomery of Salyersville, Jeremy Price (Chasity) Montgomery of Jackson; special grandson raised as a son, Jay Cory (Rebecca) Montgomery of Jackson; one daughter, Kimberly Montgomery and fiance, Michael Tredmore of Clayhole; special son-in-law, William Kennedy of Jackson; two brothers, Edward Hudson of Franklin, NC, George Clay Hudson and fiance, Martha Robinson of Highland, NC; four sisters, Elsie J. (Thomas) Oakley of Highland, NC, Billie (Dannie) Phipps of Jackson, Deborah (Jerry) Mcanallen of Pittsburg, PA, Regina (Les) Elliott of Franklin, NC; four grandchildren, Jay Cory (Rebecca) Montgomery, James Dean Montgomery, Riley Kay Montgomery, Kinley Clay Montgomery; two great grandchildren, Hendryx Lee Montgomery, Halyn Jade Moore.   Funeral services Sat., May 19, 1PM at the Breathitt Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Eldon Miller officating.  Burial in the Montgomery Cemetery at Guage.  Breathitt Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

James “Jim” Dexter Thomas, 76, of  Bemidji, MN and formerly of Breathitt Co. died Tuesday, May 8, 2012 at Neilson Place in Bemidji, Minnesota

Jim was born Dec. 31, 1935 in Hazard, Kentucky, the son of the late Chester and Hazel (Clemons) Thomas. Preceded also in death by two brothers:  Wilgus and Shelby Ban “S.B.” Thomas and two sisters: Jackie Littlefield and Malinda Alverez.

He was raised and educated in Breathitt County, Kentucky. He married Shirley Blevins on July 9, 1962 inHillsdale, Michigan, they were later divorced. He worked as machinist for the Ford Motor Company for many years in Livona, Michigan. They moved to Minnesota in 1994. He loved farming especially cattle, music and dancing. He was a wonderful Bluegrass musician and played for many years wherever he could.

He is survived by 5 children- James Thomas  and Daniel Thomasof Jackson, Michigan

Jonathan Thomas of Fosston, MN

Mamie Youderin of Duluth and Missouri and Lora Plessinger of Bemidji, MN

13 Grandchildren         8 great grandchildren

2 brothers- Robert Thomas and Charles Thomas

3 sisters- Nancy Richie, Lora Hudson and Thelma Napier all of Jackson, kY

Former wife- Shirley Thomas of Bemidji . Visitation was held  11 am to 1 pm on Saturday, May 12, 2012 at the Cease Family Funeral Home in Bemidji.

Visitation locally began on Tuesday, May 15, 2012 at 6:00PM at Deaton Chapel in Jackson, KY

Funeral services were held on Wed. May 16, 2012 at 1:00PM at the Church of Lord Jesus Christ at Saldee, KY with Emmitt Campbell officiating.

Interment  at the Haddix Cemetery in Haddix, Kentucky.  Deaton Funeral Home in charge of local arrangements. Messages of condolence may be left at ceasefuneralhome.com.

Melvin Miller, 57, Lost Creek, passsed away Thurs., May 3, at the Greg & Noreen Wells Hospice Care Center in Hazard.  He is survived by his fiance, Tonya Ratliff of Lost Creek;  two sons, Johnny & Jeremy Miller of Lost Creek; one brother, Nathan(Lola) Miller of Lost Creek; two sisters, Sally(Codell) Combs & Louise(Beecher) Collins of Lost Creek; one grandson, Dalton Slone;  host of nieces & nephews.  Funeral services Sunday, May 6, 1PM at the Breathitt Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Eldon Miller officiating.  Burial in the Mountain View Cemetery at Lost Creek.  Serving as pallbearers:  Kenny Neace, Manuel Miller, Jerry Miller Jr., Justin Miller, Denny Ray Noble, Zack Slone, Willie Miller.  Breathitt Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

