Local News

Hope2All taking over Nortonville food bank

NORTONVILLE -- One day, as Jack and Sue McPeek worked at the Community Food Bank here, a woman stopped by to get groceries.

Friday, March 19, 2010 12:23 AM CDT

New animal shelter's cost could top $600,000

The price of a new animal shelter will not be cheap. A Hopkins County Humane Society committee studying a new facility learned Thursday that it could cost between $600,000 and $800,000.

Friday, March 19, 2010 12:23 AM CDT

Students utilize math books online

Lugging heavy math books home may become a thing of the past for Hopkins County students.

Friday, March 19, 2010 12:23 AM CDT

Group accepts education grant applications

The Hopkins County Education Foundation is accepting applications for its 2010-11 grants and scholarships.

Friday, March 19, 2010 12:23 AM CDT

Ky. high court upholds DNA samples from juveniles
Read more: http://www.kentucky.com/2010/03/18/1187271/ky-high-court-upholds-dna-samples.html#ixzz0iczyIgTn

FRANKFORT, Ky.(AP) -- The Kentucky Supreme Court has upheld a law allowing the state to take DNA samples from juveniles convicted of some sex offenses.

Friday, March 19, 2010 8:15 AM CDT

High court rules on open records

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP)-- The Kentucky Supreme Court has reversed a lower court's ruling that kept confidential the terms of a settlement between a woman and two school districts.

Friday, March 19, 2010 8:17 AM CDT

Pro-coal group says industry crucial in Ky.

LOUISVILLE, Ky.(AP) -- Business leaders and political candidates have gathered in downtown Louisville for an event organized by a pro-coal group to tout the industry's importance to Kentucky.

Friday, March 19, 2010 8:18 AM CDT

Millions in stolen heavy equipment found

FRANKFORT, Ky.(AP) -- Kentucky State Police say one man has been charged and more arrests are expected after investigators tracked down 43 pieces of heavy equipment stolen from Kentucky, West Virginia and Ohio worth $1.3 million.

Friday, March 19, 2010 8:21 AM CDT

Parkway work shifts to westbound lane

Restrictions on the Western Kentucky Parkway near the Dawson Springs/Kentucky 109 exit have been moved from the eastbound to westbound lane.

Friday, March 19, 2010 12:23 AM CDT

Test to slow traffic on Kentucky 2171

Traffic on a portion of Kentucky 2171 will be restricted beginning Monday as state road crews examine a damaged area of the road.

Friday, March 19, 2010 12:23 AM CDT

Trigg hosts Civil War weekend

CADIZ, Ky. (AP)-- Two Civil War battle re-enactments are being held in western Kentucky's Trigg County this weekend.

Friday, March 19, 2010 8:08 AM CDT

Ex-pastor accused of sexual assault in Va.

FAIRFAX, Va. (AP)-- Fairfax County police have arrested a Kentucky man over allegations that he sexually assaulted two boys while serving as a pastor in northern Virginia.

Friday, March 19, 2010 8:11 AM CDT

Youth minister sent to prison in boy's death
Read more: http://www.kentucky.com/2010/03/19/1188622/youth-minister-sent-to-prison.html#ixzz0iczNizMs

BARDSTOWN, Ky.(AP) -- A judge in Bardstown has sentenced a minister to five years in prison in the death of a 13-year-old boy.

Friday, March 19, 2010 8:13 AM CDT

Bill on school makeup days passes House

FRANKFORT, Ky.(AP) -- Kentucky school districts especially hard hit by winter storms or swine flu could seek a waiver from some makeup days under a bill that has cleared the state House.

Friday, March 19, 2010 8:20 AM CDT

Supreme Court rules in Internet gambling case

FRANKFORT, Ky.(AP) -- The Kentucky Supreme Court has ruled that the owners of Internet gambling operations need to show up in court if they don't want the state to seize the domain names of their Web sites.

Friday, March 19, 2010 8:27 AM CDT

Sexstone releasing CD, performing in Texas show

The local band Sexstone, preparing to perform tonight in Austin, Texas, will soon release a new extended-play CD.

Thursday, March 18, 2010 12:24 AM CDT

Groups oppose bill that would release felons early

A number of statewide associations are lobbying Frankfort to remove a provision of the House budget bill that would allow the early release of Class D felons from jail.

Thursday, March 18, 2010 12:24 AM CDT

Lions Club to recognize Cox, McClure

Steve Cox and Susan McClure have been named Madisonville Lions Club's Man and Woman of the Year.

Thursday, March 18, 2010 12:24 AM CDT

Human rights group celebrates 50th

Fifty years ago this month, Kentucky became the first state south of the Mason-Dixon line to form a human rights commission.

Thursday, March 18, 2010 12:24 AM CDT

Indiana surpasses Mississippi in gaming revenues

JACKSON, Miss. -- Mississippi, which has built much of its marketing for more than a decade around being the third largest gaming destination in the country, lost that title in 2009 to Indiana.

Thursday, March 18, 2010 8:51 AM CDT

Spring break discount for park visitors

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP)-- Kentucky's state parks are offering visitors a discount on lodgings during spring break.

Thursday, March 18, 2010 8:42 AM CDT

Ky. Senate passes bill protecting domestic violence victims

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) - A somber Kentucky Senate passed a bill Wednesday aimed at protecting domestic violence victims by attaching ankle monitors to suspected abusers to keep track of their whereabouts.

Thursday, March 18, 2010 8:56 AM CDT

4 injured in U.S. 41A wreck

Four people were injured in a head-on collision between two vehicles at U.S. 41A and Rose Creek Road.

Thursday, March 18, 2010 12:24 AM CDT

Workshop to focus on watercolor techniques

Watercolor techniques will be taught during an artists' workshop next week at Glema Mahr Center for the Arts at Madisonville Community College.

