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M60 tank donated to ChalleNGe Academy
by Nola Sizemore
Staff Writer

Nola Sizemore

Staff Writer

Moving a tank had never been requested of Pennington’s Wrecker Service, at Keith, or Allen’s Body Shop, at Grays Knob, but together they figured out a way to move and place a 60-ton M60 military tank at the Appalachian ChalleNGe Academy on Friday.

Donated by the Wendell H. Ford Training Center, in Greenville, Mercer Transportation, of Louisville, transported the large tank to Grays Knob en-route to the academy said Director Josh Coldiron. After being unable to maneuver the narrow road and railroad track crossing, Frank Pennington Sr. and Chris Allen were contacted and they volunteered their services to get the tank to the academy and place it onto a prepared concrete pad.

“We took the tank off the truck at Grays Knob and first brought it to the parking lot of the academy,” said Frank Pennington Sr., owner and operator of Pennington’s Wrecker Service. “It was a wet day so we had to wait until it dried out somewhat before moving the tank across the lawn and onto the concrete pad, which is what we did today.”

Pennington said it was “kind of tough,” but everyone involved did “a good job.”

“We can handle it,” said Pennington. “We’d never moved a tank before, but we figured it out and got the job done. I believe it may be the first time a tank has ever been moved into Harlan County.”

Owner and operator of Allen’s Body Shop, Chris Allen said he worked together with Pennington so that the veterans of Harlan County and other residents, as well as the cadets at the academy may enjoy a piece of American history.

“This is something good for our community — you don’t see a tank in Harlan County everyday,” said Allen.

Coldiron said he was glad the tank arrived and was put in place before their “Welcome House” event planned for May 18 from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m.

“This will give everyone a chance to view the tank while visiting our campus,” said Coldiron.

The M60 Patton tank weighed 60 tons and had a crew of four — commander, gunner, loader and driver. The tank is now primarily found in U.S. Reserve and National Guard units, but served as the primary U.S. main battle tank for two decades prior to the introduction of the M1. Developed from the M48 Patton series, the M60 was fitted with a 105mm main gun. Criticized for its high profile and limited cross-country mobility, this durable tank proved reliable and underwent many updates over its service life. Initially produced in 1960, over 15,000 M60s were built by Chrysler and first saw service in 1961. Production ended in 1983, but 5,400 older models were converted to the M60A3 variant ending in 1990. This tank saw action with the Israeli forces during the Yom Kippur War in both the Sinai and the Golan Heights. During Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force fielded 210 M60A1s to support the Saudi-Marine effort into Kuwait City.

Besides its main gun, the M60 series tanks are equipped with a 7.62mm M240 coaxial machine gun and 12.7mm M85 antiaircraft gun. Power was provided by a Continental AVDS-1790-2C 750 hp V-12 engine and an Allison CD-850-6/6A power shift cross-drive transmission.

“Jeff Belcher, who works with the governor’s office, was instrumental in helping the academy obtain this tank,” said Kentucky Youth Challenge Foundation board member and Lt.Col. Ralph Souleyret (Retired). “Not only is this an asset to the academy, giving the cadets a chance to experience a bit of U.S. military history, but this is an asset to our county. Many veterans have served throughout the years from Harlan County, and now we have a piece of history where residents may come and actually see a tank. I’m honored to have been a part of this project.”

Also assisting with the project were the Harlan County Road Department and Mountain Supply, donating the use of their equipment, along with Souleyret, staff and cadets at the academy.

Reach Nola Sizemore at 606-573-4510, ext. 115, nsizemore@civitasmedia.com

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News
Communications issues raised by E-911 panel
by Nola Sizemore
Staff Writer
Jun 18, 2013 | 338 views | 0 0 comments | 5 5 recommendations | email to a friend | print

The county’s radio system was a topic for discussion at a recent meeting of the Harlan County Emergency Management E-911 Advisory Board.

Emergency Management Director David McGill told members the contract for the Black Mountain Tower Site through Cornett Electronics has not been paid due to not having the equipment to develop the site.

“I will hopefully know more within the next two to three weeks whether we can get this,” said McGill. “With the money crunch that the county is in I figure every dollar we can save is a good thing.”

Barbara Burkhart, chief of the Bledsoe Volunteer Fire Department, said Bledsoe is having radio problems communicating not only with Kentucky State Police (KSP), but also communicating among each other en route or on the scene. She also said the problem is throughout their fire service district — not limited to one specific area.

“We can’t connect with KSP when we need to,” said Burkhart. “Either they’re not hearing us or we’re having dead zones. I’ve tried to rotate towers to see if we can connect when we’re in different areas and we’re still not getting any response. I don’t know if there are just certain areas that are dead zones or if we’re just not getting out. We’re having trouble communicating between each other with our radios.”

County radio technician Cary Johnson stated the equipment for the Leslie County Emergency Operation Center is ready to be installed for communications between the two counties and for the Bledsoe Volunteer Fire Department — providing mutual aid calls within Leslie County.

Johnson said he is waiting on them to contact him as to when he may install the equipment.

“We’re having some major issues with Leslie County,” said Burkhart. “We only have three functioning radios that work with Leslie County. It’s a real issue especially with responding firefighters and I’m real concerned about accidents and stuff. Cell phones are practically useless down on that end. You can’t contact them a lot of times. But, we really need something soon.”

Harlan Fire Chief Linette Hutchison asked Johnson if there was any way the fire department and police department could talk on the same channel or group. She said at this time the only way it could be done is if both agencies switched over to the trunking system and used the mutual aid channel.

“We’re having a big discussion, at least for the city of Harlan. When we respond to a motor vehicle accident, in order to talk to the police, we’re having to flip channels back and forth. It’s getting to be a headache,” said Hutchison. “Is there any way for the city of Harlan and the police to be on one and have one section like a city section? Does that sound feasible?”

Johnson said the radios can be programmed “any way you want,” as long as the board agrees to that.

“We go out on a lot of stuff together and we can’t talk to each other,” said Harlan City Police Chief Mike Thomas.

McGill asked Cary if paging can be done on the trunking system. Johnson responded, saying it could be and he would check on getting everything set up and online to be able to do so.

Harlan County Rescue Squad Capt. Chris Allen said some of his members are having problems receiving the alphanumeric pages up KY 38 and in the Evarts area.

McGill said he thinks alphanumeric pagers are “outdated” and that “using eDispatch or text messaging would be better as a secondary paging system instead of the pagers.”

“Not all of my people carry radios,” said Hutchison. “There are actually some people who don’t have cell phones.”

In other board action:

*Thomas made a motion to install the trunking system mutual aid channel at the Harlan headquarters. The motion was seconded by Allen. All other members were in agreement.

*McGill told members the new radio system’s standard operating guidelines have not been officially implemented. Allen made a motion to rescind the guidelines and Burkhart seconded that motion. Allen and Burkhart voted in favor with Thomas, Hutchison and Wallins Fire Chief Dean Green voting against. The motion did not pass.

Reach Nola Sizemore at 606-573-4510, ext. 115, nsizemore@civitasmedia.com

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City receives grant from Frazier Foundation
by Nola Sizemore
Staff Writer
Jun 18, 2013 | 94 views | 0 0 comments | 7 7 recommendations | email to a friend | print

Mayor Johnny Adams informed Lynch City Council during a recent meeting he received a letter from the Robert E. Frazier Tri-City Area Charitable Trust Foundation advising him the city had been awarded a $19,200 grant.

“The letter said the city will receive $10,000 for packer repairs, $2,200 for roof repairs at city hall, $2,500 for the Garden Club and volunteers for landscaping and $4,500 to re-frame the old Lynch High School senior class photos,” said Adams. “The checks will be presented to all participants on June 21 at 2 p.m. at the Senior Citizens building.”

Adams said the city appreciates the funds. He said he hopes to hang the photos once they are re-framed at the old depot building so tourists and others may enjoy them. They currently are in city hall.

An issue of vicious dogs in the city was addressed after councilman Carl Collins asked if an ordinance could be done banning a certain breed.

“Rottweilers and pit bulls seem to be everywhere in the city,” said Collins. “I’d like to see them banned in the city. They are dangerous and a lot of cities are now banning them. We had two dog attacks not long ago. A lot of times people have to recoup their medical expenses through the dog owner’s home’s insurance.”

