Headline News

Three magistrates met with local builders, electricians and inspectors Tuesday to discuss a state mandate to contract with a state certified electrical inspector.

The committee met after the fiscal court received a letter from the Department of Housing, Building and Construction stating that the county must have a contract with any electrical inspector doing business within its jurisdiction.
“They’ve called our hand on it,” said magistrate Joe Rogers. Rogers, Daryl Flatt and Sammy Baker asked the 11 people who attended the meeting how they would like the county to proceed. The county could leave the process open for multiple inspectors or designate one person to be the inspector, magistrates said.

A general discussion took place with builders and electricians agreeing that Coy Neat, who does the majority of the inspections in the county, should be designated as the official inspector. Other inspectors could be identified in a secondary role in case Neat was not available to fulfill the position.

Everyone attending the meeting who was qualified to be an inspector was asked if he was interested in the position or to be listed as a secondary inspector. The committee was not sure if the secondary inspectors should be identified with the state and be required to sign a contract or would just work through Neat. Flatt said they would look into the specific requirements before the fiscal court meets in December.

The group also showed a consensus for the county to set rates at the rates Neat currently charges, which are $60 per inspection or $75 for a non-scheduled inspection. Non-scheduled inspections come at the request of builders on days Neat would normally not be in the county. Neat lives in Taylor County.

Neat attended the meeting and agreed to provide the county with a monthly report of his activity and to keep all records available according to legal requirements.

Magistrates said they would finalize the plan in time to bring a recommendation before the Dec. 11 fiscal court meeting and invited everyone to attend if they were interested. An approved inspector needs to be in place in January, Magistrate Baker said.

By Sharon Burton
snburton@duo-county.com

Local fire departments responded to multiple fires over a week’s time including one on State Park Road. A feed shed and silo caught fire on the property of Elbert Burton. The feed shed was a complete loss.

Breeding Fire Department responded to a vehicle fire on the same day last week near Jones Chapel Road. A drill rig caught fire and spread through a wooded area. Brandon Harvey of Breeding Fire Department said high winds and dry brush caused the fire to spread quickly. The Kentucky Division of Forestry was called and helped contain the fire, which spread through eight acres of land.

Columbia-Adair County Fire Department also responded to a shed fire on Monday, 3206 Pellham Branch Rd., at the residence of James and Patricia McClister (right). The shed was a complete loss. City chief Mike Glasgow said the county is behind on rainfall this year and fields are especially dry, which makes it easier for fires to spread.

Deputy Sheriff Aaron Rainwater saw Charles McFarland, 33, of Magnolia Drive, pull from Pleasant View Drive in the city limits and almost hit an oncoming car as he made a right turn.

Rainwater turned on his blue lights to pull over the 1989 blue Ford Mustang but the vehicle fled.

Rainwater said McFarland traveled onto Lowes Lane and College Park before turning onto Wright Drive. He lost control of the vehicle at 806 Wright Dr., traveled through a yard and struck a tree. The tree was knocked down, taking down electric lines.

McFarland was taken to Westlake Regional Hospital for minor facial injuries where he was treated and released. He was then arrested on charges of fleeing and evading police, motor vehicle, 1st degree; operating on a suspended license; reckless driving; no insurance, second offense; three counts of disregarding a stop sign; three counts of failure to signal; and failure to wear a seat belt.

He was lodged in the Adair County Regional Jail. The incident occurred around 3:14 p.m. Tuesday.

The boil water advisory has been lifted.

As of 1:15 p.m. on November 20, 2012, the boil water advisory for residents on Burkesville Street, Hudson Street, Baker Street and Lancaster Drive has been lifted by the Division of Water Columbia Office. This means your water is safe for human consumption. You no longer have to boil your water.

Thank You

Columbia Adair Utilities District

Date Issued 11/19/12
Time Issued 11:00 a.m.
A BOIL WATER ADVISORY is in effect for consumers of Columbia Adair Utilities District for customers on Burkesville Road, Hudson Street, Baker Street and Lancaster Drive.

The advisory has been issued due to main line leak.

Following such an event, the potential exists for bacteriological contamination of the water supply therefore this Boil Water Advisory has been issued as a precautionary measure.

Until further notice, boil all water used for drinking and cooking, bringing the water to a rolling boil for three minutes before using.

