http://www.kentucky.com/news/state/index.xml News, sports, and entertainment from Kentucky.com en-us Copyright 2008 Kentucky.com State 60 Sat, 17 May 2008 20:17:37 EDT http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss McClatchy Interactive's Workbench webmaster@kentucky.com http://www.kentucky.com/471/story/408019.html http://www.kentucky.com/471/story/408019.html Sat, 17 May 2008 18:11 EDT
Three Chimneys in Midway, Ky., has purchased an undisclosed interest in Big Brown, it was announced Saturday. The bay colt was the odds-on favorite in the Preakness later in the day.

The agreement was reached Saturday between Big Brown's ownership group headed by IEAH Stables and Three Chimneys Farm. Financial terms were not disclosed.

"We have entertained a variety of flattering offers but felt Three Chimneys was the best choice for us," IEAH co-owner Michael Iavarone said in a statement.

"We were determined to participate in his breeding career and the Three Chimneys deal has given us this opportunity. We are very excited to partner with the likes of Three Chimneys and will be afforded the opportunity to stand this brilliant colt alongside the likes of Smarty Jones and Dynaformer in the breeding capital of the world."]]> http://www.kentucky.com/471/story/407800.html http://www.kentucky.com/471/story/407800.html Sat, 17 May 2008 12:21 EDT
The Tennessee Valley Authority, created as part of Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal in 1933, has had a hand in all of those accomplishments. But as the Knoxville-based agency celebrates its 75th anniversary Sunday, TVA President and CEO Tom Kilgore says its work is not done and its role is as important as ever.

"Energy is absolutely essential," he told The Associated Press in an interview Wednesday. "If you look around the world, the countries that have really good economies had (solved) energy delivery early. And the ones that are having problems now are the ones that don't have good energy delivery systems.

"The standard of living is tied almost inextricably to energy and how it is used. So I am confident that electric companies will be around and that TVA will survive."

But to support a growing region, TVA believes it has to build or acquire more power plants. Demand on the TVA system has been growing 600 to 700 megawatts a year for some time now, but TVA has relied mostly on purchasing power from others to deal with the increase.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/471/story/407918.html http://www.kentucky.com/471/story/407918.html Sat, 17 May 2008 15:16 EDT
Trooper William Braden was assisting on an arrest of two robbery suspects at a motel in Marion.

During negotiations Thursday night between police and two people at the motel, police say one of them, Wesley N. Dockrey, 26, pointed a handgun at an officer. Braden fired at Dockrey, injuring him.

Dockrey, of Clay, and 18-year-old Sarah Rushin, of Providence, were charged with trying to steal prescription medication from a pharmacy in Morganfield.

Dockrey was in stable condition at a hospital Friday. He'll additionally be charged with attempted murder of an officer, police said.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/471/story/406657.html http://www.kentucky.com/471/story/406657.html Sat, 17 May 2008 06:11 EDT
The industrial conglomerate said in a statement the move is part of an ongoing plan to exit "slower growth and more volatile businesses."

GE's 101-year-old appliance business, headquartered in Louisville, Ky., has been hurt by the housing slump and economic slowdown in the U.S. The appliance division had revenues of $7 billion last year and employs about 13,000 people worldwide.

"GE Appliances has a very strong brand ... and for more than 100 years has been one of the icons associated with GE in the United States," GE Chairman and CEO Jeff Immelt said. "However, its remains primarily a U.S. business, meaning its fortunes are tied to the rise and fall of a single market.

The company is planning a strategic review that could result in an outright sale of GE Appliances, a strategic partnership or a spin-off to shareholders.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/471/story/407781.html http://www.kentucky.com/471/story/407781.html Sat, 17 May 2008 15:26 EDT
Muhlenberg County will give the money to Fuel Frontiers Inc. of Washington and Kentucky Fuel Associates of Louisville.

The two companies have paired up to build a plant in Muhlenberg County that would produce 70 million gallons of diesel fuel a year by late 2011.

Muhlenberg County Judge-Executive Rick Newman called the project "a start" toward revitalizing the coal industry.

"I think we can build on this," Newman said. "It's definitely a shot in the arm."]]> http://www.kentucky.com/471/story/407811.html http://www.kentucky.com/471/story/407811.html Sat, 17 May 2008 12:11 EDT
While Rogers is unopposed in the primary or general election, 18 candidates across the state are competing for Kentucky's five other seats in Congress.

Former U.S. Rep. Anne Northup of Louisville, who lost her seat two years ago, is seeking her old job back representing the state's 3rd District. She's one of four Republicans in the May 20 primary, looking for a chance to challenge U.S. Rep. John Yarmuth in November.

