http://www.kentucky.com/181/index.xml News, sports, and entertainment from Kentucky.com en-us Copyright 2008 Kentucky.com Breaking News 60 Fri, 05 Sep 2008 20:40:49 EDT http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss McClatchy Interactive's Workbench webmaster@kentucky.com http://www.kentucky.com/471/story/514252.html http://www.kentucky.com/471/story/514252.html Fri, 05 Sep 2008 10:15 EDT
The Courier-Journal reported Friday that Jeffersontown Police Major Steve Griffin said remains were in two plastic bags, two metal containers and a cardboard box.

Griffin said each had a piece of paper containing a name attached to it.

The discovery came Wednesday afternoon as a business was having cable service installed.

Griffin said the Jefferson County coroner's office is investigating.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/471/story/514497.html http://www.kentucky.com/471/story/514497.html Fri, 05 Sep 2008 15:39 EDT
The Courier-Journal reported Friday that U.S. District Judge Danny Reeves called a delay unacceptable and ordered a trial date be set within 70 days of Sept. 11.

William J. Gallion and Shirley Cunningham had asked that the trial be pushed back to April.

An indictment charges the two with eight counts of wire fraud and conspiracy to defraud 440 clients of $94.6 million in Kentucky's fen-phen diet-drug case.

Gallion's lawyer had sought the delay due to conflicts with other clients.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/471/story/514759.html http://www.kentucky.com/471/story/514759.html Fri, 05 Sep 2008 18:19 EDT
Police said James Whisman and Jesse Sebastian were arrested by the Georgia State Patrol on Friday in central Georgia's Lamar County.

The men escaped from the Western Kentucky Correctional Complex in Fredonia on Aug. 18.

WPSD-TV in Paducah reported that Principal Glen Ringstaff reviewed surveillance video from the Caldwell County School Campus in Princeton and found the men had twice broken into the school building.

When Ringstaff documented two intruders late at night, he called the Kentucky Department of Corrections and officers identified them as Whisman and Sebastian.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/471/story/513784.html http://www.kentucky.com/471/story/513784.html Fri, 05 Sep 2008 01:08 EDT
Kentucky State Police at Pikeville say 59-year-old Billy Ray Crisp turned himself in on Thursday night. Police say Crisp was reported missing nearly two weeks ago, and Ohio authorities issued a warrant for his arrest after he disappeared.

Crisp was wanted by Ohio authorities in connection with the death of Woodrow Perroud at a rest stop in Pike County, Ohio, in 1975. Police told the Lexington Herald-Leader that Crisp is from the lower Johns Creek area of Pike County, Ky., where Perroud was also from.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/471/story/514225.html http://www.kentucky.com/471/story/514225.html Fri, 05 Sep 2008 11:17 EDT
Norman Gene Carroll, who was the brother of former Kentucky Gov. Julian Carroll, died Feb. 4, 2003, a week after surgery at Jewish Hospital.

The Courier-Journal reported the judgment for almost $5.1 million went against the surgical team. The hospital had earlier been dismissed from the lawsuit by Retha Carroll.

The judgment went against Dr. Atul Barry, Dr. Dante J. Morassutti, the estate of nurse Carolyn Lowe and Medical Center Anesthesiologists.

Retha Carroll's attorney, Hans Poppe, said the surgery was elective and could have been stopped at any time when Carroll had trouble breathing.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/471/story/514275.html http://www.kentucky.com/471/story/514275.html Fri, 05 Sep 2008 10:59 EDT
Kimball President and CEO Jim Thyen says the land was no longer needed for the Jasper-based company's manufacturing operations.

The properties will be sold through auctions in November. Kimball did not provide details about possible sale prices.

The tracts include nearly 12,000 acres with four miles of Ohio River frontage near the western Kentucky town of Sturgis and some 10,000 acres scattered in southern Indiana between the Bedford area and the Ohio River.

Kimball began acquiring land in 1963 so it would have a reserve of wood. Kimball is now an electronics and furniture manufacturer, having stopped making its brand of pianos in 1996.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/471/story/514650.html http://www.kentucky.com/471/story/514650.html Fri, 05 Sep 2008 17:09 EDT
The Courier-Journal reports that Dale Moneypenny admitted in court on Friday that he stabbed two men to death in separate robberies in March 2006.

Moneypenny pleaded guilty to two counts of murder, arson, robbery, burglary and tampering with physical evidence in the deaths of Charles Edward Poynter, 43, and Blaine Thacker Jr., 73.

Moneypenny avoided the death penalty by pleading guilty.

Jennifer Lynne Smith is accused of aiding Moneypenny. She faces murder, burglary and arson charges and has a court hearing on Sept. 30.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/471/story/514775.html http://www.kentucky.com/471/story/514775.html Fri, 05 Sep 2008 18:59 EDT
A pair of Missouri universities and electric companies announced plans Friday to use the carbon dioxide pollution from coal-fired power plants to grow green pond scum that could be turned into biofuel.

The project at the Central Electric Power Cooperative's plants east of Jefferson City is starting out small. Only a relatively little portion of its carbon dioxide emissions will be diverted from its flues and pumped into pools of sunlit water teeming with algae.