Thursday, March 18, 2010 12:24 AM CDT

Computers taking byte out of crime

I'm not great with computers.

Thursday, March 18, 2010 12:24 AM CDT

Gambling bill to help horse industry stalls

FRANKFORT -- Legislation meant to bolster Kentucky's racing industry by tapping into a new form of gambling on old horse races stalled in a Senate committee on Wednesday, a sudden turnaround that a key lawmaker attributed to lobbying by anti-gambling forces.

Thursday, March 18, 2010 12:24 AM CDT

Senate OKs domestic violence bill

FRANKFORT -- A somber Kentucky Senate passed a bill Wednesday aimed at protecting domestic violence victims by attaching ankle monitors to suspected abusers to keep track of their whereabouts.

Thursday, March 18, 2010 12:24 AM CDT

Correction

A listing in the calendar of events in Wednesday's Pennyrile Plus calendar incorrectly indicated the Woman's Club of Madisonville High School Art Exhibit was scheduled for the Anne P. Baker Gallery at the Glema Mahr Center for the Arts. That exhibit is not up, but the Southern Watercolor Society 33rd Annual Juried Exhibit is on display.

Thursday, March 18, 2010 12:24 AM CDT

Paducah roofer charged in string of burglaries

PADUCAH, Ky.(AP) -- A western Kentucky roofer has been charged in eight burglaries, including one at a home he was re-roofing.

Thursday, March 18, 2010 8:43 AM CDT

Ky. Music Hall of Fame welcoming new inductees

LEXINGTON, Ky. -- Country singer Patty Loveless, the late Keith Whitley and John Michael Montgomery will lead a class of seven into the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame.

Thursday, March 18, 2010 8:44 AM CDT

Group to tout coal's importance

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP)-- Supporters of Kentucky's coal industry are gathering in Louisville for a rally to tout coal's importance to the state's largest city.

Thursday, March 18, 2010 8:45 AM CDT

Ky. National Guard troops return from Iraq

LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP)-- A welcome home ceremony is planned for Kentucky National Guard troops returning from Iraq.

Thursday, March 18, 2010 8:49 AM CDT

Legislation to allow a new form of gambling stalls in Senaate

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) - Legislation meant to bolster Kentucky's racing industry by tapping into a new form of gambling on old horse races stalled in a Senate committee on Wednesday, a sudden turnaround that a key lawmaker attributed to lobbying by anti-gambling forces.

Thursday, March 18, 2010 8:56 AM CDT

School hopes test-drive cash will mean driver's ed vehicle

Taking a test drive Saturday at Madisonville-North Hopkins may help the school earn up to $6,000 for a new driver's education vehicle.

Wednesday, March 17, 2010 8:49 AM CDT

Hopkins Fiscal Court gets $22,885 in fund dividend

Hopkins Fiscal Court was the recipient of some good news Tuesday when a Kentucky Association of Counties representative told the court that it would receive $22,885 as the result of a fund dividend.

Wednesday, March 17, 2010 8:48 AM CDT

Man charged after baby found unhurt in oven

PADUCAH, Ky. (AP)-- Authorities in western Kentucky say a man left his infant son in a cold oven, probably for a matter of hours.

Wednesday, March 17, 2010 8:27 AM CDT

Former Ohio County girls' coaches suspended from teaching positions

Two former Ohio County High School girls' basketball coaches charged with multiple sex-related felonies have both been suspended by their respective school districts and removed from their classrooms.

Wednesday, March 17, 2010 12:24 AM CDT

Highway cleanup planned next week

FRANKFORT, Ky. -- More than 8,800 miles of Kentucky roadside will get some TLC next week as Adopt-a-Highway volunteers get down to work.

Wednesday, March 17, 2010 8:22 AM CDT

BB pierced boy's heart, causing death

LOUISVILLE, Ky.(AP) -- An attorney says an 11-year-old boy shot with a BB gun died because the BB pierced his heart.

Wednesday, March 17, 2010 8:24 AM CDT

Ky. bill aimed at curbing meth production

FRANKFORT, Ky. -- A Senate panel approved a bill Tuesday in the latest push to combat methamphetamine production in Kentucky - this time by blocking drug offenders from purchasing popular cold medicines with ingredients used to make the illicit drug.

Wednesday, March 17, 2010 8:25 AM CDT

Schoolchildren's efforts help U.S. soldiers

Schoolchildren across Hopkins County have pitched in to collect items for a "Beans and Books" donation drive for Fort Campbell soldiers who will be deployed to Afghanistan next month.

Wednesday, March 17, 2010 12:24 AM CDT

Program can help veterans find jobs

Veterans who need help navigating the job market might find the right direction at an upcoming meeting.

Wednesday, March 17, 2010 10:16 AM CDT

Leeper: Cuts in budget may be needed

FRANKFORT -- Kentucky Senate budget writers can't rule out reductions to elementary and secondary education as part of broader cuts as they prepare their version of a two-year state budget plan, a key senator said Tuesday.

Wednesday, March 17, 2010 12:24 AM CDT

Cleaning crew finds cocaine stashed at airport

HEBRON, Ky. -- A cleaning crew has found more than 14 pounds of cocaine in a bathroom at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport.

Wednesday, March 17, 2010 8:21 AM CDT

Ky. bill lets guns be carried in vehicle consoles

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP)-- Kentuckians would be able to stow guns in any enclosed compartment built into vehicles under a measure that's headed to the Senate for consideration.

Wednesday, March 17, 2010 8:23 AM CDT

School board studies random drug testing

Preliminary information on random drug testing for students and personnel was presented to the Hopkins County Board of Education during Monday's meeting.

Tuesday, March 16, 2010 9:23 AM CDT

Madisonville council OKs deal to extend sidewalks

Madisonville City Council approved an agreement Monday between the city and state Transportation Cabinet for funding for the South Main sidewalk project.