This advisory will remain in effect until the situation has been corrected and test results have shown the water to be of an acceptable quality.

For more information concerning the Boil Water Advisory, contact Lennon Stone at Columbia Adair Utilities District, 270-384-2181.

A judge has ruled that Gail Williams is a legal resident of Adair County and is qualified to be commonwealth’s attorney.

A lawsuit was filed in Adair Circuit Court after Williams was selected by the Republican Party as a candidate for commonwealth’s attorney. The position was vacant after incumbent Brian Wright withdrew from the candidacy to run for a different office.

Williams was the only candidate on the November ballot for commonwealth’s attorney in Adair and Casey counties but has not been certified awaiting the outcome of the lawsuit.

In a 15-page opinion, Special Judge Mark Rosen wrote Friday that the “narrow issue” in the case is simple: “Does a candidate surrender (or forfeit) a lengthy ‘actual’ residency in a jurisdiction simply by selling his home and failing to establish another ‘actual’ residence within the jurisdiction for a short period of time (three weeks) during which time he alleges he was visiting family and vacationing?”

Rosen writes that the case is unique because they do not have a candidate who is attempting to establish a residency to run for office but rather, according to the Movant (Casey County resident Ronney Hatter), appears not to have an “actual residence” at the time of his filing for office.

Williams and his wife sold their Adair County home and were vacationing in Florida when he received the nomination. They had also rented an apartment in Boyd County that Williams said was intended to give them a place to stay when they visit family there.

Williams still maintained bank accounts in Adair County, his driver’s license was registered in Adair County and he continued to see clients here.

Judge Rosen ruled that the Movant had failed to meet the burden of proof that Williams either legally or factually surrendered or forfeited his status of being an “actual resident” of Adair County. The case was dismissed.

Mike Harris, a local attorney who represented Williams during the case, said there is a five-day window for the case to be appealed.

FRANKFORT, Ky. – Gov. Steve Beshear has directed that state flags at all state office buildings be lowered to half-staff on Saturday, Nov. 17, 2012, in honor of Marion County Sheriff’s Deputy Anthony Rakes, who died earlier this week after being shot during a routine traffic stop in Marion County.

“I know Lebanon is a tightly knit community and our deepest sympathies and prayers are with friends and family of Deputy Rakes,” said Gov. Beshear. “This tragedy reminds us of the sacrifice our peace officers make every day to protect the citizens of Kentucky, and I want to express our sincere gratitude for those who have passed while in the line of duty and those who continue to serve.”

Deputy Rakes was a six-year veteran of the Marion County Sheriff’s Department and had previously served two years with the Lebanon Police Department.

Funeral services for Deputy Rakes will be held on Nov. 17 at 1 p.m. Eastern time at Marion County High School in Lebanon, Ky. Gov. Beshear encourages individuals, businesses, organizations and government agencies to join in this tribute.

UPDATE: (Lebanon, KY) – Preliminary Autopsy results indicate that Marion County Deputy Sheriff Carl Anthony Rakes died from injuries sustained from two gunshot wounds located in the abdomen and upper torso area. A final autopsy report will be released at a later date.

UPDATE: (Lebanon, KY) – 49-year-old Dewayne Shipp has been charged with Murder – Police Officer in the death of 31-year-old Marion County Deputy Sheriff Carl Anthony Rakes. Shipp is currently being transported to University Hospital in Louisville where he is being treated for a self inflicted gunshot wound. It is unknown when he sustained the wound.

An autopsy will be performed on Deputy Rakes today at the Medical Examiner’s office in Louisville.

(Lebanon, KY) – The Kentucky State Police are currently investigating an officer involved shooting that occurred at approximately 2:00 AM EDT this morning. The incident occurred when Marion County Deputy Anthony Rakes initiated a traffic stop on a 2007 KIA. Deputy Rakes was shot during the stop and died at Springview Hospital while in surgery. He was a 6 year veteran of the Marion County Sheriff’s Department and had previously served with the Lebanon Police Department. The suspect, 49-year-old Dewayne Shipp, of McDaniel, KY was later arrested in the limits of Campbellsville on a traffic stop by Kentucky State Police and officers from the Campbellsville Police Department. Shipp was transported to Taylor County Hospital to be treated for a leg injury.