File Photo

ON NOVEMBER 1ST 2012 AT APPROXIMATELY 2:15 P.M KENTUCKY

STATE POLICE POST 13 IN HAZARD RECEIVED A CALL OF TWO VEHICLE

COLLISION ON KENTUCKY 15 IN THE GLOMAWR COMMUNITY OF PERRY

CO. PRELIMINARY INVESTIGATION INDICATES THE COLLISION OCCURRED

IN THE LEFT LANE OF THE SOUTH BOUND DIRECTION OF TRAVEL. REBA

AMBURGEY AGE 77 OF RED FOX WAS OPERATING A TOYOTA CAMRY

AND STRUCK CHEVROLET AVEO OPERATED BY APRIL ROBINSON AGE

20 OF HAZARD, BOTH WERE PRONOUNCED DECEASED BY THE PERRY

CO CORNERS OFFICE. A PASSAGNER IN THE ROBINSON VEHICLE DONNIE

JAMES HUDSON AGE 25 OF HAZARD WAS AIR LIFTED FROM THE SCENE

TO A TENNESSEE TRAUMA CENTER. THE INVESTIGATION IS ON-GOING BY

TROOPER BRANDON THOMAS, POST 13 HAZARD.

Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that develops in the moist areas between your toes and sometimes on other parts of your foot. Athlete’s foot usually causes itching, stinging and burning.Athlete’s foot, also called tinea pedis, is the most common type of fungal infection. It’s closely related to other fungal infections such as ringworm and jock itch. Although contagious, athlete’s foot often can be treated with over-the-counter antifungal medications

Symptoms:The signs and symptoms of athlete’s foot can be numerous, although you probably won’t have all of them. They include: itching, stinging and burning between your toes .Itching, stinging and burning on the soles of your feet .Itchy blisters Cracking and peeling skin, especially between your toes and on the soles of your feet.Excessive dryness of the skin on the bottoms or sides of the feet .Toenails that are thick, crumbly, ragged, discolored or pulling away from the nail bed. Onychomycosis — a fungal infection of the nail — may develop with or without other signs and symptoms of athlete’s foot.

When to see a doctor:If you have a rash on your foot that doesn’t improve or worsens after you’ve followed home and lifestyle remedies, see your doctor. See your doctor sooner if you notice excessive redness, swelling, drainage or fever, or if you have diabetes and suspect you have athlete’s foot.

Causes: Athlete’s foot is closely related to other fungal infections, including ringworm and jock itch. A group of mold-like fungi called dermatophytes causes these infections. These microscopic organisms are normal inhabitants of your skin, and their growth stays in check as long as your skin is clean and dry. However, dematophytes thrive in damp, close environments.

Athlete’s foot thrives in thick, tight shoes that squeeze the toes together and create warm, moist areas between them. Damp socks and shoes and warm, humid conditions also favor the organisms’ growth. Plastic shoes, in particular, provide a welcoming environment for fungal growth and infection .Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be spread by contact with an infected person or with contact with contaminated surfaces, such as towels, floors and shoes.

Risk factors:You are at higher risk of athlete’s foot if you:

• Are a man Frequently wear damp socks or tight fitting shoes
• Share mats, rugs, bed linens, clothes or shoes with someone who has a fungal infection
• Walk barefoot in public areas where the infection can spread, such as locker rooms, saunas, swimming pools, communal baths and showers
• Have a weakened immune system

Complications:Athlete’s foot can lead to complications, including: Secondary infections. Athlete’s foot, a fungal infection, can create an environment that invites a secondary bacterial infection. By producing an antibiotic substance, the fungus can kill off vulnerable bacteria and favor the overgrowth of hardier, resistant bacteria. In turn, the bacteria release substances that can cause tissue breakdown — soggy skin and painful eroded areas between the toes.

Arch Turner Sentenced

LEXINGTON — The former Breathitt County Schools Superintendent who
previously admitted distributing money to others to buy votes was sentenced today to 24
months in federal prison.

U.S. District Judge Karen Caldwell sentenced 66-year-old Arch Turner for
conspiring to buy votes. She also fined him $250,000 and issued a special assessment of
$1,000 both of which are du immediately. Turner was taken into custody following the
hearing.

Turner admitted that during the spring of 2010 he provided money to individuals
to buy votes for candidates in the May 2010 primary election in Breathitt County. Turner
acknowledged he distributed the money at a meeting he arranged with a group of people.

According to his plea agreement, Turner also received money from an individual
to be used for vote buying.

Turner served as the schools superintendent from 2005 until Jul of 2012.

A total of 11 people have pleaded guilty or been convicted in federal court of vote
buying related charges stemming from Breathitt County’s May 2010 primary election.

Kerry B. Harvey, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, Perrye
Turner, Special Agent in Charge, FBI and Jack Conway, Kentucky Attorney General
jointly announced the sentence.