Tuesday, March 16, 2010 12:23 AM CDT

Nortonville officials take no action on audit bid

NORTONVILLLE -- The city of Nortonville has received a bid from only one accountant to perform an audit of the city's finances.

Tuesday, March 16, 2010 12:23 AM CDT

Bills seek to shed light on city, county groups

March 14-20 is Sunshine Week, an annual effort by print, broadcast and online journalists to highlight of the importance of open government and freedom of information. Sunshine Week is led by the American Society of News Editors and funded primarily by a challenge grant from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation of Miami.

Tuesday, March 16, 2010 8:19 AM CDT

Dawson buys land for municipal building

DAWSON SPRINGS -- The city has purchased property on South Main Street for a new municipal building.

Tuesday, March 16, 2010 12:23 AM CDT

Business    ( top )

Palm's phone sales slump and its stock dives

NEW YORK – Palm Inc. reported sales figures Thursday that showed it's having a difficult time getting consumers to pay attention to its phones in a market dominated by iPhones and BlackBerrys. The company's shares plunged in after-hours trading.

Friday, March 19, 2010 10:56 AM CDT

Porsche takes top spot in dependability study

NEW YORK – Porsche shot to the top of a closely watched study of long-term vehicle dependability, overtaking U.S. and Japanese rivals, J.D. Power and Associates said Thursday.

Thursday, March 18, 2010 9:35 AM CDT

February wholesale prices drop 0.6 percent

WASHINGTON – Prices at the wholesale level plunged in February by the largest amount in seven months as a big drop in energy prices offset higher food costs.

Wednesday, March 17, 2010 2:53 PM CDT

Business Briefs, March 17

Delta's plan at Cincinnati could bring layoffs

Wednesday, March 17, 2010 8:43 AM CDT

Phillips-Van Heusen to buy Tommy Hilfiger for $3B

NEW YORK – Clothing maker Phillips-Van Heusen Corp. said Monday it has agreed to buy Tommy Hilfiger in a cash-and-stock deal valued at about $3 billion that will put the designer name under the same ownership as Calvin Klein.

Monday, March 15, 2010 10:26 AM CDT

Obituaries    ( top )

Marshal Fletcher Ashby Sr.

Mr. Marshal Fletcher Ashby Sr., 91, of Madisonville passed away at 6:27 p.m. Wednesday, March 17, 2010, at Regional Medical Center. He was born March 27, 1918, in Ashbyburg to the late Ken Ashby and Emmer Tomblinson Ashby. He was also preceded in death by a brother, J.W. Ashby; and a sister, Myrtle Turley. He was a member of First United Methodist Church of Madisonville. He had retired from the Madisonville Post Office and served four years in the Air Force during World War II.

Friday, March 19, 2010 12:23 AM CDT

Lawycerner Cartwright

Lawycerner Cartwright, 93, of Bowling Green, formerly of Earlington, died Thursday, March 18, 2010. The Barnsley native was preceded in death by her husband, Henry Hamilton Cartwright; and her son-in-law, Richard Jones. She was a homemaker, a member of First Baptist and the Senior Adult Fellowship.

Friday, March 19, 2010 12:23 AM CDT

Mary Ruth (Harmon) Shelton

Mary Ruth "Aunt Rooster" (Harmon) Shelton, 92, of Ortiz community, near Sebree, died Tuesday, March 16, 2010, at Colonial Terrace Nursing Home in Sebree. She was a homemaker and a member of Mount Lebanon General Baptist.

Thursday, March 18, 2010 12:24 AM CDT

Anna Bates Vaughan

Mrs. Anna Bates Vaughan, 79, of Madisonville passed away 9:31 a.m., Wednesday, March 17, 2010, at Regional Medical Center in Madisonville. She was born Sept. 30, 1930, in McLean County to the late Walker Andrew Bates and Myra Ellen Robertson Bates. She was also preceded in death by her husband, William E. Vaughan; a daughter, Carol Ann Vaughan; four brothers, Jack, Jim, Daryl and Joe Bates; and a sister, Nell Anthony. Mrs. Vaughan worked as a secretary and bookkeeper. She was also a homemaker. She loved children and taught Sunday school at First Baptist Church. Mrs. Vaughan was also a volunteer for the Glema Mahr Center for the Arts and Regional Medical Center in Madisonville.

Thursday, March 18, 2010 12:24 AM CDT

Mary B. Hocker

Mary B. Hocker, 87, of Calhoun passed away at 6:19 p.m. Tuesday, March 16, 2010, at NHC Healthcare in Madisonville. She was born Dec. 3, 1922, in Cleaton to the late John Tooley and Sammie Jessup Tooley. She was a homemaker, amateur painter, 4-H instructor, Red Cross volunteer and she taught sewing to high school students. She was a member of the Eastern Star and the Women's Missionary Society. She was a member of Calhoun Baptist Church. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, John D. Hocker; a brother, J.L. Tooley; and three sisters, Margie, Helen and Lois.

Thursday, March 18, 2010 12:24 AM CDT

Hazel M. Blades

Hazel M. Blades, 87, of Madisonville, formerly of Dawson Springs, died Monday, March 15, 2010, at Regional Medical Center. She was a member of Landmark Apostolic Holiness Church in Dawson Springs.

Thursday, March 18, 2010 12:24 AM CDT

Lymon Brock

Lymon Brock, 80, of Providence died Monday, March 15, 2010, at his home. He was a salesman for Hart Equipment.

Wednesday, March 17, 2010 12:24 AM CDT

Stephanie Midkiff

Stephanie Midkiff, 49, of Dawson Springs died Saturday, March 13, 2010, at Caldwell County Medical Center, Princeton. She was an instructional assistant for the Dawson Springs Community Schools. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Dawson Springs.