Anyone who wants to help the Ronald McDonald Houses in Lexington and Louisville can take items to the Chamber of Commerce office today from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m. The annual event is sponsored by the Columbia-Adair County Chamber of Commerce and items are being collected at the chamber office, which is located at 201 Burkesville St.

Items need for the family rooms in Lexington that are currently in short supply include paper towels, gift cards for home improvement stores, deodorant, antibacterial wipes, bite-size candy bars, and Swiffer® Wet refills (liquid & pads).
Other items needed for the family rooms include toothbrushes, gift cards for office supply stores, furniture polish, powder laundry detergent aluminum foil, plastic wrap, new off-white twin size sheets dish scrubbing sponges, hand sanitizer (individual size) microwave popcorn, magic eraser® cleaning sponges hot chocolate (instant) , breakfast cereal, disinfectant spray, toilet bowl cleaner, bottled water, granola bars , Kaboom® cleaner (spray can), and chips (individual size).

Several large items are also needed. They are a Random Orbit sander, motion detecting light switches (10), dorm style refrigerator, upright vacuum cleaner, Gorilla rack® shelving and pool stick cues (4).

The facility in Louisville requested the following items: butter/margarine, individually packaged snacks, baking supplies, icing, individual microwave meals, assorted breakfast cereals, assorted chips/cookies, fresh fruits and vegetables, salad dressing, cooking spray, flour, crackers, tuna, disposable gloves, copy paper (white and colored), batteries, Swiffer supplies, disinfectant spray, multi-purpose cleaner, paper towels and toilet paper, lunch bags, furniture polish, Styrofoam cups, laundry detergent, large food storage containers, freezer bags, dishwasher detergent, paper plates and bowls, plastic spoons and forks, razors and feminine sanitary pads.

Bring items to the chamber office and chamber member volunteers will sort items for transport.

A community support group and Relay for Life Team called Connor’s Warriors has been formed and is helping raise money for the family. Connor Anderson is a student at Adair County Elementary School who is battling cancer.
On Saturday, Nov. 10, the group is hosting Connor’s Warrior Walk at the Jim Blair Recreation Center. The group’s goal is for everyone to walk seven laps around the track in support of every year Connor has been in remission from his first stint with cancer.

The event is from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. and the walk will start at 11 a.m. There will be inflatables, silent auction, games, face painting, food and lots of other activities to enjoy while helping Connor Anderson and his family.

There will be parking at J. Downey and Sons Lumber and Majestic Yachts.

For more information, call Jennifer Brock at 250-3103.

Many community members have been wearing tee-shirts inspired by Connor. CVS Pharmacy staff is just one group of many supporters for Connor and his family.

The Columbia-Adair County Chamber of Commerce recently had a ribbon cutting for Elizabeth Lodge located at 50 Elizabeth Dr., off of Greenhills Road. Elizabeth Lodge is now accepting applications for housing. Call 384-1231.

Attorney Gail Williams ran unopposed Tuesday for commonwealth’s attorney but his fate lies in the hands of a circuit judge.

A lawsuit was filed last month questioning if Williams is qualified to hold office, arguing that he is not an Adair County resident.

The case went before special Judge Mark Rosen last Thursday and Rosen said he would not be able to make a ruling on the case prior to Tuesday’s election.

Williams, who was nominated by the Republican Party to run for commonwealth’s attorney after Brian Wright withdrew to run for circuit judge, was in court last week for the hearing and was represented by attorney Mike Harris.

The lawsuit was filed in Adair Circuit Court on behalf of Casey County resident Ronnie Hatter. Hatter’s attorney argues that Williams had sold his residence in Adair County and had moved to Boyd County, where he had also purchased a piece of property with plans to build a house.

Harris told Judge Rosen that Williams and his wife were helping their daughter build a house and they could get a better interest rate so they moved the property into their name. Harris filed documents with the court that included a purchase agreement signed by the daughter.

Rosen said he would file an opinion in the case in “a week or so.” Williams will not be certified for office until after the court ruling and only if the judge determines that he is a legal resident of Adair County.

Levi Ramage is carrying on a family tradition that began as early as World War II – serving his country.