Chief of Police Mike Nunley was asked how many rottweilers and pit bull dogs were in the city. He said “quite a few.”

“We have a lot of large breed dogs,” said Nunley. “We had our dog warden, Duncan Caldwell, up here recently and he gave me a copy of the county ordinance about dogs being on a leash. They have been really good to work with us on this issue. We’ve only written one citation for this on the county ordinance. Most of the time getting the dog out of the pound is a fine enough.”

Terry Lewis said he had researched the issue and found a large number of cities are banning this breed of dogs.

After a lengthy discussion, the consensus of the council was to ban the rottweiler and pit bull breeds. The issue was tabled until more information can be obtained.

In other action, the mayor said work had been done on a roadway above the Stanley Sturgill home on Long Alley.

“Our city workers went up there and tore down an old coal house for Mr. Sturgill that was sliding over,” said Adams. “We re-enforced the road with dirt and rock to see if that will hold it. We just couldn’t get any gabion baskets right now. This was the best we could do for now.”

Adams noted the city is still having trouble with bears getting into garbage. He encouraged everyone to not leave food or scraps out where bears can get to it.

A discussion was held about a city owned parking lot at the old ARH Clinic, which was being rented to a Lynch resident. It was noted an agreement was made to rent the lot for $600 per year three years ago, but thus far only one $600 payment has been made.

Reach Nola Sizemore at 606-573-4510, ext. 115, nsizemore@civitasmedia.com

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Man indicted for theft
by Joe P. Asher
Staff Writer
Jun 18, 2013 | 102 views | 0 0 comments | 5 5 recommendations | email to a friend | print

A Harlan man has been indicted for an alleged theft that occurred in mid-January.

Harold Freeman, 46, was arrested on the indictment warrant by Harlan County Sheriff’s Deputy Danny Lewis on Monday.

According to the indictment, Freeman obtained $1,525.07 from Home Federal Bank by creating a false impression of making deposits into an ATM and immediately withdrawing the money from an account. Freeman allegedly used a debit card at Walmart for purchases when depositing empty envelopes into the ATM machine.

Harlan City Police Cpl. Jeff Owens investigated the case leading to the indictment.

Freeman was charged with theft by deception, including cold checks under $10,000.

Freeman was lodged in the Harlan County Detention Center on a $2,500 full cash bond.

In other police activity, Timothy Anglian, 52, of Sharp’s Chapel, Tenn., was arrested by Evarts Police Officer William Clogston on two counts of first-degree trafficking a controlled substance.

Anglian was lodged in the Harlan County Detention Center on bonds totaling $20,000 secured by 10 percent.

The following individuals were arrested by Kentucky State Police during Monday’s KSP drug roundup:

* Jeffrey Mefford, 24, of Dayhoit, Vina Huff, 34, of Baxter, Amy Clem, 39, of Harlan, and Mary Jane Ward, 29, of Cawood, were each charged with one count of second-degree trafficking a controlled substance;

* Bobby Sizemore, 32, of Lynch, and Bridgett Mallory, 30, of Richmond, were charged with first-degree trafficking a controlled substance;

* Karen Harris, 34, of Elcomb, was charged with first-degree trafficking a controlled substance and second-degree trafficking a controlled substance;

* Ralph Morgan, 38, of Baxter, was charged with three counts of second-degree trafficking a controlled substance;

* Claude Monkfield, 42, of Harlan, was charged with second-degree trafficking a controlled substance and trafficking a controlled substance within 1,000 feet of a school;

* Daniel Cottrell, 33, of Evarts, was charged with 12 counts of first-degree trafficking a controlled substance and once count of trafficking a controlled substance within 1,000 feet of a school;

* Michael Sexton, 21, of Cumberland, was charged with two counts of second-degree trafficking a controlled substance, first-degree trafficking a controlled substance and trafficking within 1,000 feet of a school;

* Shawn Vick, 23, of Harlan, was charged with theft by unlawful taking;

* Christopher Yount, 23, of Harlan, was charged with three counts of first-degree trafficking a controlled substance and second-degree trafficking a controlled substance.

Reach Joe P. Asher at 606-573-4510, ext. 113, jasher@civitasmedia.com

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Communications issues raised by E-911 panel
by Nola Sizemore
Staff Writer
Jun 18, 2013 | 338 views | 0 0 comments | 5 5 recommendations | email to a friend | print

The county’s radio system was a topic for discussion at a recent meeting of the Harlan County Emergency Management E-911 Advisory Board.

Emergency Management Director David McGill told members the contract for the Black Mountain Tower Site through Cornett Electronics has not been paid due to not having the equipment to develop the site.

“I will hopefully know more within the next two to three weeks whether we can get this,” said McGill. “With the money crunch that the county is in I figure every dollar we can save is a good thing.”

Barbara Burkhart, chief of the Bledsoe Volunteer Fire Department, said Bledsoe is having radio problems communicating not only with Kentucky State Police (KSP), but also communicating among each other en route or on the scene. She also said the problem is throughout their fire service district — not limited to one specific area.

“We can’t connect with KSP when we need to,” said Burkhart. “Either they’re not hearing us or we’re having dead zones. I’ve tried to rotate towers to see if we can connect when we’re in different areas and we’re still not getting any response. I don’t know if there are just certain areas that are dead zones or if we’re just not getting out. We’re having trouble communicating between each other with our radios.”

County radio technician Cary Johnson stated the equipment for the Leslie County Emergency Operation Center is ready to be installed for communications between the two counties and for the Bledsoe Volunteer Fire Department — providing mutual aid calls within Leslie County.

Johnson said he is waiting on them to contact him as to when he may install the equipment.

“We’re having some major issues with Leslie County,” said Burkhart. “We only have three functioning radios that work with Leslie County. It’s a real issue especially with responding firefighters and I’m real concerned about accidents and stuff. Cell phones are practically useless down on that end. You can’t contact them a lot of times. But, we really need something soon.”

Harlan Fire Chief Linette Hutchison asked Johnson if there was any way the fire department and police department could talk on the same channel or group. She said at this time the only way it could be done is if both agencies switched over to the trunking system and used the mutual aid channel.

“We’re having a big discussion, at least for the city of Harlan. When we respond to a motor vehicle accident, in order to talk to the police, we’re having to flip channels back and forth. It’s getting to be a headache,” said Hutchison. “Is there any way for the city of Harlan and the police to be on one and have one section like a city section? Does that sound feasible?”

Johnson said the radios can be programmed “any way you want,” as long as the board agrees to that.

“We go out on a lot of stuff together and we can’t talk to each other,” said Harlan City Police Chief Mike Thomas.

McGill asked Cary if paging can be done on the trunking system. Johnson responded, saying it could be and he would check on getting everything set up and online to be able to do so.

Harlan County Rescue Squad Capt. Chris Allen said some of his members are having problems receiving the alphanumeric pages up KY 38 and in the Evarts area.

McGill said he thinks alphanumeric pagers are “outdated” and that “using eDispatch or text messaging would be better as a secondary paging system instead of the pagers.”

“Not all of my people carry radios,” said Hutchison. “There are actually some people who don’t have cell phones.”

In other board action:

*Thomas made a motion to install the trunking system mutual aid channel at the Harlan headquarters. The motion was seconded by Allen. All other members were in agreement.

*McGill told members the new radio system’s standard operating guidelines have not been officially implemented. Allen made a motion to rescind the guidelines and Burkhart seconded that motion. Allen and Burkhart voted in favor with Thomas, Hutchison and Wallins Fire Chief Dean Green voting against. The motion did not pass.

Reach Nola Sizemore at 606-573-4510, ext. 115, nsizemore@civitasmedia.com

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City receives grant from Frazier Foundation
by Nola Sizemore
Staff Writer
Jun 18, 2013 | 94 views | 0 0 comments | 7 7 recommendations | email to a friend | print

Mayor Johnny Adams informed Lynch City Council during a recent meeting he received a letter from the Robert E. Frazier Tri-City Area Charitable Trust Foundation advising him the city had been awarded a $19,200 grant.