Tuesday, March 16, 2010 12:23 AM CDT

Kendall Grace Rushin

Infant Kendall Grace Rushin died Saturday, March 13, 2010, at The Women's Hospital in Newburgh, Ind.

Tuesday, March 16, 2010 12:23 AM CDT

Walter E. 'Junior' Miller

SLAUGHTERS - Walter E. "Junior" Miller, 70, of 10693 Kentucky 138, Slaughters, died Sunday, March 14, 2010, at his home. Walter Edward Miller was born Aug. 23, 1939, in McLean County, to the late Walter Everett and Sallie Lloyd Miller and was married to the former Doris Elaine Bolton on Feb. 14, 1974. Junior was the owner and operator of Miller's Auto Electric in Slaughters and a member of the Protestant Faith. He was a U.S. Air Force veteran and enjoyed University of Kentucky basketball.

Tuesday, March 16, 2010 12:23 AM CDT

'Mission: Impossible' star Peter Graves dies in LA

LOS ANGELES – Peter Graves, whose calm and intelligent demeanor was a good fit to the intrigue of "Mission Impossible" as well as the satire of the "Airplane" films, has died.

Monday, March 15, 2010 10:28 AM CDT

Nathan Dale Tucker

U.S. veteran Nathan Dale Tucker, 76, of Madisonville passed away at 6:20 a.m. Wednesday, March 10, 2010, at Western Kentucky Veterans Center in Hanson. He was born Dec. 8, 1933, in Hume, Ill., to the late Mason Tucker and Cecil Butcher Tucker. He was a Navy veteran serving in Korea. He was owner-operator of Mid-South Home Improvement and Tucker Rentals. He was a member of Earlington General Baptist Church and also a member of Masonic Lodge No. 143, VFW No. 5480 and American Legion Post 6. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by nine brothers and sisters.

Sunday, March 14, 2010 12:24 AM CST

Johnny H. Carson

Mr. Johnny H. Carson, 93, of Madisonville passed away at 11:40 a.m. Thursday, March 11, 2010, at his home. He was born Dec. 22, 1916, in Bowling Green to the late Marvin Henry and Nellie Elizabeth Iglehart Carson. He was also preceded in death by three sisters, Louise Thomas, Elsie Carson and Mildred Hyde. Mr. Carson was a World War II Navy veteran and a deacon emeritus, member and former Sunday school teacher at Second Baptist Church in Madisonville.

Saturday, March 13, 2010 12:23 AM CST

Pennyrile Plus    ( top )

Time with Tutors

Photo provided

Tuesday, March 16, 2010 2:33 PM CDT

Unveiling

Kentucky Human Rights Commissioner Tim Thomas of Madisonville spoke at the unveiling ceremony of the newest Great Black Kentuckian Series poster. Pictured on the poster is Margaret Garner, a slave who tried to escape from a Boone County plantation by cros

Tuesday, March 16, 2010 2:33 PM CDT

Conservation District honors students, teacher

Outstanding efforts in the area of conservation were honored recently by the Hopkins County Conservation District. Among the areas recognized were writing, art and conservation educator of the year.

Tuesday, March 16, 2010 2:33 PM CDT

Fugate attains 4.O GPA

Elizabeth A. Fugate earned a 4.0 GPA to achieve the designation of president's scholar at Western Kentucky University for the fall 2009 semester. To qualify for the honor, a student must achieve a GPA of 3.8 or higher.

Tuesday, March 16, 2010 2:33 PM CDT

Skinner earns certification

Alex Skinner from Hopkins County School District recently earned an Apple Support Essentials advanced certification. The four-day training class and examination are designed for individuals who need to manage computer networks like those found in school districts.

Tuesday, March 16, 2010 2:33 PM CDT

Southside Honor Roll

The Southside Elementary School honor roll for the second grading period is as follows:

Tuesday, March 16, 2010 2:33 PM CDT

Reading a newspaper with green ink doesn't count

I trust you are wearin’ the green today. Pin on a shamrock if not. It hurts to get pinched. You are obligated to pinch someone not wearing green. If you don’t, the leprechauns will not give you any luck and you will be miserable for the next 10 years. If, however, you are wearing green and get pinched, you can pinch back 10 times. At least that’s the rules I found on the Internet search.

Tuesday, March 16, 2010 2:33 PM CDT

Tips from Teachers

Hello Parents,

Tuesday, March 16, 2010 2:33 PM CDT

Next generation should look to HCC FFA for inspiration

Good morning, Hopkins County. What a beautiful day today has been. I hope you are all in good health and good spirits.

Tuesday, March 16, 2010 2:33 PM CDT

Humane Society News

I am sure most of you saw on the news recently the Evansville case of animal cruelty. Eighteen horses had been left at an abandoned location in three feet of manure with no food or water. Fortunately, the person responsible for this act of animal cruelty has now been charged.

Tuesday, March 16, 2010 2:33 PM CDT

May the March wind be always at your back

'Tis merry-o-month o' March greetin's from Nortonville to all. Hope your Irish eyes are smilin' on this St. Patrick's Day.

Tuesday, March 16, 2010 2:33 PM CDT

All nature joins us in putting on the green

Happy St. Patrick’s Day, everyone. Visions of leprechauns and pots of gold at the ends of rainbows abound. Hope you’ve got your green on so you don’t get pinched. The trees and the lawns are wearing theirs, as I’ve noticed the ever-so-slightly peeking of the green among the prevalent brown hues of winter. Spring is just around the corner. Before long she will burst forth with her palette of colors bright and beautiful, making all things new. We’ve already switched to Daylight Saving Time and Saturday is the first “official” day of spring. Such a welcome sight to see.

Tuesday, March 16, 2010 2:33 PM CDT

I-rish you all a happy St. Patrick's Day

Hello Anton, and hopefully hello sunshine. Just a week ago today we had one of those days that told us spring is almost here. Before spring gets here we have some special wishes to send out. First, we wish a happy 43rd wedding anniversary to Johnnie and Mary Alice Davis. There are lots more special days in March we need to celebrate too.