The bubbling gas is a rich food for the plants, which will be harvested as an alternative fuel. Algae oil can be processed into biodiesel, its carbohydrates used for ethanol and its proteins for livestock feed.

The potential benefits are twofold: a reduction in greenhouse gases and a homegrown fuel source.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/471/story/513722.html http://www.kentucky.com/471/story/513722.html Fri, 05 Sep 2008 00:04 EDT
Most of the charges have been alcohol-related. But Lt. Col. Phil Turner of Louisville Metro Police says one arrest made Tuesday was on a felony sexual abuse charge after a man attempted to grab a teenage boy at the Kentucky Exposition Center, where a shelter has been set up.

Turner told The Courier-Journal that the sexual abuse charge was the most serious of the 22 arrests made and the only one that occurred inside the facility.

Turner says 16 evacuees were arrested Wednesday night on charges of public intoxication, disorderly conduct and other alcohol-related charges. Five more arrests were made Tuesday on alcohol and disorderly conduct charges.

Officers are providing security for the evacuees at the center.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/471/story/514151.html http://www.kentucky.com/471/story/514151.html Fri, 05 Sep 2008 18:09 EDT
Mine Safety and Health Administration Director Richard Stickler says mining is a dangerous business that is only made more so when a miner is under the influence.

The agency doesn't track if drugs or alcohol contributed to an injury or death, but MSHA says numerous investigations have discoverd alcohol or drug paraphernalia near an accident scene.

MSHA estimates it will cost the industry about $16 million the first year to comply, and $13 million a year thereafter.

The agency expects to file a proposed regulation on Monday. Interested parties have until Oct. 8 to respond.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/471/story/514250.html http://www.kentucky.com/471/story/514250.html Fri, 05 Sep 2008 11:50 EDT
The Lexington Herald-Leader reported Friday that Republican state Sen. Brandon Smith of Hazard and Democratic state Rep. Greg Stumbo of Prestonsburg are among those planning to keep $1,000 contributions given to them by Lawson, who has given a total of $17,850 to five candidates and two political groups in the current election cycle.

U.S. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell's campaign manager, Justin Brasell, declined to discuss the $4,000 Lawson gave the senator and another $4,000 he gave to the McConnell Majority Committee.

A grand jury in Lexington indicted Lawson and two other men Wednesday on charges stemming from an investigation of alleged bid tampering on state and federal road projects.

Last month, McConnell said he would donate to charity the $10,000 his campaign received from a political action committee set up by indicted U.S. Sen. Ted Stevens, a Republican from Alaska. McConnell is facing a stiff challenge from Democrat Bruce Lunsford this fall.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/471/story/514414.html http://www.kentucky.com/471/story/514414.html Fri, 05 Sep 2008 13:39 EDT
Mine Safety and Health Administration Director Richard Stickler says mining is a dangerous business that is only made more so when a miner is under the influence.

The agency doesn't track if drugs or alcohol contributed to an injury or death, but MSHA says numerous investigations have discoverd alcohol or drug paraphernalia near an accident scene.

MSHA estimates it will cost the industry about $16 million the first year to comply, and $13 million a year thereafter.

The agency expects to file a proposed regulation on Monday. Interested parties have until Oct. 8 to respond.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/471/story/514758.html http://www.kentucky.com/471/story/514758.html Fri, 05 Sep 2008 18:19 EDT
The new rules ban anabolic steroids from being present in the blood of any horse that's racing. Horse regulators approved the sweeping ban earlier this month.

Beshear spokesman Jay Blanton says the ban was in effect as of Friday. A 90-day grace period is in effect for any horses who were given steroids before the ban went into effect.

Three specific steroids could be given for therapeutic purposes at the request of a certified veterinarian, and even those horses would be prohibited from racing without proof that they've been off the drugs for 60 days.

First-time offenders will be suspended for up to 60 days.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/471/story/513774.html http://www.kentucky.com/471/story/513774.html Fri, 05 Sep 2008 00:58 EDT
The indictment charges 22-year-old Nereida Allen and 23-year-old Joshua Peacher. Police say the 2-year-old boy who died, Christopher Allen, was Allen's nephew and had been staying with her.

The pair were also charged with abuse of another 2-year-old boy, Wyatt Allen, and police say that child is also Allen's nephew and had been staying in her home.

Jefferson County Deputy Coroner Gayle Norris told The Courier-Journal that Christopher died Aug. 28 of multiple blunt force injuries consistent with a beating. He was admitted to the hospital a day earlier.

A police citation says Allen and Peacher admitted shaking and jerking Christopher and Peacher admitted "hitting him numerous times." The citation says Allen told police the measures were used as discipline.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/471/story/514186.html http://www.kentucky.com/471/story/514186.html Fri, 05 Sep 2008 07:51 EDT
Kentucky State Police said James Whisman and Jesse Sebastian slipped away from the Western Kentucky Correctional Complex in Fredonia on Aug. 18.

WPSD-TV in Paducah reports that Principal Glen Ringstaff reviewed surveillance video from the Caldwell County School Campus in Princeton and found the men had twice broken into the school building.

When Ringstaff documented two intruders late at night, he called the Kentucky Department of Corrections and officers identified them as Whisman and Sebastian.