“The letter said the city will receive $10,000 for packer repairs, $2,200 for roof repairs at city hall, $2,500 for the Garden Club and volunteers for landscaping and $4,500 to re-frame the old Lynch High School senior class photos,” said Adams. “The checks will be presented to all participants on June 21 at 2 p.m. at the Senior Citizens building.”

Adams said the city appreciates the funds. He said he hopes to hang the photos once they are re-framed at the old depot building so tourists and others may enjoy them. They currently are in city hall.

An issue of vicious dogs in the city was addressed after councilman Carl Collins asked if an ordinance could be done banning a certain breed.

“Rottweilers and pit bulls seem to be everywhere in the city,” said Collins. “I’d like to see them banned in the city. They are dangerous and a lot of cities are now banning them. We had two dog attacks not long ago. A lot of times people have to recoup their medical expenses through the dog owner’s home’s insurance.”

Chief of Police Mike Nunley was asked how many rottweilers and pit bull dogs were in the city. He said “quite a few.”

“We have a lot of large breed dogs,” said Nunley. “We had our dog warden, Duncan Caldwell, up here recently and he gave me a copy of the county ordinance about dogs being on a leash. They have been really good to work with us on this issue. We’ve only written one citation for this on the county ordinance. Most of the time getting the dog out of the pound is a fine enough.”

Terry Lewis said he had researched the issue and found a large number of cities are banning this breed of dogs.

After a lengthy discussion, the consensus of the council was to ban the rottweiler and pit bull breeds. The issue was tabled until more information can be obtained.

In other action, the mayor said work had been done on a roadway above the Stanley Sturgill home on Long Alley.

“Our city workers went up there and tore down an old coal house for Mr. Sturgill that was sliding over,” said Adams. “We re-enforced the road with dirt and rock to see if that will hold it. We just couldn’t get any gabion baskets right now. This was the best we could do for now.”

Adams noted the city is still having trouble with bears getting into garbage. He encouraged everyone to not leave food or scraps out where bears can get to it.

A discussion was held about a city owned parking lot at the old ARH Clinic, which was being rented to a Lynch resident. It was noted an agreement was made to rent the lot for $600 per year three years ago, but thus far only one $600 payment has been made.

Reach Nola Sizemore at 606-573-4510, ext. 115, nsizemore@civitasmedia.com

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Man indicted for theft
by Joe P. Asher
Staff Writer
Jun 18, 2013 | 102 views | 0 0 comments | 5 5 recommendations | email to a friend | print

A Harlan man has been indicted for an alleged theft that occurred in mid-January.

Harold Freeman, 46, was arrested on the indictment warrant by Harlan County Sheriff’s Deputy Danny Lewis on Monday.

According to the indictment, Freeman obtained $1,525.07 from Home Federal Bank by creating a false impression of making deposits into an ATM and immediately withdrawing the money from an account. Freeman allegedly used a debit card at Walmart for purchases when depositing empty envelopes into the ATM machine.

Harlan City Police Cpl. Jeff Owens investigated the case leading to the indictment.

Freeman was charged with theft by deception, including cold checks under $10,000.

Freeman was lodged in the Harlan County Detention Center on a $2,500 full cash bond.

In other police activity, Timothy Anglian, 52, of Sharp’s Chapel, Tenn., was arrested by Evarts Police Officer William Clogston on two counts of first-degree trafficking a controlled substance.

Anglian was lodged in the Harlan County Detention Center on bonds totaling $20,000 secured by 10 percent.

The following individuals were arrested by Kentucky State Police during Monday’s KSP drug roundup:

* Jeffrey Mefford, 24, of Dayhoit, Vina Huff, 34, of Baxter, Amy Clem, 39, of Harlan, and Mary Jane Ward, 29, of Cawood, were each charged with one count of second-degree trafficking a controlled substance;

* Bobby Sizemore, 32, of Lynch, and Bridgett Mallory, 30, of Richmond, were charged with first-degree trafficking a controlled substance;

* Karen Harris, 34, of Elcomb, was charged with first-degree trafficking a controlled substance and second-degree trafficking a controlled substance;

* Ralph Morgan, 38, of Baxter, was charged with three counts of second-degree trafficking a controlled substance;

* Claude Monkfield, 42, of Harlan, was charged with second-degree trafficking a controlled substance and trafficking a controlled substance within 1,000 feet of a school;

* Daniel Cottrell, 33, of Evarts, was charged with 12 counts of first-degree trafficking a controlled substance and once count of trafficking a controlled substance within 1,000 feet of a school;

* Michael Sexton, 21, of Cumberland, was charged with two counts of second-degree trafficking a controlled substance, first-degree trafficking a controlled substance and trafficking within 1,000 feet of a school;

* Shawn Vick, 23, of Harlan, was charged with theft by unlawful taking;

* Christopher Yount, 23, of Harlan, was charged with three counts of first-degree trafficking a controlled substance and second-degree trafficking a controlled substance.

Reach Joe P. Asher at 606-573-4510, ext. 113, jasher@civitasmedia.com

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Communications issues raised by E-911 panel
by Nola Sizemore
Staff Writer
Jun 18, 2013 | 338 views | 0 0 comments | 5 5 recommendations | email to a friend | print

The county’s radio system was a topic for discussion at a recent meeting of the Harlan County Emergency Management E-911 Advisory Board.

Emergency Management Director David McGill told members the contract for the Black Mountain Tower Site through Cornett Electronics has not been paid due to not having the equipment to develop the site.

“I will hopefully know more within the next two to three weeks whether we can get this,” said McGill. “With the money crunch that the county is in I figure every dollar we can save is a good thing.”

Barbara Burkhart, chief of the Bledsoe Volunteer Fire Department, said Bledsoe is having radio problems communicating not only with Kentucky State Police (KSP), but also communicating among each other en route or on the scene. She also said the problem is throughout their fire service district — not limited to one specific area.

“We can’t connect with KSP when we need to,” said Burkhart. “Either they’re not hearing us or we’re having dead zones. I’ve tried to rotate towers to see if we can connect when we’re in different areas and we’re still not getting any response. I don’t know if there are just certain areas that are dead zones or if we’re just not getting out. We’re having trouble communicating between each other with our radios.”

County radio technician Cary Johnson stated the equipment for the Leslie County Emergency Operation Center is ready to be installed for communications between the two counties and for the Bledsoe Volunteer Fire Department — providing mutual aid calls within Leslie County.

Johnson said he is waiting on them to contact him as to when he may install the equipment.

“We’re having some major issues with Leslie County,” said Burkhart. “We only have three functioning radios that work with Leslie County. It’s a real issue especially with responding firefighters and I’m real concerned about accidents and stuff. Cell phones are practically useless down on that end. You can’t contact them a lot of times. But, we really need something soon.”

Harlan Fire Chief Linette Hutchison asked Johnson if there was any way the fire department and police department could talk on the same channel or group. She said at this time the only way it could be done is if both agencies switched over to the trunking system and used the mutual aid channel.

“We’re having a big discussion, at least for the city of Harlan. When we respond to a motor vehicle accident, in order to talk to the police, we’re having to flip channels back and forth. It’s getting to be a headache,” said Hutchison. “Is there any way for the city of Harlan and the police to be on one and have one section like a city section? Does that sound feasible?”

Johnson said the radios can be programmed “any way you want,” as long as the board agrees to that.

“We go out on a lot of stuff together and we can’t talk to each other,” said Harlan City Police Chief Mike Thomas.

McGill asked Cary if paging can be done on the trunking system. Johnson responded, saying it could be and he would check on getting everything set up and online to be able to do so.

Harlan County Rescue Squad Capt. Chris Allen said some of his members are having problems receiving the alphanumeric pages up KY 38 and in the Evarts area.

McGill said he thinks alphanumeric pagers are “outdated” and that “using eDispatch or text messaging would be better as a secondary paging system instead of the pagers.”

“Not all of my people carry radios,” said Hutchison. “There are actually some people who don’t have cell phones.”

In other board action:

*Thomas made a motion to install the trunking system mutual aid channel at the Harlan headquarters. The motion was seconded by Allen. All other members were in agreement.

*McGill told members the new radio system’s standard operating guidelines have not been officially implemented. Allen made a motion to rescind the guidelines and Burkhart seconded that motion. Allen and Burkhart voted in favor with Thomas, Hutchison and Wallins Fire Chief Dean Green voting against. The motion did not pass.