Tuesday, March 16, 2010 2:33 PM CDT

Warmer days bring lighter clothing and bigger smiles

Greetings, once again, from the west end of the county. It has been another busy week around the Daugherty household, but what would we do otherwise, right? The warmer weather that we have been experiencing sure has been enjoyable. It is so nice to head off to work without a coat. Lois Ann (Cummings) and I have enjoyed having our windows open in our classroom at school. The kids have enjoyed it as well. Come on, spring. We welcome you with opened arms.

Tuesday, March 16, 2010 2:33 PM CDT

(no headline)

Photo provided

Tuesday, March 16, 2010 2:33 PM CDT

Duplicate Bridge

Tuesday, Feb. 2Section B: 1st, Mary Curry and Jeanne Hines; 2nd, Christine Wingo and Henrietta Anderson

Tuesday, March 16, 2010 2:33 PM CDT

St. Pat, like St. Nick has become a marketing icon

Happy St. Patrick's Day. Be sure to wear green today or else you might get pinched.

Tuesday, March 16, 2010 2:33 PM CDT

Express gratitude to women who influenced you

Happy St. Patrick's Day, Dawson Springs. I hope that everyone remembered to wear green today -- we wouldn't want anyone to be on the receiving end of a pinch.

Tuesday, March 16, 2010 2:33 PM CDT

Fresh air and prayer may be better than medicine

Hello to all of you here in the middle of March. The weather has been a bit more pleasant, but I went to visit with my mama and she says she just doesn’t think winter is over. Say a prayer for my mama. She is just not herself - they are still getting some of her medicine adjusted. It is sad to see her so tired. I hope when the weather does warm up and she can get outside she will feel better.

Tuesday, March 16, 2010 2:33 PM CDT

Previous Local News Headlines

March 18th, 2010

Computers taking byte out of crime

I'm not great with computers.

Indiana surpasses Mississippi in gaming revenues

JACKSON, Miss. -- Mississippi, which has built much of its marketing for more than a decade around being the third largest gaming destination in the country, lost that title in 2009 to Indiana.

Human rights group celebrates 50th

Fifty years ago this month, Kentucky became the first state south of the Mason-Dixon line to form a human rights commission.

4 injured in U.S. 41A wreck

Four people were injured in a head-on collision between two vehicles at U.S. 41A and Rose Creek Road.

Mary B. Hocker

Mary B. Hocker, 87, of Calhoun passed away at 6:19 p.m. Tuesday, March 16, 2010, at NHC Healthcare in Madisonville. She was born Dec. 3, 1922, in Cleaton to the late John Tooley and Sammie Jessup Tooley. She was a homemaker, amateur painter, 4-H instructor, Red Cross volunteer and she taught sewing to high school students. She was a member of the Eastern Star and the Women's Missionary Society. She was a member of Calhoun Baptist Church. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, John D. Hocker; a brother, J.L. Tooley; and three sisters, Margie, Helen and Lois.

Anna Bates Vaughan

Mrs. Anna Bates Vaughan, 79, of Madisonville passed away 9:31 a.m., Wednesday, March 17, 2010, at Regional Medical Center in Madisonville. She was born Sept. 30, 1930, in McLean County to the late Walker Andrew Bates and Myra Ellen Robertson Bates. She was also preceded in death by her husband, William E. Vaughan; a daughter, Carol Ann Vaughan; four brothers, Jack, Jim, Daryl and Joe Bates; and a sister, Nell Anthony. Mrs. Vaughan worked as a secretary and bookkeeper. She was also a homemaker. She loved children and taught Sunday school at First Baptist Church. Mrs. Vaughan was also a volunteer for the Glema Mahr Center for the Arts and Regional Medical Center in Madisonville.

Mary Ruth (Harmon) Shelton

Mary Ruth "Aunt Rooster" (Harmon) Shelton, 92, of Ortiz community, near Sebree, died Tuesday, March 16, 2010, at Colonial Terrace Nursing Home in Sebree. She was a homemaker and a member of Mount Lebanon General Baptist.

Hazel M. Blades

Hazel M. Blades, 87, of Madisonville, formerly of Dawson Springs, died Monday, March 15, 2010, at Regional Medical Center. She was a member of Landmark Apostolic Holiness Church in Dawson Springs.

Group to tout coal's importance

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP)-- Supporters of Kentucky's coal industry are gathering in Louisville for a rally to tout coal's importance to the state's largest city.

Sexstone releasing CD, performing in Texas show

The local band Sexstone, preparing to perform tonight in Austin, Texas, will soon release a new extended-play CD.

Legislation to allow a new form of gambling stalls in Senaate

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) - Legislation meant to bolster Kentucky's racing industry by tapping into a new form of gambling on old horse races stalled in a Senate committee on Wednesday, a sudden turnaround that a key lawmaker attributed to lobbying by anti-gambling forces.

Paducah roofer charged in string of burglaries

PADUCAH, Ky.(AP) -- A western Kentucky roofer has been charged in eight burglaries, including one at a home he was re-roofing.

Ky. National Guard troops return from Iraq

LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP)-- A welcome home ceremony is planned for Kentucky National Guard troops returning from Iraq.

Groups oppose bill that would release felons early

A number of statewide associations are lobbying Frankfort to remove a provision of the House budget bill that would allow the early release of Class D felons from jail.

Workshop to focus on watercolor techniques

Watercolor techniques will be taught during an artists' workshop next week at Glema Mahr Center for the Arts at Madisonville Community College.

Lions Club to recognize Cox, McClure

Steve Cox and Susan McClure have been named Madisonville Lions Club's Man and Woman of the Year.