"Our positions on some of the issues are different," said Northup, who last year lost a bid for Kentucky governor in the GOP primary. "And, certainly on Election Day, it'll be clear that there's a bright line between where John Yarmuth stands and where I stand."

Rogers, Kentucky's longest serving representative, is the state's only congressman not facing an electoral challenge in 2008.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/471/story/407929.html http://www.kentucky.com/471/story/407929.html Sat, 17 May 2008 18:16 EDT
Keith, an unemployed 31-year-old mother of two, will give Clinton something else Tuesday - her vote during the state's Democratic presidential primary.

"She's the one that can get us out of this mess," Keith said ahead of Clinton's campaign stop at Maker's Mark distillery that drew hundreds of supporters.

Keith, who had to drop out of college because it became too expensive, said Clinton's plan to help people pay for higher education won her support. "I've got tuition bills I can't pay, and I don't know what I'm going to do about my kids," said Keith, of Cecilia.

Clinton, wearing a bright pantsuit not too far removed from Kentucky's signature shade of blue, briefly outlined plans to make paying for college easier and more affordable during her 30-minute speech, the beginning of a frantic final push ahead of the primary. She was to scheduled to make stops in Frankfort and Covington later Saturday, then travel to western Kentucky on Sunday.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/471/story/405639.html http://www.kentucky.com/471/story/405639.html Fri, 16 May 2008 05:09 EDT
Clinton is campaigning for his wife, Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, who is seeking the Democratic presidential nomination.

Her campaign says Bill Clinton has stops scheduled in Owensboro, Madisonville, Paducah, Murray and Hopkinsville. He's starting at Kentucky Wesleyan College Friday in Owensboro at 9:30 a.m. CDT.

Bill and Hillary Clinton and their daughter Chelsea all have campaigned in Kentucky this year leading up to Tuesday's primary.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/471/story/406671.html http://www.kentucky.com/471/story/406671.html Fri, 16 May 2008 06:49 EDT
Kentucky wildlife resources Officer Daniel Richardson declined to identify the victim, but said he was taken to Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tenn.

His condition was not known Thursday evening.

Richardson said emergency medical technicians performed CPR at the dock and the child's heartbeat was restored at Trigg County Hospital before he was transferred.

Sgt. Bill Snow said the the boy's father apparently locked him in a cabin cruiser at Barkley Marina and walked to the parking lot. When the man returned about 5 minutes later, he saw the boy in the water.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/471/story/406733.html http://www.kentucky.com/471/story/406733.html Fri, 16 May 2008 08:44 EDT http://www.kentucky.com/471/story/406766.html http://www.kentucky.com/471/story/406766.html Fri, 16 May 2008 10:04 EDT
Clark Circuit Judge William Jennings rejected the motion by the lawyer for Patrick and Joy Watkins on Thursday and scheduled their murder trial for Sept. 3.

They have pleaded not guilty in the case.

Patrick Watkins' daughter Michaela was found dead at the couple's Winchester apartment March 11, 2007. Police say someone held the girl in scalding water and beat her to death with a piece of lumber.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/471/story/406820.html http://www.kentucky.com/471/story/406820.html Fri, 16 May 2008 16:40 EDT
Senate President David Williams filed a lawsuit against Beshear Friday, claiming the governor was too late in invoking his power to veto the proposal. Williams, R-Burkesville, is also challenging Beshear's plan to spend money on road projects through an alternate plan that the General Assembly had not approved.

"The average citizen should hope that the governor will see the error of his ways and will confess judgment in this case, and hopefully would admit that his veto was wrong," Williams said.

Williams filed the lawsuit in Franklin Circuit Court on Friday. A hearing date had not been set.

Kentucky lawmakers last month passed a two-year $19 billion state budget, but the road projects bill was passed separately. The plan Beshear slashed would have authorized hundreds of transportation construction projects throughout the state.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/471/story/406947.html http://www.kentucky.com/471/story/406947.html Fri, 16 May 2008 15:34 EDT
Now a budget crunch threatens to curtail the glories of those commissions that conjure up the image of a genteel Southerner.

The certificates won't be eliminated, but the state plans to scrap the hand-pasted gold seals and blue ribbons that adorn each one and reduce the size from 10 by 15 inches to 8 1/2 by 14 inches.

To make up for the smaller size, the new certificates will be embossed with raised letters across the top with the state seal stamped in blue and gold at the bottom. Secretary of State Trey Grayson said the new certificate "looks better and costs less."

The change will make about a $5,000 annual dent in a nearly $1 billion budget shortfall that is prompting the state to take drastic steps, including cutting about 3,400 state jobs.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/471/story/407088.html http://www.kentucky.com/471/story/407088.html Fri, 16 May 2008 16:40 EDT
Sgt. Jack O. Tye of Loyall, Ky., will be buried with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery near Washington, D.C., on Monday.