Reach Nola Sizemore at 606-573-4510, ext. 115, nsizemore@civitasmedia.com

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City receives grant from Frazier Foundation
by Nola Sizemore
Staff Writer
Jun 18, 2013 | 94 views | 0 0 comments | 7 7 recommendations | email to a friend | print

Mayor Johnny Adams informed Lynch City Council during a recent meeting he received a letter from the Robert E. Frazier Tri-City Area Charitable Trust Foundation advising him the city had been awarded a $19,200 grant.

“The letter said the city will receive $10,000 for packer repairs, $2,200 for roof repairs at city hall, $2,500 for the Garden Club and volunteers for landscaping and $4,500 to re-frame the old Lynch High School senior class photos,” said Adams. “The checks will be presented to all participants on June 21 at 2 p.m. at the Senior Citizens building.”

Adams said the city appreciates the funds. He said he hopes to hang the photos once they are re-framed at the old depot building so tourists and others may enjoy them. They currently are in city hall.

An issue of vicious dogs in the city was addressed after councilman Carl Collins asked if an ordinance could be done banning a certain breed.

“Rottweilers and pit bulls seem to be everywhere in the city,” said Collins. “I’d like to see them banned in the city. They are dangerous and a lot of cities are now banning them. We had two dog attacks not long ago. A lot of times people have to recoup their medical expenses through the dog owner’s home’s insurance.”

Chief of Police Mike Nunley was asked how many rottweilers and pit bull dogs were in the city. He said “quite a few.”

“We have a lot of large breed dogs,” said Nunley. “We had our dog warden, Duncan Caldwell, up here recently and he gave me a copy of the county ordinance about dogs being on a leash. They have been really good to work with us on this issue. We’ve only written one citation for this on the county ordinance. Most of the time getting the dog out of the pound is a fine enough.”

Terry Lewis said he had researched the issue and found a large number of cities are banning this breed of dogs.

After a lengthy discussion, the consensus of the council was to ban the rottweiler and pit bull breeds. The issue was tabled until more information can be obtained.

In other action, the mayor said work had been done on a roadway above the Stanley Sturgill home on Long Alley.

“Our city workers went up there and tore down an old coal house for Mr. Sturgill that was sliding over,” said Adams. “We re-enforced the road with dirt and rock to see if that will hold it. We just couldn’t get any gabion baskets right now. This was the best we could do for now.”

Adams noted the city is still having trouble with bears getting into garbage. He encouraged everyone to not leave food or scraps out where bears can get to it.

A discussion was held about a city owned parking lot at the old ARH Clinic, which was being rented to a Lynch resident. It was noted an agreement was made to rent the lot for $600 per year three years ago, but thus far only one $600 payment has been made.

Reach Nola Sizemore at 606-573-4510, ext. 115, nsizemore@civitasmedia.com

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Man indicted for theft
by Joe P. Asher
Staff Writer
Jun 18, 2013 | 102 views | 0 0 comments | 5 5 recommendations | email to a friend | print

A Harlan man has been indicted for an alleged theft that occurred in mid-January.

Harold Freeman, 46, was arrested on the indictment warrant by Harlan County Sheriff’s Deputy Danny Lewis on Monday.

According to the indictment, Freeman obtained $1,525.07 from Home Federal Bank by creating a false impression of making deposits into an ATM and immediately withdrawing the money from an account. Freeman allegedly used a debit card at Walmart for purchases when depositing empty envelopes into the ATM machine.

Harlan City Police Cpl. Jeff Owens investigated the case leading to the indictment.

Freeman was charged with theft by deception, including cold checks under $10,000.

Freeman was lodged in the Harlan County Detention Center on a $2,500 full cash bond.

In other police activity, Timothy Anglian, 52, of Sharp’s Chapel, Tenn., was arrested by Evarts Police Officer William Clogston on two counts of first-degree trafficking a controlled substance.

Anglian was lodged in the Harlan County Detention Center on bonds totaling $20,000 secured by 10 percent.

The following individuals were arrested by Kentucky State Police during Monday’s KSP drug roundup:

* Jeffrey Mefford, 24, of Dayhoit, Vina Huff, 34, of Baxter, Amy Clem, 39, of Harlan, and Mary Jane Ward, 29, of Cawood, were each charged with one count of second-degree trafficking a controlled substance;

* Bobby Sizemore, 32, of Lynch, and Bridgett Mallory, 30, of Richmond, were charged with first-degree trafficking a controlled substance;

* Karen Harris, 34, of Elcomb, was charged with first-degree trafficking a controlled substance and second-degree trafficking a controlled substance;

* Ralph Morgan, 38, of Baxter, was charged with three counts of second-degree trafficking a controlled substance;

* Claude Monkfield, 42, of Harlan, was charged with second-degree trafficking a controlled substance and trafficking a controlled substance within 1,000 feet of a school;

* Daniel Cottrell, 33, of Evarts, was charged with 12 counts of first-degree trafficking a controlled substance and once count of trafficking a controlled substance within 1,000 feet of a school;

* Michael Sexton, 21, of Cumberland, was charged with two counts of second-degree trafficking a controlled substance, first-degree trafficking a controlled substance and trafficking within 1,000 feet of a school;

* Shawn Vick, 23, of Harlan, was charged with theft by unlawful taking;

* Christopher Yount, 23, of Harlan, was charged with three counts of first-degree trafficking a controlled substance and second-degree trafficking a controlled substance.

Reach Joe P. Asher at 606-573-4510, ext. 113, jasher@civitasmedia.com

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Communications issues raised by E-911 panel
by Nola Sizemore
Staff Writer
Jun 18, 2013 | 338 views | 0 0 comments | 5 5 recommendations | email to a friend | print

The county’s radio system was a topic for discussion at a recent meeting of the Harlan County Emergency Management E-911 Advisory Board.

Emergency Management Director David McGill told members the contract for the Black Mountain Tower Site through Cornett Electronics has not been paid due to not having the equipment to develop the site.

“I will hopefully know more within the next two to three weeks whether we can get this,” said McGill. “With the money crunch that the county is in I figure every dollar we can save is a good thing.”

Barbara Burkhart, chief of the Bledsoe Volunteer Fire Department, said Bledsoe is having radio problems communicating not only with Kentucky State Police (KSP), but also communicating among each other en route or on the scene. She also said the problem is throughout their fire service district — not limited to one specific area.

“We can’t connect with KSP when we need to,” said Burkhart. “Either they’re not hearing us or we’re having dead zones. I’ve tried to rotate towers to see if we can connect when we’re in different areas and we’re still not getting any response. I don’t know if there are just certain areas that are dead zones or if we’re just not getting out. We’re having trouble communicating between each other with our radios.”

County radio technician Cary Johnson stated the equipment for the Leslie County Emergency Operation Center is ready to be installed for communications between the two counties and for the Bledsoe Volunteer Fire Department — providing mutual aid calls within Leslie County.

Johnson said he is waiting on them to contact him as to when he may install the equipment.

“We’re having some major issues with Leslie County,” said Burkhart. “We only have three functioning radios that work with Leslie County. It’s a real issue especially with responding firefighters and I’m real concerned about accidents and stuff. Cell phones are practically useless down on that end. You can’t contact them a lot of times. But, we really need something soon.”

Harlan Fire Chief Linette Hutchison asked Johnson if there was any way the fire department and police department could talk on the same channel or group. She said at this time the only way it could be done is if both agencies switched over to the trunking system and used the mutual aid channel.

“We’re having a big discussion, at least for the city of Harlan. When we respond to a motor vehicle accident, in order to talk to the police, we’re having to flip channels back and forth. It’s getting to be a headache,” said Hutchison. “Is there any way for the city of Harlan and the police to be on one and have one section like a city section? Does that sound feasible?”

Johnson said the radios can be programmed “any way you want,” as long as the board agrees to that.

“We go out on a lot of stuff together and we can’t talk to each other,” said Harlan City Police Chief Mike Thomas.

McGill asked Cary if paging can be done on the trunking system. Johnson responded, saying it could be and he would check on getting everything set up and online to be able to do so.

Harlan County Rescue Squad Capt. Chris Allen said some of his members are having problems receiving the alphanumeric pages up KY 38 and in the Evarts area.