Porsche takes top spot in dependability study

NEW YORK – Porsche shot to the top of a closely watched study of long-term vehicle dependability, overtaking U.S. and Japanese rivals, J.D. Power and Associates said Thursday.

Ky. Music Hall of Fame welcoming new inductees

LEXINGTON, Ky. -- Country singer Patty Loveless, the late Keith Whitley and John Michael Montgomery will lead a class of seven into the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame.

Correction

A listing in the calendar of events in Wednesday's Pennyrile Plus calendar incorrectly indicated the Woman's Club of Madisonville High School Art Exhibit was scheduled for the Anne P. Baker Gallery at the Glema Mahr Center for the Arts. That exhibit is not up, but the Southern Watercolor Society 33rd Annual Juried Exhibit is on display.

Senate OKs domestic violence bill

FRANKFORT -- A somber Kentucky Senate passed a bill Wednesday aimed at protecting domestic violence victims by attaching ankle monitors to suspected abusers to keep track of their whereabouts.

Gambling bill to help horse industry stalls

FRANKFORT -- Legislation meant to bolster Kentucky's racing industry by tapping into a new form of gambling on old horse races stalled in a Senate committee on Wednesday, a sudden turnaround that a key lawmaker attributed to lobbying by anti-gambling forces.

Ky. Senate passes bill protecting domestic violence victims

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) - A somber Kentucky Senate passed a bill Wednesday aimed at protecting domestic violence victims by attaching ankle monitors to suspected abusers to keep track of their whereabouts.

Spring break discount for park visitors

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP)-- Kentucky's state parks are offering visitors a discount on lodgings during spring break.
March 17th, 2010

Ky. bill lets guns be carried in vehicle consoles

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP)-- Kentuckians would be able to stow guns in any enclosed compartment built into vehicles under a measure that's headed to the Senate for consideration.

Man charged after baby found unhurt in oven

PADUCAH, Ky. (AP)-- Authorities in western Kentucky say a man left his infant son in a cold oven, probably for a matter of hours.

Lymon Brock

Lymon Brock, 80, of Providence died Monday, March 15, 2010, at his home. He was a salesman for Hart Equipment.

Highway cleanup planned next week

FRANKFORT, Ky. -- More than 8,800 miles of Kentucky roadside will get some TLC next week as Adopt-a-Highway volunteers get down to work.

Program can help veterans find jobs

Veterans who need help navigating the job market might find the right direction at an upcoming meeting.

Hopkins Fiscal Court gets $22,885 in fund dividend

Hopkins Fiscal Court was the recipient of some good news Tuesday when a Kentucky Association of Counties representative told the court that it would receive $22,885 as the result of a fund dividend.

Cleaning crew finds cocaine stashed at airport

HEBRON, Ky. -- A cleaning crew has found more than 14 pounds of cocaine in a bathroom at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport.

Leeper: Cuts in budget may be needed

FRANKFORT -- Kentucky Senate budget writers can't rule out reductions to elementary and secondary education as part of broader cuts as they prepare their version of a two-year state budget plan, a key senator said Tuesday.

Schoolchildren's efforts help U.S. soldiers

Schoolchildren across Hopkins County have pitched in to collect items for a "Beans and Books" donation drive for Fort Campbell soldiers who will be deployed to Afghanistan next month.

February wholesale prices drop 0.6 percent

WASHINGTON – Prices at the wholesale level plunged in February by the largest amount in seven months as a big drop in energy prices offset higher food costs.

Business Briefs, March 17

Delta's plan at Cincinnati could bring layoffs

School hopes test-drive cash will mean driver's ed vehicle

Taking a test drive Saturday at Madisonville-North Hopkins may help the school earn up to $6,000 for a new driver's education vehicle.

Ky. bill aimed at curbing meth production

FRANKFORT, Ky. -- A Senate panel approved a bill Tuesday in the latest push to combat methamphetamine production in Kentucky - this time by blocking drug offenders from purchasing popular cold medicines with ingredients used to make the illicit drug.

Former Ohio County girls' coaches suspended from teaching positions

Two former Ohio County High School girls' basketball coaches charged with multiple sex-related felonies have both been suspended by their respective school districts and removed from their classrooms.

BB pierced boy's heart, causing death

LOUISVILLE, Ky.(AP) -- An attorney says an 11-year-old boy shot with a BB gun died because the BB pierced his heart.
March 16th, 2010

Former coaches face sex charges in western Ky.

HARTFORD, Ky.(AP) -- Two former high school coaches have been charged with having sexual relations with teenage girls.

Nortonville officials take no action on audit bid

NORTONVILLLE -- The city of Nortonville has received a bid from only one accountant to perform an audit of the city's finances.

Coroner: man likely fell to his death from cliff

LEXINGTON, Ky.(AP) -- A central Kentucky coroner says a man found dead over the weekend likely fell from a cliff.

Farm where Lawyer Ron born up for sale

UTICA, Ky.(AP) -- A 244-acre farm where 2006 Kentucky Derby runner Lawyer Ron was born is up for auction.

Reading a newspaper with green ink doesn't count

I trust you are wearin’ the green today. Pin on a shamrock if not. It hurts to get pinched. You are obligated to pinch someone not wearing green. If you don’t, the leprechauns will not give you any luck and you will be miserable for the next 10 years. If, however, you are wearing green and get pinched, you can pinch back 10 times. At least that’s the rules I found on the Internet search.

Fresh air and prayer may be better than medicine

Hello to all of you here in the middle of March. The weather has been a bit more pleasant, but I went to visit with my mama and she says she just doesn’t think winter is over. Say a prayer for my mama. She is just not herself - they are still getting some of her medicine adjusted. It is sad to see her so tired. I hope when the weather does warm up and she can get outside she will feel better.

May the March wind be always at your back

'Tis merry-o-month o' March greetin's from Nortonville to all. Hope your Irish eyes are smilin' on this St. Patrick's Day.