Tye was assigned to Company L, 38th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division and was fighting near Kunu-ri, North Korea in November, 1950 when he was captured by Chinese forces. He later died in captivity from malnutrition and medical neglect.

Tye's remains were discovered in a 2002 in a mass grave 20 miles northwest of Kunu-ri and eventually identified by scientists from the Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory and the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command.

The remains of Sgt. George W. Koon of Leesville, S.C., were also identified. Koon will be buried in Leesville on Saturday.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/471/story/406357.html http://www.kentucky.com/471/story/406357.html Fri, 16 May 2008 16:59 EDT
Clinton is scheduled to make three stops in the Bluegrass on Saturday, with two more stops scheduled for Sunday.

Clinton will appear at a community picnic at the Maker's Mark Distillery in Loretto on Saturday afternoon, then travel to Frankfort for a voter rally before ending the day in Covington at the MainStrasse Village Maifest.

Clinton is scheduled to visit another rally at Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green on Sunday, then travel to an event in Mayfield later in the day.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/471/story/406711.html http://www.kentucky.com/471/story/406711.html Fri, 16 May 2008 07:49 EDT
David Helmers is an attorney who was working on the lawsuit filed against the makers of the fen-phen diet drug.

He testified again Thursday in the Covington trial of William Gallion, Melbourne Mills Jr. and Shirley Allen Cunningham Jr.

Helmers said he tried to draft a letter, informing plaintiffs who claimed injury from using the drug that the case had been certified as class action. He said it was never sent.

Federal prosecutors contend such notice is required under Kentucky court rules.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/471/story/406738.html http://www.kentucky.com/471/story/406738.html Fri, 16 May 2008 11:14 EDT
The industrial conglomerate said in a statement the move is part of an ongoing plan to exit "slower growth and more volatile businesses."

GE's 101-year-old appliance business, headquartered in Louisville, Ky., has been hurt by the housing slump and economic slowdown in the U.S. The appliance division had revenues of $7 billion last year and employs about 13,000 people worldwide.

"GE Appliances has a very strong brand ... and for more than 100 years has been one of the icons associated with GE in the United States," GE Chairman and CEO Jeff Immelt said. "However, its remains primarily a U.S. business, meaning its fortunes are tied to the rise and fall of a single market.

The company is planning a strategic review that could result in an outright sale of GE Appliances, a strategic partnership or a spin-off to shareholders.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/471/story/406769.html http://www.kentucky.com/471/story/406769.html Fri, 16 May 2008 10:09 EDT
Police say it was Monday night or Tuesday morning that the statue in front of St. Patrick church in Taylor Mill was toppled from its base and the head broken off. Damage to the statue and a nearby grotto was estimated by police at $50,000.

St. Patrick was a British-born Christian missionary who was captured and taken to Ireland as a slave before escaping. In the eighth century he became known as the patron saint of Ireland.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/471/story/406776.html http://www.kentucky.com/471/story/406776.html Fri, 16 May 2008 23:09 EDT
Sen. Hillary Clinton can win the nomination, the former president told thousands on Friday at rallies in a fire station parking lot in Madisonville, a gymnasium at Kentucky Wesleyan College and a Paducah convention center.

Bill Clinton also stressed Kentucky could be a linchpin in the presidential primary season.

"If someone tells you you can't win, it's because you can and they're afraid you will," Clinton said to cheers at Kentucky Wesleyan in Owensboro.

Results from a media poll released earlier this week show Hillary Clinton with a 27 percentage-point lead in Kentucky over Obama. The Herald-Leader/WKYT Kentucky Poll of 500 likely Democratic voters showed 58 percent favoring Clinton, 31 percent favoring Obama and 11 percent uncommitted. The telephone survey conducted May 7-9 has a margin of error of 4.5 percentage points.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/471/story/406997.html http://www.kentucky.com/471/story/406997.html Fri, 16 May 2008 15:24 EDT
The ex-chief executive says she can win the nomination. He spoke in a fire station parking lot in Madisonville and earlier at a gymnasium at Kentucky Wesleyan College in Owensboro.

Bill Clinton stressed Kentucky could be a linchpin in the presidential primary season.

He told the crowd that if someone tells you that you can't win, it's because you can and they're afraid you will.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/news/state/story/407547.html http://www.kentucky.com/news/state/story/407547.html Sat, 17 May 2008 06:58 EDT
Attorney David Helmers testified that the mediator, former federal judge Daniel Weinstein, told lawyers he didn't think the case was worth more than that because of various factors, such as plaintiffs' having pre-existing medical conditions that could sharply reduce the value of their claims.

Nevertheless, court-ordered mediation ultimately led to the class action's being settled for $200 million in May 2001, benefiting about 440 plaintiffs who had used the diet-drug combination fen-phen.