Ramage joined the Navy in October 2011, just a few months shy of his 18th birthday. He joined the Navy specifically because of his father, Marlin Ramage.

“My father, and his father, and my grandmother’s father served in the Navy,” Ramage said.

His father spent four years in the Navy. His grandfather Osco Coomer fought in World War II on D-Day during the Normandy Invasion. His uncle Randall Coomer, another grandfather Harold Ramage, and great-grandfather, Virgil Leroy Ballou, were also in the Navy.

“It gives me an immense amount of pride to carry on the Naval family tradition,” Ramage said.

Other family members who served in the military include his older brother Chris Loy, who spent 11 years in the Army; his uncle Dwight Coomer, who spent around eight years in the Air force; his uncle Michael Coomer, who spent eight years in the Army; and his great uncles, Bruce and Russell Crawhorn, who both served in the Army.

“My family is very proud of me for joining, and my father in particular for following in his footsteps,” Ramage said.

To read more get this week’s issue of the Adair County Community Voice. Newspapers will be in racks this afternoon and in mailboxes Thursday.

By Allison Cross
allison@accvonline.com

Strong support for Judy Vance in Adair County put her over the top and beyond in the race for 29th Judicial District Circuit Judge Tuesday. Vance took home more than 64 percent of the votes in Adair County to make up for a loss in Casey.

Vance received 4,457 votes in Adair and 2200 votes in Casey for a total of 6,657.

Her opponent, Brian Wright, received 2,425 in Adair and 3,378 in Casey, for a total of 5,803, falling 854 short of the win.

SCHOOL BOARD
In local school board races, two write-in candidates were unsuccessful but one incumbent was defeated.
Quinn Lasley defeated incumbent Marsha Walker for the 2nd District school board seat. Lasley received 565 votes to Walker’s 392. Charles Miller received 95 votes.

Incumbent Mike Harris received strong support in the 5th District, taking more than 70 percent of the vote. Harris received 935 votes to write-in candidate Bill Steele’s 389 votes.

Incumbent Floyd Burton received 696 votes and write-in candidate Rhonda Cox received 489 votes in the 4th Educational District.

CITY COUNCIL

Charles Grimsley was the top vote getter for six city council seats. Grimsley recieved 774 votes. Incumbent Craig Dean received 742, incumbent Robert Flowers received 725, and Ronald P. “Butch” Rogers received 717. Incumbent Linda Waggener received 669 and incumbent June Parson received 627.

Candidates who didn’t earn a spot on the council were incumbents Tony Grider, who received 593 votes, and Jim Hadley, with 536 votes; Craig Lasley, with 609 votes, and Joe Moore, with 427 votes.

You will find complete election coverage in Thursday’s edition of the Community Voice.

Judy Vance gets numbers from Casey County while waiting for returns to come in at the Adair County Courthouse Annex Tuesday evening.

The Adair County Fire Department is having its annual pancake breakfast this Saturday, Nov. 10 from 6 a.m. until noon. It is $5 all you can eat. Call in orders in town by calling 384-3278. All proceeds benefit the 2013 WHAS Crusade for Children.

UPDATE: Boil Water Advisory has been lifted.

Date Issued: 11/5/12

Time Issued: 9:30 A.M.

A BOIL WATER ADVISORY is in effect for consumers of Columbia Adair

Utilities District for customers from 516 Bomar Heights to 609 Bomar Heights,

Allen Street and Curry Street.

The advisory has been issued due to a main line leak.

Following such an event, the potential exists for bacteriological contamination of the water supply therefore this Boil Water Advisory has been issued as a precautionary measure.

Until further notice, boil all water used for drinking and cooking, bringing the water to a rolling boil for three minutes before using.

This advisory will remain in effect until the situation has been corrected and test results have shown the water to be of an acceptable quality.
For more information concerning the Boil Water Advisory, contact Lennon Stone

at Columbia Adair Utilities District, 270-384-2181.

Christena and Kevin Jones have been fighting for their lives since they were born.

Kevin and Christena, who live in Knifley, have both been battling a disorder called Cystic Fibrosis, or what is commonly known as CF.

Kevin was diagnosed shortly before his first birthday and Christena, originally from Bullitt County, was diagnosed at birth. The couple, who grew up living almost two hours away from each other, met in 2005 while they were both being treated at the same CF center in St. Louis, Mo.