McGill said he thinks alphanumeric pagers are “outdated” and that “using eDispatch or text messaging would be better as a secondary paging system instead of the pagers.”

“Not all of my people carry radios,” said Hutchison. “There are actually some people who don’t have cell phones.”

In other board action:

*Thomas made a motion to install the trunking system mutual aid channel at the Harlan headquarters. The motion was seconded by Allen. All other members were in agreement.

*McGill told members the new radio system’s standard operating guidelines have not been officially implemented. Allen made a motion to rescind the guidelines and Burkhart seconded that motion. Allen and Burkhart voted in favor with Thomas, Hutchison and Wallins Fire Chief Dean Green voting against. The motion did not pass.

Reach Nola Sizemore at 606-573-4510, ext. 115, nsizemore@civitasmedia.com

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City receives grant from Frazier Foundation
by Nola Sizemore
Staff Writer
Jun 18, 2013 | 94 views | 0 0 comments | 7 7 recommendations | email to a friend | print

Mayor Johnny Adams informed Lynch City Council during a recent meeting he received a letter from the Robert E. Frazier Tri-City Area Charitable Trust Foundation advising him the city had been awarded a $19,200 grant.

“The letter said the city will receive $10,000 for packer repairs, $2,200 for roof repairs at city hall, $2,500 for the Garden Club and volunteers for landscaping and $4,500 to re-frame the old Lynch High School senior class photos,” said Adams. “The checks will be presented to all participants on June 21 at 2 p.m. at the Senior Citizens building.”

Adams said the city appreciates the funds. He said he hopes to hang the photos once they are re-framed at the old depot building so tourists and others may enjoy them. They currently are in city hall.

An issue of vicious dogs in the city was addressed after councilman Carl Collins asked if an ordinance could be done banning a certain breed.

“Rottweilers and pit bulls seem to be everywhere in the city,” said Collins. “I’d like to see them banned in the city. They are dangerous and a lot of cities are now banning them. We had two dog attacks not long ago. A lot of times people have to recoup their medical expenses through the dog owner’s home’s insurance.”

Chief of Police Mike Nunley was asked how many rottweilers and pit bull dogs were in the city. He said “quite a few.”

“We have a lot of large breed dogs,” said Nunley. “We had our dog warden, Duncan Caldwell, up here recently and he gave me a copy of the county ordinance about dogs being on a leash. They have been really good to work with us on this issue. We’ve only written one citation for this on the county ordinance. Most of the time getting the dog out of the pound is a fine enough.”

Terry Lewis said he had researched the issue and found a large number of cities are banning this breed of dogs.

After a lengthy discussion, the consensus of the council was to ban the rottweiler and pit bull breeds. The issue was tabled until more information can be obtained.

In other action, the mayor said work had been done on a roadway above the Stanley Sturgill home on Long Alley.

“Our city workers went up there and tore down an old coal house for Mr. Sturgill that was sliding over,” said Adams. “We re-enforced the road with dirt and rock to see if that will hold it. We just couldn’t get any gabion baskets right now. This was the best we could do for now.”

Adams noted the city is still having trouble with bears getting into garbage. He encouraged everyone to not leave food or scraps out where bears can get to it.

A discussion was held about a city owned parking lot at the old ARH Clinic, which was being rented to a Lynch resident. It was noted an agreement was made to rent the lot for $600 per year three years ago, but thus far only one $600 payment has been made.

Reach Nola Sizemore at 606-573-4510, ext. 115, nsizemore@civitasmedia.com

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Man indicted for theft
by Joe P. Asher
Staff Writer
Jun 18, 2013 | 102 views | 0 0 comments | 5 5 recommendations | email to a friend | print

A Harlan man has been indicted for an alleged theft that occurred in mid-January.

Harold Freeman, 46, was arrested on the indictment warrant by Harlan County Sheriff’s Deputy Danny Lewis on Monday.

According to the indictment, Freeman obtained $1,525.07 from Home Federal Bank by creating a false impression of making deposits into an ATM and immediately withdrawing the money from an account. Freeman allegedly used a debit card at Walmart for purchases when depositing empty envelopes into the ATM machine.

Harlan City Police Cpl. Jeff Owens investigated the case leading to the indictment.

Freeman was charged with theft by deception, including cold checks under $10,000.

Freeman was lodged in the Harlan County Detention Center on a $2,500 full cash bond.

In other police activity, Timothy Anglian, 52, of Sharp’s Chapel, Tenn., was arrested by Evarts Police Officer William Clogston on two counts of first-degree trafficking a controlled substance.

Anglian was lodged in the Harlan County Detention Center on bonds totaling $20,000 secured by 10 percent.

The following individuals were arrested by Kentucky State Police during Monday’s KSP drug roundup:

* Jeffrey Mefford, 24, of Dayhoit, Vina Huff, 34, of Baxter, Amy Clem, 39, of Harlan, and Mary Jane Ward, 29, of Cawood, were each charged with one count of second-degree trafficking a controlled substance;

* Bobby Sizemore, 32, of Lynch, and Bridgett Mallory, 30, of Richmond, were charged with first-degree trafficking a controlled substance;

* Karen Harris, 34, of Elcomb, was charged with first-degree trafficking a controlled substance and second-degree trafficking a controlled substance;

* Ralph Morgan, 38, of Baxter, was charged with three counts of second-degree trafficking a controlled substance;

* Claude Monkfield, 42, of Harlan, was charged with second-degree trafficking a controlled substance and trafficking a controlled substance within 1,000 feet of a school;

* Daniel Cottrell, 33, of Evarts, was charged with 12 counts of first-degree trafficking a controlled substance and once count of trafficking a controlled substance within 1,000 feet of a school;

* Michael Sexton, 21, of Cumberland, was charged with two counts of second-degree trafficking a controlled substance, first-degree trafficking a controlled substance and trafficking within 1,000 feet of a school;

* Shawn Vick, 23, of Harlan, was charged with theft by unlawful taking;

* Christopher Yount, 23, of Harlan, was charged with three counts of first-degree trafficking a controlled substance and second-degree trafficking a controlled substance.

Reach Joe P. Asher at 606-573-4510, ext. 113, jasher@civitasmedia.com

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Communications issues raised by E-911 panel
by Nola Sizemore
Staff Writer
Jun 18, 2013 | 338 views | 0 0 comments | 5 5 recommendations | email to a friend | print

The county’s radio system was a topic for discussion at a recent meeting of the Harlan County Emergency Management E-911 Advisory Board.

Emergency Management Director David McGill told members the contract for the Black Mountain Tower Site through Cornett Electronics has not been paid due to not having the equipment to develop the site.

“I will hopefully know more within the next two to three weeks whether we can get this,” said McGill. “With the money crunch that the county is in I figure every dollar we can save is a good thing.”

Barbara Burkhart, chief of the Bledsoe Volunteer Fire Department, said Bledsoe is having radio problems communicating not only with Kentucky State Police (KSP), but also communicating among each other en route or on the scene. She also said the problem is throughout their fire service district — not limited to one specific area.

“We can’t connect with KSP when we need to,” said Burkhart. “Either they’re not hearing us or we’re having dead zones. I’ve tried to rotate towers to see if we can connect when we’re in different areas and we’re still not getting any response. I don’t know if there are just certain areas that are dead zones or if we’re just not getting out. We’re having trouble communicating between each other with our radios.”

County radio technician Cary Johnson stated the equipment for the Leslie County Emergency Operation Center is ready to be installed for communications between the two counties and for the Bledsoe Volunteer Fire Department — providing mutual aid calls within Leslie County.

Johnson said he is waiting on them to contact him as to when he may install the equipment.

“We’re having some major issues with Leslie County,” said Burkhart. “We only have three functioning radios that work with Leslie County. It’s a real issue especially with responding firefighters and I’m real concerned about accidents and stuff. Cell phones are practically useless down on that end. You can’t contact them a lot of times. But, we really need something soon.”

Harlan Fire Chief Linette Hutchison asked Johnson if there was any way the fire department and police department could talk on the same channel or group. She said at this time the only way it could be done is if both agencies switched over to the trunking system and used the mutual aid channel.