School Superintendent Carrell Boyd said video showed the men inside the building on Wednesday and again on Sunday. Food was missing from the cafeteria both times.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/471/story/512912.html http://www.kentucky.com/471/story/512912.html Thu, 04 Sep 2008 07:29 EDT
The Lexington Herald-Leader reported Mckenna Brooke Hatchett died Tuesday at the University of Kentucky Medical Center from the blood-borne bacterial infection.

Clark County Schools Superintendent Ed Musgrove said the student was hospitalized early last week for a bruised hip she received during soccer practice at George Rogers Clark High School.

The school sent home letters to parents about the cause of Mckenna's death, but officials don't know where it came from or the exact type of staph it was.

The school is being scrubbed with disinfectants in areas where the girl had been.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/471/story/513003.html http://www.kentucky.com/471/story/513003.html Thu, 04 Sep 2008 10:40 EDT
Nineteen-year-old Michael Minger, whose family lives in Florida, was killed by a smoky fire in Hester Hall 10 years ago this month. His death was ruled a homicide.

Gail Minger told The Paducah Sun by telephone from Nashville, Tenn., on Wednesday that the bench is being placed outside the residence hall where her son died.

The Sprinkler Fitters Union Local 669 donated the bench, set for dedication Thursday afternoon.

Minger and her husband John formed the Michael H. Minger Foundation in 2005 to improve fire safety standards on college and university campuses.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/471/story/513166.html http://www.kentucky.com/471/story/513166.html Thu, 04 Sep 2008 14:31 EDT
Indiana State Police investigators used fingerprints to identify the body Thursday as 42-year-old Sheila Renee Denson of Philpot, Ky.

Police did not release the cause of death, but said that information from the autopsy and information received after the body was found leads them to believe Denson was killed.

A farmer discovered the body Tuesday in a field near Rockport, about 25 miles east of Evansville.

Authorities in Indiana and Kentucky were investigating. Police did not release any information on possible suspects.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/471/story/513580.html http://www.kentucky.com/471/story/513580.html Thu, 04 Sep 2008 22:13 EDT
Cooper wanted to tell him about his plans for the future.

"He did come see me and told me he was going to join the military, and I told him I was very proud of him, and still am," said Harrison, mayor of Williamsburg, a town of about 5,200 near the Tennessee border.

Harrison stood by with elected officials, friends and citizens Thursday as Cooper's body was taken off a small jet at the Williamsburg-Whitley County Airport. He was killed Aug. 27 in Qadasiyah, Iraq, when his dismounted patrol unit came under small-arms fire.

The Freedom Riders' American flags flapped in the breeze and those watching could hear the distant commands of Whitley County and Corbin High School JROTC members who carried the flag-draped coffin and paid their respects, The Times-Tribune of Corbin reported.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/471/story/513685.html http://www.kentucky.com/471/story/513685.html Thu, 04 Sep 2008 23:34 EDT
U.S. District Judge Jennifer Coffman still must approve the proposed settlement and decide how much the attorneys are owed.

The Lexington Herald-Leader reports the proposal also includes an agreement by the city to make policy changes at the jail, including longer lunch breaks and paying for officers' lunch breaks if they're required to work.

The city agreed to pay the officers and former officers $1.15 million in cash and paid leave time. The newspaper reports the officers' attorneys' fees could amount to as much as $870,000.

The settlement stems from a lawsuit filed in 2006 during Mayor Teresa Isaac's administration.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/181/story/514811.html http://www.kentucky.com/181/story/514811.html Fri, 05 Sep 2008 20:37 EDT
Dr. James Rooney didn't own or ride horses, and he didn't bet on them. But he liked to watch them run.

Studying how and why horses move the way they do was a major focus of the first director of the University of Kentucky's Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center.

Recognized worldwide as an authority on equine anatomy, pathology and biomechanics, Dr. Rooney died of complications from cancer Friday at his home in Chestertown, Md. He was 81.

"He, probably more than anyone else, was able to explain why lameness occurs in horses," said Dr. Neil Williams, a UK professor and pathologist at the school's Livestock Disease Diagnostic Center. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/181/story/514799.html http://www.kentucky.com/181/story/514799.html Fri, 05 Sep 2008 20:22 EDT
A long legal fight over courthouse displays of the Ten Commandments could cost two Southern Kentucky counties nearly $400,000.

In a motion filed this week, attorneys with the American Civil Liberties Union of Kentucky requested fees of $390,588 for representing people who challenged the displays in the halls of the Pulaski and McCreary County courthouses, plus $8,133 in expenses.

The request comes after the ACLU won its request for an injunction barring the displays. Congress approved rules decades ago under which the losers in civil-rights cases must pay the legal fees of the winners.

The goal was to make it possible for citizens and attorneys to pursue potentially expensive lawsuits to defend civil rights and uphold constitutional principles when government doesn't do the right thing, said David A. Friedman, the lead attorney for the ACLU on the case. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/181/story/514766.html http://www.kentucky.com/181/story/514766.html Fri, 05 Sep 2008 18:57 EDT
WINCHESTER . Stephanie Rader was on the phone with her adopted brother, Patrick Watkins, when Joy Watkins walked in.