CF is a genetic disorder that affects the lungs, pancreas, liver and intestines. The disorder causes issues with proteins that allow a person to sweat or produce mucus.

“It’s the number one genetic killer of children,” said Debra Gabehart, Christena’s mother. “It affects all of the mucous producing organs.”

A major side effect of the disorder is the need for multiple organ transplants, such as the lung and liver. Kevin has had a double lung and liver transplant while Christena has had a double lung transplant.

CHRISTENA AND KEVIN’S STORY

Kevin, who grew up in Knifley, was diagnosed with CF just before his first birthday. After dealing with the side effects of the disease for nearly 10 years, Kevin was put on a transplant list. By the time he was 12 he received a double lung and liver transplant.

The recovery of the transplant was difficult at such as young age, and Kevin lived in the hospital for nearly four months after the surgery.

Christena keeps a blog about their journey with CF at the website www.christenasjourney.com. She writes that despite the fact that Kevin has CF, he doesn’t let it keep him from enjoying life. He still loves to hunt and fish, she writes.

In 2005, Christena received a double lung transplant at the CF center in St. Louis. This is where she met Kevin.
“We had heard his name around before,” Gabehart said. “When we found out they were in the hospital, we invited him and his parents in to talk with Christena.”

Both sets of parents along with Christena and Kevin met at the CF center that day, but their story as a couple didn’t begin until 2007.

In 2007, Christena added Kevin on Facebook. At the time, she was attending Western Kentucky University. Kevin also attended WKU. She asked him to meet her for dinner, but Kevin was no longer attending WKU. Even so, he still made the two-hour drive to see her.

Christena blogged about how Kevin changed the way she looked at life.

“I quit planning everything and began enjoying more, living more and actually breathing more,” Christena wrote. “I learned things I never thought I’d care to learn, like fishing and tracking animals and I began loving this life he showed me.”

The couple married in July 2010 and lived in Knifley up until a couple of months ago.

ANOTHER TRANSPLANT

Christena’s body rejected her original double lung transplant, so she is on the organ donor waiting list.

Christena and Kevin are now living in St. Louis where Christena is waiting for her second double lung transplant.
They both understand that life’s decisions often have to be made around their medical needs.

“If our parents were truthful with themselves, they’d probably admit that they didn’t see their children enjoying a normal life, graduating high school or attending college, and they definitely didn’t envision their children getting married,” Christena wrote.

“I grew up knowing that this was my life. I still enjoyed normal childhood things, but they always had a medical aspect. All of my favorite baby dolls went to the surgery with me. Each one got IVs and broviacs. I had more bags of medical supplies to play doctor than I had Barbie dolls,” she continued.

Christena’s mom said she even took her IVs to school.

“Because its all she’s ever known, she is okay,” Gabehart said.

When she was 16 she was put on oxygen full time. She couldn’t do much because of her lungs, Gabehart said.
It has been an uphill battle since Christena had her transplant.

“We almost lost her but she fought like crazy,” Gabehart said. “She is my hero. I’ve never seen anybody fight the way I’ve seen her fight.”

Since Christena’s body is rejecting the original transplant, she has no other option but to get another one, her mother continued.

The couple is currently in St. Louis awaiting the second transplant.

BENEFIT FOR CHRISTENA AND KEVIN

There will be a benefit for Christena and Kevin on Saturday beginning at 10 a.m. at the Adair County Elementary School. All proceeds from the event will go to the family.

By Allison Cross
allison@adairvoice.com

Attorney General Jack Conway reminds citizens that they can help ensure a fair and honest election on November 6 by utilizing his Election Fraud Hotline. The hotline is available throughout the year during normal business hours. On Election Day, investigators from the Attorney General’s Office will staff the hotline from 6 a.m. EST to 7 p.m. EST, while polls are open.

“My office is working hard to protect the integrity of the election process, but citizens also play an important role,” General Conway said. “We need voters to be our eyes and ears in polling places on Election Day and report any irregularities to our Election Fraud Hotline at 1-800-328-VOTE. Every complaint will be thoroughly reviewed and the appropriate enforcement action will be taken if any appear to be criminal in nature.”

In addition to the Election Fraud Hotline, General Conway will have investigators monitoring polling precincts across the state to immediately respond to voting irregularities and/or complaints.