“We’re having a big discussion, at least for the city of Harlan. When we respond to a motor vehicle accident, in order to talk to the police, we’re having to flip channels back and forth. It’s getting to be a headache,” said Hutchison. “Is there any way for the city of Harlan and the police to be on one and have one section like a city section? Does that sound feasible?”

Johnson said the radios can be programmed “any way you want,” as long as the board agrees to that.

“We go out on a lot of stuff together and we can’t talk to each other,” said Harlan City Police Chief Mike Thomas.

McGill asked Cary if paging can be done on the trunking system. Johnson responded, saying it could be and he would check on getting everything set up and online to be able to do so.

Harlan County Rescue Squad Capt. Chris Allen said some of his members are having problems receiving the alphanumeric pages up KY 38 and in the Evarts area.

McGill said he thinks alphanumeric pagers are “outdated” and that “using eDispatch or text messaging would be better as a secondary paging system instead of the pagers.”

“Not all of my people carry radios,” said Hutchison. “There are actually some people who don’t have cell phones.”

In other board action:

*Thomas made a motion to install the trunking system mutual aid channel at the Harlan headquarters. The motion was seconded by Allen. All other members were in agreement.

*McGill told members the new radio system’s standard operating guidelines have not been officially implemented. Allen made a motion to rescind the guidelines and Burkhart seconded that motion. Allen and Burkhart voted in favor with Thomas, Hutchison and Wallins Fire Chief Dean Green voting against. The motion did not pass.

Reach Nola Sizemore at 606-573-4510, ext. 115, nsizemore@civitasmedia.com

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City receives grant from Frazier Foundation
by Nola Sizemore
Staff Writer
Jun 18, 2013 | 94 views | 0 0 comments | 7 7 recommendations | email to a friend | print

Mayor Johnny Adams informed Lynch City Council during a recent meeting he received a letter from the Robert E. Frazier Tri-City Area Charitable Trust Foundation advising him the city had been awarded a $19,200 grant.

“The letter said the city will receive $10,000 for packer repairs, $2,200 for roof repairs at city hall, $2,500 for the Garden Club and volunteers for landscaping and $4,500 to re-frame the old Lynch High School senior class photos,” said Adams. “The checks will be presented to all participants on June 21 at 2 p.m. at the Senior Citizens building.”

Adams said the city appreciates the funds. He said he hopes to hang the photos once they are re-framed at the old depot building so tourists and others may enjoy them. They currently are in city hall.

An issue of vicious dogs in the city was addressed after councilman Carl Collins asked if an ordinance could be done banning a certain breed.

“Rottweilers and pit bulls seem to be everywhere in the city,” said Collins. “I’d like to see them banned in the city. They are dangerous and a lot of cities are now banning them. We had two dog attacks not long ago. A lot of times people have to recoup their medical expenses through the dog owner’s home’s insurance.”

Chief of Police Mike Nunley was asked how many rottweilers and pit bull dogs were in the city. He said “quite a few.”

“We have a lot of large breed dogs,” said Nunley. “We had our dog warden, Duncan Caldwell, up here recently and he gave me a copy of the county ordinance about dogs being on a leash. They have been really good to work with us on this issue. We’ve only written one citation for this on the county ordinance. Most of the time getting the dog out of the pound is a fine enough.”

Terry Lewis said he had researched the issue and found a large number of cities are banning this breed of dogs.

After a lengthy discussion, the consensus of the council was to ban the rottweiler and pit bull breeds. The issue was tabled until more information can be obtained.

In other action, the mayor said work had been done on a roadway above the Stanley Sturgill home on Long Alley.

“Our city workers went up there and tore down an old coal house for Mr. Sturgill that was sliding over,” said Adams. “We re-enforced the road with dirt and rock to see if that will hold it. We just couldn’t get any gabion baskets right now. This was the best we could do for now.”

Adams noted the city is still having trouble with bears getting into garbage. He encouraged everyone to not leave food or scraps out where bears can get to it.

A discussion was held about a city owned parking lot at the old ARH Clinic, which was being rented to a Lynch resident. It was noted an agreement was made to rent the lot for $600 per year three years ago, but thus far only one $600 payment has been made.

Reach Nola Sizemore at 606-573-4510, ext. 115, nsizemore@civitasmedia.com

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Man indicted for theft
by Joe P. Asher
Staff Writer
Jun 18, 2013 | 102 views | 0 0 comments | 5 5 recommendations | email to a friend | print

A Harlan man has been indicted for an alleged theft that occurred in mid-January.

Harold Freeman, 46, was arrested on the indictment warrant by Harlan County Sheriff’s Deputy Danny Lewis on Monday.

According to the indictment, Freeman obtained $1,525.07 from Home Federal Bank by creating a false impression of making deposits into an ATM and immediately withdrawing the money from an account. Freeman allegedly used a debit card at Walmart for purchases when depositing empty envelopes into the ATM machine.

Harlan City Police Cpl. Jeff Owens investigated the case leading to the indictment.

Freeman was charged with theft by deception, including cold checks under $10,000.

Freeman was lodged in the Harlan County Detention Center on a $2,500 full cash bond.

In other police activity, Timothy Anglian, 52, of Sharp’s Chapel, Tenn., was arrested by Evarts Police Officer William Clogston on two counts of first-degree trafficking a controlled substance.

Anglian was lodged in the Harlan County Detention Center on bonds totaling $20,000 secured by 10 percent.

The following individuals were arrested by Kentucky State Police during Monday’s KSP drug roundup:

* Jeffrey Mefford, 24, of Dayhoit, Vina Huff, 34, of Baxter, Amy Clem, 39, of Harlan, and Mary Jane Ward, 29, of Cawood, were each charged with one count of second-degree trafficking a controlled substance;

* Bobby Sizemore, 32, of Lynch, and Bridgett Mallory, 30, of Richmond, were charged with first-degree trafficking a controlled substance;

* Karen Harris, 34, of Elcomb, was charged with first-degree trafficking a controlled substance and second-degree trafficking a controlled substance;

* Ralph Morgan, 38, of Baxter, was charged with three counts of second-degree trafficking a controlled substance;

* Claude Monkfield, 42, of Harlan, was charged with second-degree trafficking a controlled substance and trafficking a controlled substance within 1,000 feet of a school;

* Daniel Cottrell, 33, of Evarts, was charged with 12 counts of first-degree trafficking a controlled substance and once count of trafficking a controlled substance within 1,000 feet of a school;

* Michael Sexton, 21, of Cumberland, was charged with two counts of second-degree trafficking a controlled substance, first-degree trafficking a controlled substance and trafficking within 1,000 feet of a school;

* Shawn Vick, 23, of Harlan, was charged with theft by unlawful taking;

* Christopher Yount, 23, of Harlan, was charged with three counts of first-degree trafficking a controlled substance and second-degree trafficking a controlled substance.

Reach Joe P. Asher at 606-573-4510, ext. 113, jasher@civitasmedia.com

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Communications issues raised by E-911 panel
by Nola Sizemore
Staff Writer
Jun 18, 2013 | 338 views | 0 0 comments | 5 5 recommendations | email to a friend | print

The county’s radio system was a topic for discussion at a recent meeting of the Harlan County Emergency Management E-911 Advisory Board.

Emergency Management Director David McGill told members the contract for the Black Mountain Tower Site through Cornett Electronics has not been paid due to not having the equipment to develop the site.

“I will hopefully know more within the next two to three weeks whether we can get this,” said McGill. “With the money crunch that the county is in I figure every dollar we can save is a good thing.”

Barbara Burkhart, chief of the Bledsoe Volunteer Fire Department, said Bledsoe is having radio problems communicating not only with Kentucky State Police (KSP), but also communicating among each other en route or on the scene. She also said the problem is throughout their fire service district — not limited to one specific area.

“We can’t connect with KSP when we need to,” said Burkhart. “Either they’re not hearing us or we’re having dead zones. I’ve tried to rotate towers to see if we can connect when we’re in different areas and we’re still not getting any response. I don’t know if there are just certain areas that are dead zones or if we’re just not getting out. We’re having trouble communicating between each other with our radios.”

County radio technician Cary Johnson stated the equipment for the Leslie County Emergency Operation Center is ready to be installed for communications between the two counties and for the Bledsoe Volunteer Fire Department — providing mutual aid calls within Leslie County.