It was March 11, 2007. Patrick Watkins had just sent his wife and three of their children to Rader's home. Michaela Watkins, Patrick's 10-year-old daughter, wasn't with them.

"Please just come over here," Patrick Watkins told Rader. "I don't want to discuss it on the phone."

Rader got to her brother's apartment about 4 p.m. He was pacing across the small living room. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/181/story/514762.html http://www.kentucky.com/181/story/514762.html Fri, 05 Sep 2008 19:32 EDT
Police are investigating a woman's claim that she was abducted Friday near the University of Kentucky campus and raped and then dropped off in Jessamine County.

The woman was found by a Jessamine County Sheriff's deputy walking near the county line on U.S. 68 about 3:45 a.m.

The woman reported she was abducted from Elizabeth Street near Waller Avenue about 2 a.m.

She did not recognize her attacker, whom she described as a heavy-set man with tan skin, possibly biracial, with a gap in his teeth. She said he drove her in a dark, full-size pickup to a remote location in Jessamine, where he assaulted her. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/181/story/514736.html http://www.kentucky.com/181/story/514736.html Fri, 05 Sep 2008 18:12 EDT
HAZARD . An Eastern Kentucky high school principal is under investigation by state officials after photos surfaced online of him driving students around as they smoked and drank alcohol.

Hazard High School's Donald "Happy" Mobelini came under similar criticism earlier this year after police caught students drinking on the school's football field moments after he left them.

The photos, posted on the Internet social networking site Facebook, show Mobelini's daughter and four of her friends with vodka and cans of beer. The photos show the teens pouring the alcohol into Wendy's cups and Mountain Dew bottles.

The group of mostly 16- and 17-year-olds were also shown smoking cigarettes, which isn't legal until age 18, and weren't wearing their seatbelts. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/181/story/514735.html http://www.kentucky.com/181/story/514735.html Fri, 05 Sep 2008 18:07 EDT
The state of Kentucky sent out word late Friday to horse trainers looking to race here: stop using steroids now.

Gov. Steve Beshear signed an emergency regulation banning the use of anabolic steroids in Thoroughbred and Standardbred racehorses, effective immediately.

"This is a historic day in Kentucky racing," Beshear said in a statement. "This action demonstrates our commitment to ensuring the integrity of racing and the safety of its competitors."

The move comes in the wake of this year's controversial Kentucky Derby, won by Big Brown apparently while legally on a now-prohibited steroid. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/181/story/514712.html http://www.kentucky.com/181/story/514712.html Fri, 05 Sep 2008 18:12 EDT
Kentucky's love affair with cigarettes has some unwanted progeny: high rates of cancers that are caused by tobacco.

A new report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention examines the relationship between smoking and tobacco-related cancers. Kentucky ranks high on both lists.

The state has the highest rate of smoking in the nation and the highest rate of lung cancer, for both men and women, the highest rate of cancer of the larynx or vocal cords for women and the third highest rate of cancer of the larynx for men.

The report found that states with high rates of smoking also have high rates of tobacco-related cancers. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/181/story/514653.html http://www.kentucky.com/181/story/514653.html Fri, 05 Sep 2008 17:19 EDT http://www.kentucky.com/181/story/514497.html http://www.kentucky.com/181/story/514497.html Fri, 05 Sep 2008 15:39 EDT
The Courier-Journal reported Friday that U.S. District Judge Danny Reeves called a delay unacceptable and ordered a trial date be set within 70 days of Sept. 11.

William J. Gallion and Shirley Cunningham had asked that the trial be pushed back to April.

An indictment charges the two with eight counts of wire fraud and conspiracy to defraud 440 clients of $94.6 million in Kentucky's fen-phen diet-drug case.

Gallion's lawyer had sought the delay due to conflicts with other clients.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/181/story/514414.html http://www.kentucky.com/181/story/514414.html Fri, 05 Sep 2008 13:39 EDT
Mine Safety and Health Administration Director Richard Stickler says mining is a dangerous business that is only made more so when a miner is under the influence.

The agency doesn't track if drugs or alcohol contributed to an injury or death, but MSHA says numerous investigations have discoverd alcohol or drug paraphernalia near an accident scene.

MSHA estimates it will cost the industry about $16 million the first year to comply, and $13 million a year thereafter.

The agency expects to file a proposed regulation on Monday. Interested parties have until Oct. 8 to respond.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/181/story/514510.html http://www.kentucky.com/181/story/514510.html Fri, 05 Sep 2008 19:45 EDT
The University of Kentucky football team takes on Norfolk State at 6 p.m. Saturday in Lexington. Here's what you need to know before you enter Commonwealth Stadium or turn on the tube.

Parking, traffic . safety

.Vehicles parked on front yards will be ticketed Saturday.

.Police officers will be in neighborhoods advising fans that they can't park on yards and offering alternative parking information. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/181/story/514435.html http://www.kentucky.com/181/story/514435.html Fri, 05 Sep 2008 14:37 EDT
The Fayette Education Foundation awarded grants totaling nearly $67,000 to four Fayette public schools on Friday.

The foundation's mission is to enhance learning and close achievement gaps, which are learning disparities between black, low-income and special-needs students and their peers.

This is the third year the foundation has supported an initiative . called Vision 2020 . launched by the district and the community to identify barriers to student learning and improve achievement.