The Office of the Attorney General has jurisdiction to investigate and prosecute violations of the Kentucky Election laws. By law, the Attorney General administers programs to observe the conduct of elections, maintains the toll-free Election Fraud Hotline, investigates and prosecutes violations of Kentucky’s election laws and conducts post-election audits based on random selection in counties throughout the Commonwealth.

As a member of the Kentucky Election Fraud Task Force, General Conway’s office also works closely with the Secretary of State’s Office, U.S. Attorneys in the Eastern and Western Districts of Kentucky, Kentucky Board of Elections, Kentucky State Police and FBI to prevent and investigate allegations of vote fraud during elections.

“Our efforts are making a difference,” General Conway said. “Working jointly with our local, state and federal law enforcement partners, our investigations have resulted in more than a dozen convictions since 2010 related to voter fraud and vote buying.”

During the last presidential election in 2008, General Conway’s Election Fraud Hotline received a total of 450 calls, and/or complaints, during the primary and general elections. In the May 22 primary election earlier this year, the hotline received 38 calls from 18 counties. Two of the calls involved allegations of vote buying and selling.

The Attorney General’s Election Fraud Hotline is 1-800-328-VOTE (800-328-8683).

Members of the news media covering the election are reminded that they may be in the voting room for the limited purpose of filming the voting process. However, as per OAG 88-76, the media may not conduct interviews with voters inside the voting room, record the identity of voters, or disrupt the voting process, a Class A misdemeanor. See KRS 117.236.

With only days left before the November 6, 2012, General Election, Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes is reminding voters of Election Day “Do’s and Don’ts” that will help avoid surprises and ensure a smooth trip to the polls. “Every election matters, and every vote counts,” said Grimes. “I hope providing this information will prepare voters and encourage them to make their voices heard.”

• DO verify your voter registration status and the races in which you will vote before you head to the polls. Registration status is available through the Voter Information Center (VIC). Sample ballots are also available through VIC, and they are printed in newspapers and displayed in each precinct.

• DO know where you vote. You can find the address of and driving directions to your polling location through VIC.

• DO know the most convenient times to vote. Polls tend to be busiest during the morning and evening rush hours and at lunchtime.

• DO bring appropriate identification to your polling location. You must either be known by a precinct officer or produce a driver’s license, social security card, credit card, or other form of identification that contains both a picture and signature in order to cast a ballot.

• DON’T wait until the last minute to head to the polls or be discouraged by long lines. Remember, as long as you are in line by 6 p.m. local time on November 6th, you will be allowed to cast your ballot.

• DON’T campaign or solicit votes within 300 feet of a polling place. Electioneering in the immediate area around a polling place is illegal in Kentucky.

• DON’T record the identity of voters in the voting room, including through the use of cameras and cell phones.

• DO ask a poll worker for instructions on how to use the voting machine or other procedural questions if you are confused about the voting process.

• DO let officials know immediately if you encounter any problems at the polls. You can address issues with your precinct election officers, the county clerk, the State Board of Elections at 502-573-7100, or the Attorney General’s Election Fraud Hotline at 1-800-328-VOTE.

• DON’T forget to thank your poll workers. This election would not be possible without them, and they deserve our appreciation.

• DO remind your friends and family to vote. Our democratic society is at its best when all Kentuckians’ voices are heard at the polls.

• DON’T forget that you can obtain election results in near-real time after the polls have closed by visiting www.elect.ky.gov.

ONE DAY ONLY! $7 subscription to the Adair County Community Voice. The Voice office is open until 7 p.m. Our office is located at 316 Public Square. Our phone number is 384-9454. $7 subscription makes an excellent Christmas present!

Mrs. Marr’s and Mrs. Flatt’s classes painted pumpkins to match storybook characters. These talented students have their pumpkins on display at the front lobby of John Adair Intermediate School. Pictured are 4th and 5th graders Hannah Brown, Carrie Smith, Kinley Darnell, Caroline Hardwick, Clay Giles, and Jadie Smith.

CVS Pharmacy, located on Jamestown Street had its ribbon cutting Friday morning with the Columbia/Adair County Chamber of Commerce. The business is open seven days a week and looks forward to serving the needs of the community.