All nature joins us in putting on the green

Happy St. Patrick’s Day, everyone. Visions of leprechauns and pots of gold at the ends of rainbows abound. Hope you’ve got your green on so you don’t get pinched. The trees and the lawns are wearing theirs, as I’ve noticed the ever-so-slightly peeking of the green among the prevalent brown hues of winter. Spring is just around the corner. Before long she will burst forth with her palette of colors bright and beautiful, making all things new. We’ve already switched to Daylight Saving Time and Saturday is the first “official” day of spring. Such a welcome sight to see.

Duplicate Bridge

Tuesday, Feb. 2Section B: 1st, Mary Curry and Jeanne Hines; 2nd, Christine Wingo and Henrietta Anderson

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Photo provided

Time with Tutors

Photo provided

Skinner earns certification

Alex Skinner from Hopkins County School District recently earned an Apple Support Essentials advanced certification. The four-day training class and examination are designed for individuals who need to manage computer networks like those found in school districts.

Conservation District honors students, teacher

Outstanding efforts in the area of conservation were honored recently by the Hopkins County Conservation District. Among the areas recognized were writing, art and conservation educator of the year.

I-rish you all a happy St. Patrick's Day

Hello Anton, and hopefully hello sunshine. Just a week ago today we had one of those days that told us spring is almost here. Before spring gets here we have some special wishes to send out. First, we wish a happy 43rd wedding anniversary to Johnnie and Mary Alice Davis. There are lots more special days in March we need to celebrate too.

Express gratitude to women who influenced you

Happy St. Patrick's Day, Dawson Springs. I hope that everyone remembered to wear green today -- we wouldn't want anyone to be on the receiving end of a pinch.

St. Pat, like St. Nick has become a marketing icon

Happy St. Patrick's Day. Be sure to wear green today or else you might get pinched.

Unveiling

Kentucky Human Rights Commissioner Tim Thomas of Madisonville spoke at the unveiling ceremony of the newest Great Black Kentuckian Series poster. Pictured on the poster is Margaret Garner, a slave who tried to escape from a Boone County plantation by cros

Next generation should look to HCC FFA for inspiration

Good morning, Hopkins County. What a beautiful day today has been. I hope you are all in good health and good spirits.

Fugate attains 4.O GPA

Elizabeth A. Fugate earned a 4.0 GPA to achieve the designation of president's scholar at Western Kentucky University for the fall 2009 semester. To qualify for the honor, a student must achieve a GPA of 3.8 or higher.

Tips from Teachers

Hello Parents,

Humane Society News

I am sure most of you saw on the news recently the Evansville case of animal cruelty. Eighteen horses had been left at an abandoned location in three feet of manure with no food or water. Fortunately, the person responsible for this act of animal cruelty has now been charged.

Southside Honor Roll

The Southside Elementary School honor roll for the second grading period is as follows:

Warmer days bring lighter clothing and bigger smiles

Greetings, once again, from the west end of the county. It has been another busy week around the Daugherty household, but what would we do otherwise, right? The warmer weather that we have been experiencing sure has been enjoyable. It is so nice to head off to work without a coat. Lois Ann (Cummings) and I have enjoyed having our windows open in our classroom at school. The kids have enjoyed it as well. Come on, spring. We welcome you with opened arms.

Stephanie Midkiff

Stephanie Midkiff, 49, of Dawson Springs died Saturday, March 13, 2010, at Caldwell County Medical Center, Princeton. She was an instructional assistant for the Dawson Springs Community Schools. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Dawson Springs.

Walter E. 'Junior' Miller

SLAUGHTERS - Walter E. "Junior" Miller, 70, of 10693 Kentucky 138, Slaughters, died Sunday, March 14, 2010, at his home. Walter Edward Miller was born Aug. 23, 1939, in McLean County, to the late Walter Everett and Sallie Lloyd Miller and was married to the former Doris Elaine Bolton on Feb. 14, 1974. Junior was the owner and operator of Miller's Auto Electric in Slaughters and a member of the Protestant Faith. He was a U.S. Air Force veteran and enjoyed University of Kentucky basketball.

Kendall Grace Rushin

Infant Kendall Grace Rushin died Saturday, March 13, 2010, at The Women's Hospital in Newburgh, Ind.

Bill seen as way to speed mine permitting

FRANKFORT, Ky.(AP) -- The Kentucky Senate has passed a bill that would increase the fees paid by coal companies when applying for mining permits.

Dawson school board approves graduation for May 28

DAWSON SPRINGS -- The school board approved the date for Dawson Springs High School's commencement at Monday's meeting.

School board studies random drug testing

Preliminary information on random drug testing for students and personnel was presented to the Hopkins County Board of Education during Monday's meeting.

Skaggs to perform at festival in Ky. hometown

LOUISA, Ky.(AP) -- Bluegrass star Ricky Skaggs has signed to perform at a festival in his eastern Kentucky hometown.

Dawson buys land for municipal building

DAWSON SPRINGS -- The city has purchased property on South Main Street for a new municipal building.

State lawmakers wrestling with social issues this session

Some haven't gotten off the starting line. Others have gotten halfway through the legislative process. None have passed.

Madisonville council OKs deal to extend sidewalks

Madisonville City Council approved an agreement Monday between the city and state Transportation Cabinet for funding for the South Main sidewalk project.

Bills seek to shed light on city, county groups

March 14-20 is Sunshine Week, an annual effort by print, broadcast and online journalists to highlight of the importance of open government and freedom of information. Sunshine Week is led by the American Society of News Editors and funded primarily by a challenge grant from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation of Miami.

Hopkins County receives emergency aid grant

Hopkins County has received a $31,109 grant to aid emergency food and shelter programs.