Melbourne Mills Jr., Shirley Allen Cunningham Jr. and William Gallion -- the attorneys who handled the suit -- are on trial in federal court for allegedly pocketing millions of dollars from the settlement that should have gone to the plaintiffs. The three, who were indicted last year, could face up to 20 years in prison if convicted.

Helmers, who worked on the fen-phen case as a junior member of Gallion's Lexington law firm, was questioned extensively about the settlement on Friday by defense attorney Hale Almand, who represents Gallion. Almand's questioning seemed intended to support the defense's claims that, thanks to legal representation by Cunningham, Gallion and Mills, the plaintiffs got much more money than they would have received under a broader national fen-phen settlement. The 440 plaintiffs represented by the three defendants had opted out of that national settlement.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/news/state/story/407577.html http://www.kentucky.com/news/state/story/407577.html Sat, 17 May 2008 02:05 EDT
The Cabinet for Health and Family Services plans to reapply for Medicaid certification for the Somerset facility, where 223 people live, but it is not ready to do so, said Vikki Franklin, a spokeswoman for the Cabinet.

"We are finalizing preparations," Franklin said. "We want the facility to be as ready as possible."

The U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, or CMS, decertified Oakwood, making it ineligible for Medicaid funding, in September 2005, after an unsupervised resident drowned in a bathtub.

The decision came at a low point for the chronically troubled facility: In 2005 and 2006, Oakwood received 24 Type A citations, the most serious kind, for failing to keep residents safe. Two of the citations involved the death of a resident.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/news/state/story/407553.html http://www.kentucky.com/news/state/story/407553.html Sat, 17 May 2008 02:04 EDT
Hazard Mayor Bill Gorman did not agree with the arrests, saying police should have turned the teens over to their parents without charging them, according to statements made during an open city commission meeting.

"I know you are right as far as the law is concerned, but as far as the compassion of this city is concerned, you were wrong," Gorman said to the police chief during the meeting, which three parents attended to complain.

"I disagree with you, mayor," responded police chief Ronnie Bryant. "I think this city wants us to enforce the law with our juveniles. I want to save their lives. I don't want to go to a funeral or to the hospital next time."

The commission meeting, which was held on May 5, was taped and released to the Herald-Leader by the city.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/news/state/story/407551.html http://www.kentucky.com/news/state/story/407551.html Sat, 17 May 2008 02:04 EDT
The plant is thought to exist only within a couple of miles of Blue Licks State Resort Park in Robertson, Nicholas and Fleming counties, and in one spot in Indiana.

In 2006, some plants were planted near the confluence of Beaver Creek and the Licking River in Harrison County. Young plants were put into rocky soil at another location nearby.

"The point is to establish a new population that is separate from the Blue Licks area," said Michael Floyd, an endangered species recovery biologist with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Kentucky field office.

Earlier this year, the state used a $550,000 grant from Fish and Wildlife to add 80 acres to the Blue Licks park to protect goldenrod plants.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/news/state/story/407601.html http://www.kentucky.com/news/state/story/407601.html Sat, 17 May 2008 02:05 EDT
Justin Prater was arrested in Knott County on April 7, when he arrived with the child after driving 115 miles from Greenup County to Knott County.

Eight days before that arrest, Prater was ticketed by police in Boyd County for careless driving. He paid a fine.

The case reveals an inequity in the child-protection system, one of the state's leading child advocates says.

Families seeking to regain custody of children are typically subjected to drug screens, and any new charges against them can cause social workers to recommend that visitation be revoked.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/news/state/story/407010.html http://www.kentucky.com/news/state/story/407010.html Fri, 16 May 2008 20:29 EDT
Justin Prater was arrested in Knott County on April 7, when he arrived with the child after driving 115 miles from Greenup County to Knott County.

Eight days before that arrest, Prater was ticketed by police in Boyd County for careless driving. He paid a fine.

The case reveals an inequity in the child-protection system, one of the state's leading child advocates says.

Families seeking to regain custody of children are typically subjected to drug screens, and any new charges against them can cause social workers to recommend that visitation be revoked.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/news/state/story/405639.html http://www.kentucky.com/news/state/story/405639.html Fri, 16 May 2008 05:09 EDT
Clinton is campaigning for his wife, Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, who is seeking the Democratic presidential nomination.

Her campaign says Bill Clinton has stops scheduled in Owensboro, Madisonville, Paducah, Murray and Hopkinsville. He's starting at Kentucky Wesleyan College Friday in Owensboro at 9:30 a.m. CDT.