"These schools have proposed innovative ways to improve learning and remove barriers to success," foundation chairman Leslie Fannin said. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/181/story/514407.html http://www.kentucky.com/181/story/514407.html Fri, 05 Sep 2008 13:29 EDT http://www.kentucky.com/181/story/514291.html http://www.kentucky.com/181/story/514291.html Fri, 05 Sep 2008 14:14 EDT
Mosquitoes at McConnell Springs Park have tested positive for West Nile Virus, the Lexington-Fayette County Health Department announced Friday.

There have not been any reports of human infection of the virus, which is spread by mosquitoes.

The mosquitoes, which were collected on Aug. 13, are the first indication this year that West Nile is in Fayette County, the health department said.

Last year, two birds and one mosquito collection tested positive for the virus. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/181/story/514225.html http://www.kentucky.com/181/story/514225.html Fri, 05 Sep 2008 11:17 EDT
Norman Gene Carroll, who was the brother of former Kentucky Gov. Julian Carroll, died Feb. 4, 2003, a week after surgery at Jewish Hospital.

The Courier-Journal reported the judgment for almost $5.1 million went against the surgical team. The hospital had earlier been dismissed from the lawsuit by Retha Carroll.

The judgment went against Dr. Atul Barry, Dr. Dante J. Morassutti, the estate of nurse Carolyn Lowe and Medical Center Anesthesiologists.

Retha Carroll's attorney, Hans Poppe, said the surgery was elective and could have been stopped at any time when Carroll had trouble breathing.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/181/story/514229.html http://www.kentucky.com/181/story/514229.html Fri, 05 Sep 2008 11:31 EDT
A Rockcastle County man was in fair condition at University of Kentucky Hospital on Friday after he was shot in the abdomen Thursday night, authorities said.

Larry Jonathan Bingham, 36, of Brodhead was shot during a verbal altercation with another man about 8:30 p.m. Thursday at 48 Bustle Street, Kentucky State Police said.

James Carlos Cromer, 67, also of Brodhead, was arrested and charged with first-degree assault, state police said. He is being held at the Rockcastle County Detention Center.

Bingham was taken to Rockcastle County Hospital and later flown to UK Hospital. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/181/story/513812.html http://www.kentucky.com/181/story/513812.html Fri, 05 Sep 2008 07:56 EDT
After 14-year-old Mckenna Hatchett injured her hip at soccer practice last week, she went to the school trainer and later to her pediatrician.

By Saturday, the George Rogers Clark freshman was in so much pain that her parents took her to the Central Baptist Hospital emergency room.

Doctors there thought she might have pulled a groin muscle, family members said. They sent her home and told her to see an orthopedist.

By Tuesday, Mckenna was worse. She wasn't responding normally. Her parents took her to the University of Kentucky emergency room, where the possibility of a staph infection was first mentioned. But within a few hours, Mckenna was dead. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/181/story/513563.html http://www.kentucky.com/181/story/513563.html Fri, 05 Sep 2008 02:56 EDT
FRANKFORT . Sensitive natural areas won't be sacrificed as Kentucky attempts to build an adventure tourism industry, Lt. Gov. Daniel Mongiardo said Thursday.

He suggested that ATV trails would be kept away from wildlife management areas and nature preserves. Several sportsmen and environmental groups said last month that he was quietly moving to allow ATVs into those areas.

"It sounds like we want four-wheelers everywhere. That's not the truth," Mongiardo said.

His comments came at the first meeting of a beefed-up Kentucky Recreational Trails Authority, a group that will help promote outdoor activities in the state. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/181/story/514186.html http://www.kentucky.com/181/story/514186.html Fri, 05 Sep 2008 07:51 EDT
Kentucky State Police said James Whisman and Jesse Sebastian slipped away from the Western Kentucky Correctional Complex in Fredonia on Aug. 18.

WPSD-TV in Paducah reports that Principal Glen Ringstaff reviewed surveillance video from the Caldwell County School Campus in Princeton and found the men had twice broken into the school building.

When Ringstaff documented two intruders late at night, he called the Kentucky Department of Corrections and officers identified them as Whisman and Sebastian.

School Superintendent Carrell Boyd said video showed the men inside the building on Wednesday and again on Sunday. Food was missing from the cafeteria both times.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/181/story/513575.html http://www.kentucky.com/181/story/513575.html Fri, 05 Sep 2008 05:49 EDT
Kentucky Republicans served in prominent roles in the final session of the GOP's national convention, from confirming the party's vice presidential candidate to overseeing the official paperwork to giving PBS some commentary.

Kentucky's senior U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell, who is Republican U.S. Senate leader, led the delegates through the process of approving Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin as John McCain's running mate.

Two Kentuckians, Republican National Committee Chairman Robert "Mike" Duncan of Inez and RNC staff attorney Jennifer Sheehan . a Hickman native and graduate of Centre College and University of Kentucky College of Law . then oversaw the finalizing of all the paperwork for the McCain-Palin ticket to be placed on ballots in all 50 states.