Johnson said he is waiting on them to contact him as to when he may install the equipment.

“We’re having some major issues with Leslie County,” said Burkhart. “We only have three functioning radios that work with Leslie County. It’s a real issue especially with responding firefighters and I’m real concerned about accidents and stuff. Cell phones are practically useless down on that end. You can’t contact them a lot of times. But, we really need something soon.”

Harlan Fire Chief Linette Hutchison asked Johnson if there was any way the fire department and police department could talk on the same channel or group. She said at this time the only way it could be done is if both agencies switched over to the trunking system and used the mutual aid channel.

“We’re having a big discussion, at least for the city of Harlan. When we respond to a motor vehicle accident, in order to talk to the police, we’re having to flip channels back and forth. It’s getting to be a headache,” said Hutchison. “Is there any way for the city of Harlan and the police to be on one and have one section like a city section? Does that sound feasible?”

Johnson said the radios can be programmed “any way you want,” as long as the board agrees to that.

“We go out on a lot of stuff together and we can’t talk to each other,” said Harlan City Police Chief Mike Thomas.

McGill asked Cary if paging can be done on the trunking system. Johnson responded, saying it could be and he would check on getting everything set up and online to be able to do so.

Harlan County Rescue Squad Capt. Chris Allen said some of his members are having problems receiving the alphanumeric pages up KY 38 and in the Evarts area.

McGill said he thinks alphanumeric pagers are “outdated” and that “using eDispatch or text messaging would be better as a secondary paging system instead of the pagers.”

“Not all of my people carry radios,” said Hutchison. “There are actually some people who don’t have cell phones.”

In other board action:

*Thomas made a motion to install the trunking system mutual aid channel at the Harlan headquarters. The motion was seconded by Allen. All other members were in agreement.

*McGill told members the new radio system’s standard operating guidelines have not been officially implemented. Allen made a motion to rescind the guidelines and Burkhart seconded that motion. Allen and Burkhart voted in favor with Thomas, Hutchison and Wallins Fire Chief Dean Green voting against. The motion did not pass.

Reach Nola Sizemore at 606-573-4510, ext. 115, nsizemore@civitasmedia.com

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City receives grant from Frazier Foundation
by Nola Sizemore
Staff Writer
Jun 18, 2013 | 94 views | 0 0 comments | 7 7 recommendations | email to a friend | print

Mayor Johnny Adams informed Lynch City Council during a recent meeting he received a letter from the Robert E. Frazier Tri-City Area Charitable Trust Foundation advising him the city had been awarded a $19,200 grant.

“The letter said the city will receive $10,000 for packer repairs, $2,200 for roof repairs at city hall, $2,500 for the Garden Club and volunteers for landscaping and $4,500 to re-frame the old Lynch High School senior class photos,” said Adams. “The checks will be presented to all participants on June 21 at 2 p.m. at the Senior Citizens building.”

Adams said the city appreciates the funds. He said he hopes to hang the photos once they are re-framed at the old depot building so tourists and others may enjoy them. They currently are in city hall.

An issue of vicious dogs in the city was addressed after councilman Carl Collins asked if an ordinance could be done banning a certain breed.

“Rottweilers and pit bulls seem to be everywhere in the city,” said Collins. “I’d like to see them banned in the city. They are dangerous and a lot of cities are now banning them. We had two dog attacks not long ago. A lot of times people have to recoup their medical expenses through the dog owner’s home’s insurance.”

Chief of Police Mike Nunley was asked how many rottweilers and pit bull dogs were in the city. He said “quite a few.”

“We have a lot of large breed dogs,” said Nunley. “We had our dog warden, Duncan Caldwell, up here recently and he gave me a copy of the county ordinance about dogs being on a leash. They have been really good to work with us on this issue. We’ve only written one citation for this on the county ordinance. Most of the time getting the dog out of the pound is a fine enough.”

Terry Lewis said he had researched the issue and found a large number of cities are banning this breed of dogs.

After a lengthy discussion, the consensus of the council was to ban the rottweiler and pit bull breeds. The issue was tabled until more information can be obtained.

In other action, the mayor said work had been done on a roadway above the Stanley Sturgill home on Long Alley.

“Our city workers went up there and tore down an old coal house for Mr. Sturgill that was sliding over,” said Adams. “We re-enforced the road with dirt and rock to see if that will hold it. We just couldn’t get any gabion baskets right now. This was the best we could do for now.”

Adams noted the city is still having trouble with bears getting into garbage. He encouraged everyone to not leave food or scraps out where bears can get to it.

A discussion was held about a city owned parking lot at the old ARH Clinic, which was being rented to a Lynch resident. It was noted an agreement was made to rent the lot for $600 per year three years ago, but thus far only one $600 payment has been made.

Reach Nola Sizemore at 606-573-4510, ext. 115, nsizemore@civitasmedia.com

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Man indicted for theft
by Joe P. Asher
Staff Writer
Jun 18, 2013 | 102 views | 0 0 comments | 5 5 recommendations | email to a friend | print

A Harlan man has been indicted for an alleged theft that occurred in mid-January.

Harold Freeman, 46, was arrested on the indictment warrant by Harlan County Sheriff’s Deputy Danny Lewis on Monday.

According to the indictment, Freeman obtained $1,525.07 from Home Federal Bank by creating a false impression of making deposits into an ATM and immediately withdrawing the money from an account. Freeman allegedly used a debit card at Walmart for purchases when depositing empty envelopes into the ATM machine.

Harlan City Police Cpl. Jeff Owens investigated the case leading to the indictment.

Freeman was charged with theft by deception, including cold checks under $10,000.

Freeman was lodged in the Harlan County Detention Center on a $2,500 full cash bond.

In other police activity, Timothy Anglian, 52, of Sharp’s Chapel, Tenn., was arrested by Evarts Police Officer William Clogston on two counts of first-degree trafficking a controlled substance.

Anglian was lodged in the Harlan County Detention Center on bonds totaling $20,000 secured by 10 percent.

The following individuals were arrested by Kentucky State Police during Monday’s KSP drug roundup:

* Jeffrey Mefford, 24, of Dayhoit, Vina Huff, 34, of Baxter, Amy Clem, 39, of Harlan, and Mary Jane Ward, 29, of Cawood, were each charged with one count of second-degree trafficking a controlled substance;

* Bobby Sizemore, 32, of Lynch, and Bridgett Mallory, 30, of Richmond, were charged with first-degree trafficking a controlled substance;

* Karen Harris, 34, of Elcomb, was charged with first-degree trafficking a controlled substance and second-degree trafficking a controlled substance;

* Ralph Morgan, 38, of Baxter, was charged with three counts of second-degree trafficking a controlled substance;

* Claude Monkfield, 42, of Harlan, was charged with second-degree trafficking a controlled substance and trafficking a controlled substance within 1,000 feet of a school;

* Daniel Cottrell, 33, of Evarts, was charged with 12 counts of first-degree trafficking a controlled substance and once count of trafficking a controlled substance within 1,000 feet of a school;

* Michael Sexton, 21, of Cumberland, was charged with two counts of second-degree trafficking a controlled substance, first-degree trafficking a controlled substance and trafficking within 1,000 feet of a school;

* Shawn Vick, 23, of Harlan, was charged with theft by unlawful taking;

* Christopher Yount, 23, of Harlan, was charged with three counts of first-degree trafficking a controlled substance and second-degree trafficking a controlled substance.

Reach Joe P. Asher at 606-573-4510, ext. 113, jasher@civitasmedia.com

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Communications issues raised by E-911 panel
by Nola Sizemore
Staff Writer
Jun 18, 2013 | 338 views | 0 0 comments | 5 5 recommendations | email to a friend | print

The county’s radio system was a topic for discussion at a recent meeting of the Harlan County Emergency Management E-911 Advisory Board.

Emergency Management Director David McGill told members the contract for the Black Mountain Tower Site through Cornett Electronics has not been paid due to not having the equipment to develop the site.

“I will hopefully know more within the next two to three weeks whether we can get this,” said McGill. “With the money crunch that the county is in I figure every dollar we can save is a good thing.”