The investigation was conducted by the Kentucky Attorney General’s Office and
the FBI.

Under federal law Turner must serve at least 85 percent of his prison sentence.

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 On May 17th, 2012, we were happy to launch Menifee County’s only locally owned and operated newspaper. We opened an office in the Bryant Building in downtown Frenchburg. Being a new resident of Frenchburg since January of this year, I was excited to add a local newspaper to our other two magazines prints, all of which are now based in Frenchburg. Our newspaper is for Menifee County, about Menifee County and based in Menifee County. We appreciate every person and business that supports us and keeps your money supporting Menifee’s only local newspaper. We do not give you the same news from surrounding counties and change the front page and call it a Menifee newspaper. We are Menifee’s newspaper We live in Menifee County. We support local events, and support all our student athletes. We support our schools and we support our law enforcement. We support our elected officials and most of all, we support YOU, our local readers. Thank you for supporting your only locally owned and operated newspaper!!

Due to the recent elementary school tragedy, we have reviewed our safety procedures and regrettably, we have to make some changes. The safety and security of your child is our number one priority.

· Beginning Monday, January 7 the following Drop-off and Pick-up procedures will be implemented:

· Morning drop off —we are no longer able to allow parents to walk their children to the classrooms. If your child is a morning drop-off and does not ride the bus, then we ask that you get in the morning traffic line and let your child out and let them walk into the building on their own. We will have staff available to supervise them. Please do not drop your child off before 7:15 in the morning.

· If you want to walk your child to the front door, park in a designated area. Do not park in the drop-off or pick-up lane and leave your car unattended.

· Afternoon Pick-ups—we will be using a car pick-up procedure. You will not be going into the building to get your child. We ask that you line up in our designated pick-up lane and we will bring your child to you. After the first cars load, we will move those cars out and load the next group. We will issue you a pick-up sheet to be displayed in the dash of your car with the names of the children you pick up. (You will be given mirror hangers or car stickers at a later date). Staff will have check-out sheets and make notes of who picked up students. We realize that at first it may cause a small traffic congestion problem but we are asking everyone to have patience as we strive to make it safer for your child and work out the issues. There will be extra staff and traffic control available to help us make this work.

· On Monday, when we bring your child to your car in line, we will use our normal purple pick-up sheets. (The ones you are given when you wait in the lobby). You will be sent a sheet for your dash in your child’s agenda to use Tuesday until the new ones come in. If you would like to stop by the office and receive your pick-up sheet earlier on Monday, you are welcome to do so. We will radio into the office for other pick-ups and some verification. This first day may be a little difficult and take longer. Again, we ask for your patience.

· If you pick up a Head Start student at the end of the day AND a Botts Elementary student, we ask that you line your car up at the east end of the building (outside Donna Bowman/April Williams rooms)after you pick up your Head Start student and your children will be released there.

· In the event of an emergency and you need for someone else to pick up your child, we ask that you call the office before 3:00 to inform our secretary of this change. If you are unable to call, the person picking up your child will park in a designated spot at the church parking area and go see the school secretary.

· If you are a normal pick-up and you do not arrive to get your child or call the office for other arrangements, we will put your child on the school bus at 3:25.

If you need to speak to the nurse, resource center, guidance office, the cafeteria manager, your child’s teacher or principal, our secretary will follow normal procedures and inform them of your need to speak to them. We ask that you wait in a designated area until we can make sure they can speak to you in a confidential manner.

We ask for your patience and your input. There may be things we will need to change based on ideas you may have. We are open to suggestions. Thank you for your help in this matter. As always, it is an honor to be given the privilege of educating your children. It is a responsibility we do not take for granted.

One year ago to the day, March 2nd, 2012, 3 people lost their lives in Menifee County and dozens of homes were damaged as tornadoes ripped through Eastern Kentucky last year.

Menifee County Residents spent Saturday, together, as a community, and remembered lives lost one year ago in the March 2nd tornadoes.

The families of those who died have been shown by the community that they won’t be forgotten. A memorial in their memory was unveiled Saturday next to the Menifee County Courthouse.

Beverly Bowman, Anita Smith and Vershal Brown died in the tornadoes last year and the memorial is a reminder of how quickly lives can change in an instant.

Tornado Memorial Dedication Ceremony Saturday March 2nd 2013 with Family Members (Photo by Ron Hamblin)