Duncan, as RNC chairman, also had the honor of opening up the ceremonies Thursday night. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/181/story/513842.html http://www.kentucky.com/181/story/513842.html Fri, 05 Sep 2008 15:25 EDT
Of the nearly 43,000 public high school juniors who took the test last spring, only 20 percent met math goals and 15 percent met science goals.

Overall, students scored an average ACT composite of 18.3 out of a possible 36. This was the first time juniors were required to take the test under state law.

Bob Sexton of the Prichard Committee for Academic Excellence said the scores reinforce what educators already know: Kentucky students need help with math and science. Sexton said the major reason for getting all juniors to take the ACT is because “it encourages kids who might not have been thinking about college, to think about college.”

Meanwhile, Education Commissioner Jon Draud contends the ACT scores don't necessarily indicate Kentucky students performed poorly.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/181/story/513498.html http://www.kentucky.com/181/story/513498.html Fri, 05 Sep 2008 02:56 EDT
NICHOLASVILLE . Officials are pleased by the initial level of interest in Limestone Crossing, the new retirement community linked with the University of Kentucky that's coming to northern Jessamine County.

During an open house Thursday at the newly opened model home and welcome center, UK President Lee Todd noted that 268 people have signed up as "priority depositors." Those are folks who have put down a $1,000 refundable deposit to be the first ones to look at floor plans and learn the pricing.

"We're happy with the initial response," said Matt Weaver, executive vice president of Praxeis, the Florida-based company that will finance, build and manage the new retirement community.

Limestone Crossing will have 270 residential units. After 189 of those 270 have been spoken for with a 10 percent deposit, construction will begin in the summer or fall of 2010. Residents must be at least 62 years old or part of a couple of which one partner is 62 or older. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/181/story/513843.html http://www.kentucky.com/181/story/513843.html Fri, 05 Sep 2008 06:47 EDT
There's a lot more to Lexington history than Henry Clay, Mary Todd Lincoln and Man o' War.

Take, for example, the contributions African-Americans have made to the city's growth and development since the very beginning.

This is a good weekend to learn some of that history, as the east end will be alive with the annual Roots and Heritage Festival.

For a good introduction, consider walking, biking or driving the African American Heritage Trail in downtown Lexington, which includes 10 sites that have been touchstones in the community since the days of slavery. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/181/story/513473.html http://www.kentucky.com/181/story/513473.html Fri, 05 Sep 2008 02:56 EDT
The city will probably pay more than $2 million to settle an overtime pay lawsuit involving more than 300 current and former Fayette County Detention Center corrections officers.

The city has agreed to pay the corrections officers $1.15 million in cash and paid leave time. The city will also pay the corrections officers' attorneys' fees, which could be as much as $870,000.

As part of a proposed settlement, the city will make policy changes at the jail, which include longer lunch breaks and paying officers for their lunch breaks if they are required to work.

The settlement won't be finalized until an Oct. 14 hearing before U.S. District Judge Jennifer Coffman, who must approve the agreement and determine how much the attorneys are owed. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/181/story/513376.html http://www.kentucky.com/181/story/513376.html Fri, 05 Sep 2008 02:56 EDT
The first batch of Pearse Lyons Reserve went into the wooden kegs Thursday at Alltech's Lexington Brewing and Distilling Co., and the malt whiskey's namesake was a happy man.

"That's what I've wanted to do for 50 years," said Lyons, the founder and president of Alltech, after he drove a wood plug, known as a bung, into the first keg.

Lyons, a native of Ireland, began his career in the 1970s working for Irish distillers. He has wanted to own a distillery ever since, he said.

The ceremony triggered a series of other firsts: ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/181/story/512976.html http://www.kentucky.com/181/story/512976.html Fri, 05 Sep 2008 02:56 EDT
The University of Kentucky announced Thursday the five finalists for the Curry Stone Design Prize, awarded to breakthrough projects that have the "power and potential to improve our lives and the world we live in."

The finalists include an architectural firm that builds homes from sandbags in Cape Town, South Africa; the inventor of the world's first non-turbine, wind-powered generator; and an Indiana-based university professor who builds shelters using scavenged materials, UK officials said.

The prize winner receives $100,000; up to four finalists receive $10,000 each.

The winner will be announced at the IdeaFestival in Louisville on Sept. 25. UK administers the contest and plans to give the award annually. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/181/story/513844.html http://www.kentucky.com/181/story/513844.html Fri, 05 Sep 2008 01:52 EDT
Three people died early Thursday in two crashes in Boyd County.

The first probably occurred between 4:30 and 5 a.m. on Ky. 5 near Meadowbrook Lane, said Mark Hammond, Boyd County deputy coroner.

Driver Jason Nichols, 28, and passenger Brandi Blevins, 29, both of Greenup County, were killed when their vehicle left the road at a curve and went into a 15-foot culvert, Hammond said.

The time of the crash is not known. A passerby noticed the vehicle around 7 a.m., Hammond said. Nichols was not wearing a seat belt, but Blevins was, Hammond said. Drugs and alcohol did not appear to be a factor, he said. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/181/story/513845.html http://www.kentucky.com/181/story/513845.html Fri, 05 Sep 2008 01:52 EDT
LOUISVILLE . A man serving 52 years in a 1998 Western Kentucky shooting death will get a new trial after a federal appeals court ruled Thursday that his attorney had a conflict of interest because he was defending another suspect in the case.