Barbara Burkhart, chief of the Bledsoe Volunteer Fire Department, said Bledsoe is having radio problems communicating not only with Kentucky State Police (KSP), but also communicating among each other en route or on the scene. She also said the problem is throughout their fire service district — not limited to one specific area.

“We can’t connect with KSP when we need to,” said Burkhart. “Either they’re not hearing us or we’re having dead zones. I’ve tried to rotate towers to see if we can connect when we’re in different areas and we’re still not getting any response. I don’t know if there are just certain areas that are dead zones or if we’re just not getting out. We’re having trouble communicating between each other with our radios.”

County radio technician Cary Johnson stated the equipment for the Leslie County Emergency Operation Center is ready to be installed for communications between the two counties and for the Bledsoe Volunteer Fire Department — providing mutual aid calls within Leslie County.

Johnson said he is waiting on them to contact him as to when he may install the equipment.

“We’re having some major issues with Leslie County,” said Burkhart. “We only have three functioning radios that work with Leslie County. It’s a real issue especially with responding firefighters and I’m real concerned about accidents and stuff. Cell phones are practically useless down on that end. You can’t contact them a lot of times. But, we really need something soon.”

Harlan Fire Chief Linette Hutchison asked Johnson if there was any way the fire department and police department could talk on the same channel or group. She said at this time the only way it could be done is if both agencies switched over to the trunking system and used the mutual aid channel.

“We’re having a big discussion, at least for the city of Harlan. When we respond to a motor vehicle accident, in order to talk to the police, we’re having to flip channels back and forth. It’s getting to be a headache,” said Hutchison. “Is there any way for the city of Harlan and the police to be on one and have one section like a city section? Does that sound feasible?”

Johnson said the radios can be programmed “any way you want,” as long as the board agrees to that.

“We go out on a lot of stuff together and we can’t talk to each other,” said Harlan City Police Chief Mike Thomas.

McGill asked Cary if paging can be done on the trunking system. Johnson responded, saying it could be and he would check on getting everything set up and online to be able to do so.

Harlan County Rescue Squad Capt. Chris Allen said some of his members are having problems receiving the alphanumeric pages up KY 38 and in the Evarts area.

McGill said he thinks alphanumeric pagers are “outdated” and that “using eDispatch or text messaging would be better as a secondary paging system instead of the pagers.”

“Not all of my people carry radios,” said Hutchison. “There are actually some people who don’t have cell phones.”

In other board action:

*Thomas made a motion to install the trunking system mutual aid channel at the Harlan headquarters. The motion was seconded by Allen. All other members were in agreement.

*McGill told members the new radio system’s standard operating guidelines have not been officially implemented. Allen made a motion to rescind the guidelines and Burkhart seconded that motion. Allen and Burkhart voted in favor with Thomas, Hutchison and Wallins Fire Chief Dean Green voting against. The motion did not pass.

Reach Nola Sizemore at 606-573-4510, ext. 115, nsizemore@civitasmedia.com

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City receives grant from Frazier Foundation
by Nola Sizemore
Staff Writer
Jun 18, 2013 | 94 views | 0 0 comments | 7 7 recommendations | email to a friend | print

Mayor Johnny Adams informed Lynch City Council during a recent meeting he received a letter from the Robert E. Frazier Tri-City Area Charitable Trust Foundation advising him the city had been awarded a $19,200 grant.

“The letter said the city will receive $10,000 for packer repairs, $2,200 for roof repairs at city hall, $2,500 for the Garden Club and volunteers for landscaping and $4,500 to re-frame the old Lynch High School senior class photos,” said Adams. “The checks will be presented to all participants on June 21 at 2 p.m. at the Senior Citizens building.”

Adams said the city appreciates the funds. He said he hopes to hang the photos once they are re-framed at the old depot building so tourists and others may enjoy them. They currently are in city hall.

An issue of vicious dogs in the city was addressed after councilman Carl Collins asked if an ordinance could be done banning a certain breed.

“Rottweilers and pit bulls seem to be everywhere in the city,” said Collins. “I’d like to see them banned in the city. They are dangerous and a lot of cities are now banning them. We had two dog attacks not long ago. A lot of times people have to recoup their medical expenses through the dog owner’s home’s insurance.”

Chief of Police Mike Nunley was asked how many rottweilers and pit bull dogs were in the city. He said “quite a few.”

“We have a lot of large breed dogs,” said Nunley. “We had our dog warden, Duncan Caldwell, up here recently and he gave me a copy of the county ordinance about dogs being on a leash. They have been really good to work with us on this issue. We’ve only written one citation for this on the county ordinance. Most of the time getting the dog out of the pound is a fine enough.”

Terry Lewis said he had researched the issue and found a large number of cities are banning this breed of dogs.

After a lengthy discussion, the consensus of the council was to ban the rottweiler and pit bull breeds. The issue was tabled until more information can be obtained.

In other action, the mayor said work had been done on a roadway above the Stanley Sturgill home on Long Alley.

“Our city workers went up there and tore down an old coal house for Mr. Sturgill that was sliding over,” said Adams. “We re-enforced the road with dirt and rock to see if that will hold it. We just couldn’t get any gabion baskets right now. This was the best we could do for now.”

Adams noted the city is still having trouble with bears getting into garbage. He encouraged everyone to not leave food or scraps out where bears can get to it.

A discussion was held about a city owned parking lot at the old ARH Clinic, which was being rented to a Lynch resident. It was noted an agreement was made to rent the lot for $600 per year three years ago, but thus far only one $600 payment has been made.

Reach Nola Sizemore at 606-573-4510, ext. 115, nsizemore@civitasmedia.com

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Man indicted for theft
by Joe P. Asher
Staff Writer
Jun 18, 2013 | 102 views | 0 0 comments | 5 5 recommendations | email to a friend | print

A Harlan man has been indicted for an alleged theft that occurred in mid-January.

Harold Freeman, 46, was arrested on the indictment warrant by Harlan County Sheriff’s Deputy Danny Lewis on Monday.

According to the indictment, Freeman obtained $1,525.07 from Home Federal Bank by creating a false impression of making deposits into an ATM and immediately withdrawing the money from an account. Freeman allegedly used a debit card at Walmart for purchases when depositing empty envelopes into the ATM machine.

Harlan City Police Cpl. Jeff Owens investigated the case leading to the indictment.

Freeman was charged with theft by deception, including cold checks under $10,000.

Freeman was lodged in the Harlan County Detention Center on a $2,500 full cash bond.

In other police activity, Timothy Anglian, 52, of Sharp’s Chapel, Tenn., was arrested by Evarts Police Officer William Clogston on two counts of first-degree trafficking a controlled substance.

Anglian was lodged in the Harlan County Detention Center on bonds totaling $20,000 secured by 10 percent.

The following individuals were arrested by Kentucky State Police during Monday’s KSP drug roundup:

* Jeffrey Mefford, 24, of Dayhoit, Vina Huff, 34, of Baxter, Amy Clem, 39, of Harlan, and Mary Jane Ward, 29, of Cawood, were each charged with one count of second-degree trafficking a controlled substance;

* Bobby Sizemore, 32, of Lynch, and Bridgett Mallory, 30, of Richmond, were charged with first-degree trafficking a controlled substance;

* Karen Harris, 34, of Elcomb, was charged with first-degree trafficking a controlled substance and second-degree trafficking a controlled substance;

* Ralph Morgan, 38, of Baxter, was charged with three counts of second-degree trafficking a controlled substance;

* Claude Monkfield, 42, of Harlan, was charged with second-degree trafficking a controlled substance and trafficking a controlled substance within 1,000 feet of a school;

* Daniel Cottrell, 33, of Evarts, was charged with 12 counts of first-degree trafficking a controlled substance and once count of trafficking a controlled substance within 1,000 feet of a school;

* Michael Sexton, 21, of Cumberland, was charged with two counts of second-degree trafficking a controlled substance, first-degree trafficking a controlled substance and trafficking within 1,000 feet of a school;

* Shawn Vick, 23, of Harlan, was charged with theft by unlawful taking;

* Christopher Yount, 23, of Harlan, was charged with three counts of first-degree trafficking a controlled substance and second-degree trafficking a controlled substance.

Reach Joe P. Asher at 606-573-4510, ext. 113, jasher@civitasmedia.com

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