Bill and Hillary Clinton and their daughter Chelsea all have campaigned in Kentucky this year leading up to Tuesday's primary.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/news/state/story/406479.html http://www.kentucky.com/news/state/story/406479.html Fri, 16 May 2008 02:04 EDT
Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton is widely expected to win Kentucky's Democratic primary election on Tuesday, but she trails Sen. Barack Obama in the number of delegates needed to land the party's nomination.

Clinton, however, used his appearance Thursday afternoon at Butler Traditional High School in Louisville to tell people not to listen to the media and others who have written off his wife's chances of becoming the Democratic nominee. He emphasized her blowout victory earlier this week in West Virginia and said she has won several swing states thought to be key to a Democratic victory against Republican Sen. John McCain in November.

"They've tried to bury her more times than a cat's got lives," Clinton said.

Clinton barely mentioned Obama and spent much of his 35-minute speech discussing Hillary Clinton's economic platform. He blazed through his wife's positions on health care, college loans, jobs, energy, the housing mortgage crisis, education and the military.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/news/state/story/406465.html http://www.kentucky.com/news/state/story/406465.html Fri, 16 May 2008 06:24 EDT
Prosecutors contend that such a notice was required under Kentucky court rules.

David Helmers, an attorney who worked on the suit, testified that a proposed notice was drafted. But he said the two sides in the suit never agreed on just what the notice should say, and that Boone Circuit Judge Jay Bamberger, who presided over the case, never ordered the notice to be sent to class members.

The notices are important as a means of keeping plaintiffs in class-action suits informed about developments in the case, including negotiations and settlements.

Helmers worked on the case as a member of the law firm of William Gallion, one of three lawyers facing charges in connection with the case.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/news/state/story/406473.html http://www.kentucky.com/news/state/story/406473.html Fri, 16 May 2008 02:04 EDT
State budget director Mary Lassiter has asked most state agencies to come up with a plan by May 23 to reduce their budgets by 4.5 percent for the new fiscal year that begins July 1.

Lassiter stressed that the reduction plans requested are for planning purposes. But she noted that any cuts implemented from the plans would be on top of reductions included in the $18.8 billion two-year budget the legislature enacted last month. Those cuts ranged from 3 percent to 12 percent.

She said possible cuts after review of the agencies' cost-cutting plans might be bigger or smaller than 4.5 percent, and that the amount of cuts for agencies could vary.

Some state agencies and programs are exempt from compiling a 4.5 percent reduction plan, Lassiter said. She said they include universities, basic education funding, Medicaid, corrections, property valuation administrators, commonwealth's attorneys and county attorneys.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/news/state/story/406482.html http://www.kentucky.com/news/state/story/406482.html Fri, 16 May 2008 02:04 EDT
Parallel parking?

"That's probably right," he said. "You ever see anyone killed parallel parking?"

When teenage drivers die in accidents, it's often because they don't know how to react when something goes wrong at high speeds.

"Everybody makes mistakes driving," Starks said. "But it's what you do after you make a mistake that often determines whether you live or die."]]> http://www.kentucky.com/news/state/story/406490.html http://www.kentucky.com/news/state/story/406490.html Fri, 16 May 2008 02:05 EDT
Time line
October 1996: PurchasePro is founded by Charles "Junior" Johnson, a Lexington native. The company sells software that businesses can use to sell products on the Internet to one another.

April 1997: The company's Web site is up and running.

Sept. 17, 1999: PurchasePro has its initial public offering of stock, which shoots up to $26.13 a share from the $12 offering price.

Dec. 28, 1999: PurchasePro stock peaks at an adjusted price of $395.94 a share.

March 20, 2000: America Online announces that it will provide its business customers with electronic commerce capabilities by PurchasePro.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/news/state/story/406505.html http://www.kentucky.com/news/state/story/406505.html Fri, 16 May 2008 02:05 EDT
(Name, Location*/Shares sold/Estimated proceeds/Minimum number of shares still owned as of October 2000/Description)

Jeff Beagle, Paris/70,125/$1,893,375/N/A/Software developer

Christopher P. Carton, Las Vegas/0/$0/1,370,000/PurchasePro chief operating officer

Christian Academy of Lexington/1,300/$173,635/N/A/K-12 school]]> http://www.kentucky.com/news/state/story/406506.html http://www.kentucky.com/news/state/story/406506.html Fri, 16 May 2008 06:26 EDT
MOUNT STERLING MAN ARRESTED IN BANK HOLDUP

A Mount Sterling man was arrested Thursday afternoon after he robbed a Central Bank branch and led police on a high-speed chase, Lexington police said. About 1:10 p.m., Lexington police responded to a robbery at Central Bank at 3100 Pimlico Parkway. A man implied he was armed and demanded cash; he left with an undisclosed amount, according to police reports. Jesse T. Polanco III, 26, was arrested at Alexandria and Darien drives after the chase. During the pursuit, Polanco's vehicle struck an occupied police cruiser, Lexington police said. No one was injured. Polanco has been charged with two counts of first-degree robbery, first-degree wanton endangerment and first-degree fleeing and evading. He is also a suspect in a robbery at a Traditional Bank branch in February, authorities said.