In a 2-1 decision, the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals gave prosecutors 120 days to retry Terrance Boykin, 28, on charges of complicity to murder and six counts of complicity to wanton endangerment.

Boykin was convicted in 1999 with his cousin, Treon McElrath, and a friend, Andre Everett, of taking part in the murder of Natasha Wilson in Clinton in far Western Kentucky.

Judge Boyce Martin said representing both Boykin and McElrath at the trial prevented the lawyer from pursuing evidence that might have exonerated one and pointed to the other as having a larger role in the crime. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/181/story/513684.html http://www.kentucky.com/181/story/513684.html Thu, 04 Sep 2008 23:27 EDT
Two men face murder charges after a man they allegedly assaulted died Thursday.

Herbert D. Sparks, of Morehead, and Michael A. Sparks, of Middletown, Ohio, are accused of attacking Eddie J. Robinson, 27, on Monday outside his trailer in Morehead, according to state police.

Robinson died Thursday at University of Kentucky Hospital. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/181/story/513683.html http://www.kentucky.com/181/story/513683.html Thu, 04 Sep 2008 23:46 EDT
A team of police and code enforcement officers conducted housing inspections in the neighborhoods around the University of Kentucky campus on Thursday to address concerns about conditions around the start of the academic year.

Out of the 1,000 properties inspected, 236 were cited, said David Jarvis, Lexington's code enforcement director.

Violations included missing gutters and nuisance problems, such as trash, debris and indoor furniture outside.

The city plans to conduct a follow-up inspection on Sept. 23 to issue fines or to hire contractors to do the clean-up work. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/103/story/513851.html http://www.kentucky.com/103/story/513851.html Fri, 05 Sep 2008 01:52 EDT
African-American homebuyers in the Lexington area are more than twice as likely to be given high-cost mortgage loans than whites at the same income level, the National Community Reinvestment Coalition says in a new study.

The Lexington metro area ranked 40th in the nation in disparities in lending to low and moderate-income whites and African-Americans, and 56th in lending to middle- and upper-income borrowers of the same races, the coalition said.

The report was released by the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Human Rights Commission, which called for a review of enforcement of fair housing and lending programs.

The commission also urged a review of financial literacy programs to make sure they are available to minorities and others who need them. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/103/story/514216.html http://www.kentucky.com/103/story/514216.html Fri, 05 Sep 2008 19:59 EDT
Stocks initially fell after the Labor Department reported that payrolls shrank more than predicted last month and that the unemployment rate reached a five-year high. But stocks that had been pounded lower, including a huge drop on Thursday, were suddenly more attractive to investors willing to make some bets.

The government said payrolls shrank by 84,000 last month, more than the 75,000 economists predicted, and higher than the 51,000 jobs lost in July. The unemployment rate rose to a five-year high of 6.1 percent from 5.7 percent.

The report confirmed Wall Street's fears that the economy continues to weaken. The nation has lost nearly 550,000 jobs so far this year, eroding investors' hopes for a late-year recovery.

"This was an ugly number that pretty much confirms that our economy continues to trend downward," said Jack Ablin, chief investment officer of Harris Private Bank. "I had thought things were stabilizing, and this just knocks the legs out of any hope of seeing much economic improvement right now."]]> http://www.kentucky.com/103/story/514167.html http://www.kentucky.com/103/story/514167.html Fri, 05 Sep 2008 16:49 EDT
The Labor Department said the economy lost jobs in August for the eighth consecutive month - and at a faster-than-expected pace. The unemployment rate spiked to 6.1 percent from 5.7 percent in July, above the 5.8 percent rate that analysts forecast.

"There's been a terrific amount of growing concern about the outlook for demand globally," said John Kilduff, senior vice president of risk management at MF Global LLC. "Today's employment report emboldened that concern."

Light, sweet crude for October delivery fell $1.66 to settle at $106.23 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange - its lowest settlement since early April. During the session, it fell as low as $105.13.

Since surging to a record $147.27 a barrel on July 11, crude has tumbled by over $40, or more than 27 percent.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/103/story/512941.html http://www.kentucky.com/103/story/512941.html Fri, 05 Sep 2008 08:04 EDT
Investors are awaiting data from the Labor Department that is expected to show the economy lost jobs for the eighth month in a row and that the unemployment rate moved higher. Employers likely cut payrolls by around 75,000 in August, even deeper than the 51,000 eliminated in July, according to economists surveyed by Thomson/IFR.

The economy has lost a total of 463,000 jobs so far this year, and further drops in payrolls would continue to erode investors' hopes for a late-year recovery. The report, considered one of the most important economic readings of the month, will be released at 8:30 a.m. EDT.

Meanwhile, a downgrade of Merrill Lynch & Co. compounded skittishness ahead of the jobs report. Goldman Sachs analyst William Tanona cut the nation's largest brokerage to a "sell" rating on expectations it will incur fresh write-downs on top of the $5.7 billion it announced in late July.