Measure seeks to protect state aid to schools

FRANKFORT, Ky. -- The Kentucky Senate voted Monday to inoculate school districts from a potential cut in state aid due to high absenteeism caused by the swine flu outbreak.

Company accused of pyramid scheme

HELENA, Mont.(AP) -- Montana has ordered a Lexington, Ky.-based company to cease operations in the state, accusing it of running a pyramid scheme.
March 15th, 2010

Ky. worker's compensation program running surplus

LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP)-- Kentucky's worker's compensation self-insurance group is running a $154 million surplus and is facing pressure to refund some of the money to policy holders.

'Mission: Impossible' star Peter Graves dies in LA

LOS ANGELES – Peter Graves, whose calm and intelligent demeanor was a good fit to the intrigue of "Mission Impossible" as well as the satire of the "Airplane" films, has died.

Police say boy fatally shot by pellet or BB gun

LOUISVILLE, Ky.(AP) -- Police in Louisville say an 11-year-old boy was fatally shot by either a pellet or BB gun.

Park lakes in Ky. stocked with trout, catfish

OWENSBORO, Ky.(AP) -- Lakes in three county parks in northwestern Kentucky are being stocked with thousands of rainbow trout and catfish.

Body of missing man found by photographer

LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP)-- The body of a missing central Kentucky man has been found along the Dix River in Rockcastle County.

WKU grad starting Fulbright Program

BOWLING GREEN, Ky.(AP) -- A Western Kentucky University graduate is headed to Argentina to start a position as a teaching assistant as part of the prestigious Fulbright Program.

Phillips-Van Heusen to buy Tommy Hilfiger for $3B

NEW YORK – Clothing maker Phillips-Van Heusen Corp. said Monday it has agreed to buy Tommy Hilfiger in a cash-and-stock deal valued at about $3 billion that will put the designer name under the same ownership as Calvin Klein.

Boy dies in crash, tried to jump from vehicle

PADUCAH, Ky. (AP)-- Authorities in Western Kentucky say a teenager's effort to jump from his father's moving vehicle led to the boy's death.

1 survive boat sinking, 1 missing in Ohio River

HEBRON, Ky. (AP)-- A tow boat has sunk in the Ohio River and a crew member is missing.

Officer remembers 2 Fort Campbell soldiers killed

CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (AP)-- An officer remembered two Fort Campbell soldiers killed this week as the first to cheer up his battle buddies and a leader that others strives to emulate.
March 14th, 2010

Meetings This Week



Monday

4:15 p.m. -- Browning Springs Middle School Site-Based Council at the school media center.

Nathan Dale Tucker

U.S. veteran Nathan Dale Tucker, 76, of Madisonville passed away at 6:20 a.m. Wednesday, March 10, 2010, at Western Kentucky Veterans Center in Hanson. He was born Dec. 8, 1933, in Hume, Ill., to the late Mason Tucker and Cecil Butcher Tucker. He was a Navy veteran serving in Korea. He was owner-operator of Mid-South Home Improvement and Tucker Rentals. He was a member of Earlington General Baptist Church and also a member of Masonic Lodge No. 143, VFW No. 5480 and American Legion Post 6. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by nine brothers and sisters.

Writer gains new appreciation for coal mine work

When I agreed to become a staff writer for The Messenger, Tom Clinton conveniently neglected to give me the full job description, which I later discovered is listed as "Chuck Norris Boot Camp."

Workshop provides tips to improve memory skills

In the 1950s, Elvis Presley sang, "I Forgot to Remember to Forget."

A good lawn starts with proper mowing, fertilizing

Springtime always brings with it a renewed interest in maintaining a healthy lawn. Springtime is the time to prepare your lawn for the rest of the year. There are many good management practices that will help you keep a healthy lawn throughout the season.

Nurse volunteers to help Haiti's earthquake victims

"The children there will break your heart," Foster said. "The devastation there, the buildings, the people buried, the graves. We sit here in our American world, most of us, in great comfort. Haiti was the poorest country in the world, and that was before the earthquake."

Chance meeting yields funds for sidewalk work

A photo opportunity led to a conversation between Madisonville's mayor and Governor Steve Beshear that resulted in the city being allocated $550,000 in funding for the South Main Street sidewalk project.

Grand jury to examine cases stemming from prison riot

LEXINGTON -- A grand jury is expected to start looking at evidence in the first of more than 100 criminal cases stemming from a fiery riot at a medium-security prison in Kentucky.

Despite brashness, Bunning still a hero in Ky.

HEBRON, Ky. – Irascible Republican U.S. Sen. Jim Bunning has been a pariah among his congressional colleagues. Back in the conservative swath of northern Kentucky he calls home, though, he's being heralded as a hero.
March 13th, 2010

Master Gardeners clinic to focus on techniques

The upcoming Master Gardeners Spring Clinic will give home horticulturists tips on how to conserve natural resources and growing space.

GOP establishment is starting to embrace Paul's Senate campaign

LEXINGTON -- Rand Paul has run his U.S. Senate campaign as the consummate outsider: a grassroots candidate drawing support from regular Joes and Janes. Now that his candidacy has gained momentum, he's beginning to pick up support from the Republican establishment.

Johnny H. Carson

Mr. Johnny H. Carson, 93, of Madisonville passed away at 11:40 a.m. Thursday, March 11, 2010, at his home. He was born Dec. 22, 1916, in Bowling Green to the late Marvin Henry and Nellie Elizabeth Iglehart Carson. He was also preceded in death by three sisters, Louise Thomas, Elsie Carson and Mildred Hyde. Mr. Carson was a World War II Navy veteran and a deacon emeritus, member and former Sunday school teacher at Second Baptist Church in Madisonville.

Releasing prisoners early raises budget fears for local jails

FRANKFORT -- Local officials are objecting to a House cost-cutting proposal to speed the release of some nonviolent prisoners, saying counties would take a financial hit.
 
 
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