WINCHESTER

JUDGE REFUSES TO MOVE TRIAL ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/news/state/story/406478.html http://www.kentucky.com/news/state/story/406478.html Fri, 16 May 2008 09:53 EDT
Ignoring the recently passed state budget, the Court of Justice provided $3.4 million in "pay equity" raises for the judicial branch's non-elected employees making less than $60,000 a year.

Beyond a 1 percent raise that all state employees get, the legislature had only authorized pay raises for the approximately 1,800 deputy clerks, who are spread out in court houses throughout the state. The starting salary for deputy clerks is $18,120.

Some $8.4 million more was allocated by the courts for pay raises for all non-elected workers in fiscal year 2010.

News of the move angered several powerful legislators, who said the judicial branch is not complying with the law. Legislators said it could strain relations between the branches.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/news/state/story/406152.html http://www.kentucky.com/news/state/story/406152.html Thu, 15 May 2008 23:31 EDT
Of 600 likely voters surveyed in the Herald-Leader/WKYT Kentucky Poll, 36 percent said they were pessimistic about their family’s financial situation when thinking about the next 12 months, while 25 percent said they were optimistic. The remaining 39 percent were unsure.

Another part of the poll showed gas prices as having the biggest effect on people’s budgets, but the rising cost of food was a close second.

David Aines of Berea is trying to cut his gas and his grocery bills.

“I’m putting out a huge garden because of the food prices,” he said. “You invest less than $100 on a garden, and it’s probably going to save you a fortune in the long run.”]]> http://www.kentucky.com/news/state/story/405410.html http://www.kentucky.com/news/state/story/405410.html Thu, 15 May 2008 06:07 EDT
Lt. Gov. Daniel Mongiardo, who endorsed Obama on Sunday, narrated a new radio spot for Obama that highlights the Illinois Senator's upbringing and values, including how Obama is "a strong Christian."

Mongiardo said he felt compelled to make the ad after constituents contacted his office with what he called "misconceptions" about Obama.

"The negative calls have been talking about either the color of his skin or claims that he's not a Christian," Mongiardo said. "As I've listened to newscasts of primaries across the country, it struck me that there is a segment of people who are not voting for Hillary Clinton but are voting against Barack Obama because of issues that don't pertain to substance."

Obama's race, religious background and patriotism have become controversial subplots during the drawn-out primary season. E-mail chains circulated earlier this year questioning whether Obama was a Muslim, while talk radio shows seized on why he doesn't always wear a flag pin on his lapel.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/news/state/story/405440.html http://www.kentucky.com/news/state/story/405440.html Thu, 15 May 2008 02:04 EDT
Lunsford also says in the ad that started airing Wednesday that Fischer's companies have been investigated and fined by the federal government for unsafe working conditions.

Fischer called the ad "baseless" and said "as the race has tightened up, the Lunsford campaign has become more and more shrill."

To support the ad, Lunsford's campaign released federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration records showing citations for various violations from 1989 to 2004 at two Fischer businesses -- SerVend International, which manufactures ice dispensing equipment and beverage vending machines, and Dant Clayton Corp., which makes stadium bleachers.

Penalties for the citations ranged from $150 to $3,450.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/news/state/story/405359.html http://www.kentucky.com/news/state/story/405359.html Thu, 15 May 2008 02:04 EDT
David Helmers testified in federal court that he developed a formula allocating each plaintiff's share of the settlement, based on how much injury each suffered from taking the diet drug combination.

But Helmers said that when he began distributing money to plaintiffs, he was directed to offer amounts smaller than the formula outlined. He said he also was directed not to tell plaintiffs details about the settlement, including the $200 million amount.

Helmers worked on the fen-phen case as a member of William Gallion's Lexington law firm.

Gallion and fellow attorneys Shirley Allen Cunningham Jr. and Melbourne Mills Jr. are charged with one count each of federal conspiracy to commit wire fraud in their handling of settlement money from the class action, in which they represented about 440 plaintiffs. The case was filed in Boone Circuit Court in 1999 and was settled in 2001.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/news/state/story/405369.html http://www.kentucky.com/news/state/story/405369.html Thu, 15 May 2008 13:41 EDT
The money is funneled through non-profit groups controlled by the coal industry, such as the Kentucky Foundation, which is run out of the Lexington office of the Kentucky Coal Association and led by Bill Caylor, the association's president, according to tax and corporate records.

The money is used largely for statewide classroom programs designed "to carry a positive message about the coal industry," according to records. A Web site with teaching materials and games describes mountaintop removal mining as "simply the right thing to do . both for the environment and for the local economy . a true win-win."

State officials ordered the Web site's content altered to sound more neutral this week after the Herald-Leader asked about it.

Gov. Steve Beshear and a legislative committee have approved adding $17,500 to this year's $100,000 contract for the Kentucky Foundation so it can conduct a study showing the economic benefits of coal mining to the state. A retired University of Kentucky economist will be hired for the task, Caylor said.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/329/story/407578.html http://www.kentucky.com/329/story/407578.html Sat, 17 May 2008 02:05 EDT
"When we're able to campaign in a place like Iowa for several months, and I can visit and talk to people individually, I do very well. That's harder to do at this stage in the campaign," Obama said in a brief telephone interview with the Herald-Leader Friday. "And once we get past the primary, we'll be able to focus more on those states where we need to make sure people know my track record."

Obama, who trails his Democratic rival Hillary Rodham Clinton in the state, said he's also been hampered in places like Kentucky by "systematically" dispersed e-mails of misinformation about him, as well as Fox News, which he said has played up "rumors."

But he maintained that he can connect with voters who might still be skeptical or unsure of him with his message of change and "pushing aside the special interests that are dominating Washington."

"Being truthful with the American people about how we're going to solve problems, like high gas prices -- that, I think, is the kind of approach that will appeal in Kentucky like it has everywhere else," he said.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/329/story/407568.html http://www.kentucky.com/329/story/407568.html Sat, 17 May 2008 08:45 EDT
McCain called the Illinois senator "reckless" for being willing to hold talks with Iranian leaders over the nation's nuclear capability.

"It would be a wonderful thing if we lived in a world where we don't have enemies. That's not the world we live in," McCain said. "And until Senator Obama understands that reality, the American people have every reason to doubt whether he has the strength, the judgment and determination to keep us safe."

Those remarks -- which were last-minute additions to his speech at the NRA's 137th annual meeting at the Kentucky Expo Center -- followed a news conference Obama held in South Dakota in which he jabbed at McCain.

Obama is still locked in a primary race with U.S. Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton but he has increasingly looked past her in recent remarks. On Friday, Obama labeled McCain's foreign policy "naive and irresponsible" and linked him to President Bush.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/329/story/406152.html http://www.kentucky.com/329/story/406152.html Thu, 15 May 2008 23:31 EDT
Of 600 likely voters surveyed in the Herald-Leader/WKYT Kentucky Poll, 36 percent said they were pessimistic about their family’s financial situation when thinking about the next 12 months, while 25 percent said they were optimistic. The remaining 39 percent were unsure.

Another part of the poll showed gas prices as having the biggest effect on people’s budgets, but the rising cost of food was a close second.

David Aines of Berea is trying to cut his gas and his grocery bills.

“I’m putting out a huge garden because of the food prices,” he said. “You invest less than $100 on a garden, and it’s probably going to save you a fortune in the long run.”]]> http://www.kentucky.com/329/story/405393.html http://www.kentucky.com/329/story/405393.html Thu, 15 May 2008 02:04 EDT
But fliers quietly placed on car windshields throughout Perry County highlighting one candidate's court records have muddied their efforts.

The fliers contain a court printout of past charges against Benny Ray Bailey, son of longtime state senator Benny Ray Bailey. The charges include multiple speeding violations and a careless driving charge, as well as two domestic violence related charges from Floyd County.

Bailey is one of four Democrats running for state representative of District 84, which serves Perry County and a portion of Harlan County. The fliers have been distributed only in Perry County.

In 2001, court records show that Bailey was charged with fourth-degree aggravated assault, spouse abuse and violating a Kentucky emergency protective order/domestic violence order.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/329/story/405410.html http://www.kentucky.com/329/story/405410.html Thu, 15 May 2008 06:07 EDT
Lt. Gov. Daniel Mongiardo, who endorsed Obama on Sunday, narrated a new radio spot for Obama that highlights the Illinois Senator's upbringing and values, including how Obama is "a strong Christian."

Mongiardo said he felt compelled to make the ad after constituents contacted his office with what he called "misconceptions" about Obama.

"The negative calls have been talking about either the color of his skin or claims that he's not a Christian," Mongiardo said. "As I've listened to newscasts of primaries across the country, it struck me that there is a segment of people who are not voting for Hillary Clinton but are voting against Barack Obama because of issues that don't pertain to substance."

Obama's race, religious background and patriotism have become controversial subplots during the drawn-out primary season. E-mail chains circulated earlier this year questioning whether Obama was a Muslim, while talk radio shows seized on why he doesn't always wear a flag pin on his lapel.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/329/story/405392.html http://www.kentucky.com/329/story/405392.html Thu, 15 May 2008 02:04 EDT
Chester Jones
Born: April 27, 1944

Residence: Lost Creek

Occupation: Owner of Kings Pizza; Perry County School Board member; retired teacher; chairman of the Democratic party in Perry County.

Education: Associate degree, Sue Bennett College; bachelor's degree, Union College; master's degree, Morehead State University

Family: Wife, Marlene; six children]]> http://www.kentucky.com/471/story/407783.html http://www.kentucky.com/471/story/407783.html Sat, 17 May 2008 10:11 EDT
Domalewski moves his head to kiss his mother, but all he can manage is some slurping sounds in front of her lips. His head flops back down onto her shoulder, spent from the effort.

Less than two years ago, Domalewski was a happy, healthy 12-year-old, a star pitcher on a youth baseball team coached by his dad. He climbed every tree on the block, would zoom down the steep incline of his street on inline skates, loved martial arts, and once shot an arrow into the wall of his basement rec room.

Now Domalewski is severely disabled, left with brain damage after being struck in the chest by a line drive that stopped his heart while he was playing in a youth baseball game.

His family plans to file a lawsuit Monday against the maker of the metal bat that was used in the game, against Little League Baseball, and a sporting goods chain that sold the bat, arguing that metal baseball bats are inherently unsafe for use in youth games because the ball comes off them much faster than from wooden bats.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/471/story/407816.html http://www.kentucky.com/471/story/407816.html Sat, 17 May 2008 12:21 EDT
In the May 20 primary, Democrats will choose between the two men from the same county in the northwest fringe of Kentucky's 2nd Congressional District - which stretches from the Ohio River to near Tennessee.

So far, it's been a mild-mannered competition, with Haire and Boswell talking about themselves rather than taking potshots at the other. Each points to his government experience - Boswell as a longtime state legislator and former state agriculture commissioner; Haire as Daviess County judge-executive.

"Local government is where the rubber meets the road, and you get the hands-on experience of dealing with public safety issues, dealing with environmental issues, dealing with infrastructure issues," Haire said in a recent phone interview.

Boswell, a state senator from Owensboro, notes that during his term as agriculture commissioner in the 1980s he promoted Kentucky interests while Congress wrote farm legislation. During his long tenure in the General Assembly, he has dealt with a multitude of issues.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/news/state/story/407568.html http://www.kentucky.com/news/state/story/407568.html Sat, 17 May 2008 08:45 EDT
McCain called the Illinois senator "reckless" for being willing to hold talks with Iranian leaders over the nation's nuclear capability.

"It would be a wonderful thing if we lived in a world where we don't have enemies. That's not the world we live in," McCain said. "And until Senator Obama understands that reality, the American people have every reason to doubt whether he has the strength, the judgment and determination to keep us safe."

Those remarks -- which were last-minute additions to his speech at the NRA's 137th annual meeting at the Kentucky Expo Center -- followed a news conference Obama held in South Dakota in which he jabbed at McCain.

Obama is still locked in a primary race with U.S. Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton but he has increasingly looked past her in recent remarks. On Friday, Obama labeled McCain's foreign policy "naive and irresponsible" and linked him to President Bush.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/news/state/story/407592.html http://www.kentucky.com/news/state/story/407592.html Sat, 17 May 2008 02:05 EDT
Beshear said Kentucky "would be better served if Sen. Williams worked with us to enact pension reform and adequate funding for education instead of constantly creating unnecessary controversy."

The Democratic governor also said of the legal action of the Republican senator from Burkesville, "It is telling that the legislature is not challenging my actions and that only Sen. Williams feels compelled to do so."

Beshear said he is "confident in our legal position and that the veto of House Bill 79 is effective and in the best interest of the Commonwealth."

Williams claims in the lawsuit filed in Franklin Circuit Court that Beshear's veto was made beyond the constitutionally allowed 10 days after adjournment of this year's General Assembly.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/329/story/407467.html http://www.kentucky.com/329/story/407467.html Sat, 17 May 2008 10:41 EDT
The presidential contest will be the headline on an otherwise jam-packed ballot that is expected to draw the most Kentuckians to the polls for a primary election in more than a decade.

Kentucky Democrats are widely expected to side with U.S. Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, just as in neighboring states of Tennessee, Ohio, Indiana and West Virginia. She led Illinois Sen. Barack Obama by 27 points last week, according to the Herald-Leader/WKYT Kentucky Poll.

In her speech to Kentucky Democrats earlier this month, Clinton reminded them that the Bluegrass State voted for her husband in 1992 and 1996 and and said she is best positioned to win the state in the fall — a case she’s been making about other so-called “swing states.”

“For too long we have let places like Kentucky slip out of the Democratic column,” she said.]]>