Stocks turned in a dismal performance on Thursday, with all three major indexes moving back into bear market territory, defined as a 20 percent drop from a recent peak. The Dow Jones industrials plunged more than 340 points in a sell-off underpinned by disappointing economic news and lackluster sales reports from retailers.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/103/story/513850.html http://www.kentucky.com/103/story/513850.html Fri, 05 Sep 2008 01:52 EDT
CHARLESTON, W.Va. . Global demand for coal has shown some signs of slack, leaving investors to wonder what's next for U.S. producers who have seen prices at times triple over the past year.

Ocean freight rates, the U.S. dollar and other factors behind the big jump have begun to ease. Meanwhile, analysts are questioning whether a global slowdown has begun to hurt the steel industry, which uses high-priced metallurgical coal to fire blast furnaces.

Investment bank Goldman Sachs downgraded the entire U.S. steel industry Thursday, citing risks such as the strengthening dollar and concerns about demand from China.

Shares in one of the biggest coal producers, Massey Energy Co., tumbled nearly 8 percent, or $4.37, to $51.40 Thursday on news that 2008 prices and production are showing signs of weakness. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/103/story/512976.html http://www.kentucky.com/103/story/512976.html Fri, 05 Sep 2008 02:56 EDT
The University of Kentucky announced Thursday the five finalists for the Curry Stone Design Prize, awarded to breakthrough projects that have the "power and potential to improve our lives and the world we live in."

The finalists include an architectural firm that builds homes from sandbags in Cape Town, South Africa; the inventor of the world's first non-turbine, wind-powered generator; and an Indiana-based university professor who builds shelters using scavenged materials, UK officials said.

The prize winner receives $100,000; up to four finalists receive $10,000 each.

The winner will be announced at the IdeaFestival in Louisville on Sept. 25. UK administers the contest and plans to give the award annually. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/103/story/512685.html http://www.kentucky.com/103/story/512685.html Thu, 04 Sep 2008 01:49 EDT
NEW YORK . Fashion is among the first industries to be affected by a slow economy, yet, in this downturn, a record number of shows are planned for New York Fashion Week, which starts Friday.

Up-and-coming designers consider a splashy runway show an investment in the future, with a price tag easily topping $100,000. To get to the catwalk, many are using volunteer models, staging shows outside or soliciting unconventional sponsors.

Venues cost between $25,000 and $50,000, and there are the costs for models, invitations, show producers and even food backstage.

As expensive as these productions are, the designers couldn't afford the media exposure and access to taste-makers that Fashion Week offers any other way. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/103/story/512623.html http://www.kentucky.com/103/story/512623.html Thu, 04 Sep 2008 00:17 EDT
A survey being released Thursday by the Mercer consulting firm found 59 percent of companies intend to keep down rising health care costs in 2009 by raising workers' deductibles, copays or out-of-pocket spending limits.

On average, health care costs will go up by an estimated 5.7 percent next year for both workers and their employers, the study found. That repeats this year's 5.7 percent hike and a 6.1 percent jump in 2007.

The growth of health care costs has hovered at around 6 percent since 2005, according to Mercer. While that's down from the double-digit growth in previous years, it's still moving at a faster clip than inflation or workers wages.

"It's not something to cheer about, especially since costs are getting passed on to employees," said Blaine Bos, author of the survey.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/103/story/512684.html http://www.kentucky.com/103/story/512684.html Thu, 04 Sep 2008 01:49 EDT
WASHINGTON . The country is stuck in a slow-growth rut, the Federal Reserve suggested Wednesday.

Higher prices for energy, food and other things are pinching people and businesses . reasons enough for the economy to be Americans' top concern heading into the presidential elections.

The Fed's report on business conditions around the nation provided fresh evidence of the toll that housing, credit and financial problems are taking on the economy as a whole.

With problems expected to persist into next year, the next president . be it John McCain or Barack Obama . is likely to face many challenges. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/103/story/511626.html http://www.kentucky.com/103/story/511626.html Thu, 04 Sep 2008 05:04 EDT
Light, sweet crude for October delivery was down 5 cents to $109.30 a barrel in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange midafternoon in Singapore. The contract overnight fell 36 cents to settle at $109.35.

The U.S. Energy Department's Energy Information Administration is scheduled to release its report on U.S. oil stocks for the week ended Aug. 29 later in the day. The petroleum supply report was expected to show that oil stocks rose by 500,000 barrels, according to the average of analysts' estimates in a survey by energy information provider Platts.

The Platts survey also showed that analysts projected gasoline inventories fell 1.8 million barrels and distillates went up 1.1 million barrels during last week.

"I expect the U.S. numbers to show oil demand is weakening," said Tetsu Emori, commodity markets fund manager at ASTMAZ Futures Co. in Tokyo. "The impact from Gustav will be seen in next week's numbers."]]> http://www.kentucky.com/232/story/514504.html http://www.kentucky.com/232/story/514504.html Fri, 05 Sep 2008 16:57 EDT
Rent-a-victim.

Guarantee game.

Kentucky plays one Saturday night.

A member of the division formerly known as I-AA (now the Football Championship Subdivision), Norfolk State, is in town to play the Cats. UK receives a guaranteed home game without having to return the favor. It also enjoys a probable win. Norfolk State receives a guaranteed paycheck worth $260,000. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/232/story/513294.html http://www.kentucky.com/232/story/513294.html Fri, 05 Sep 2008 08:21 EDT
There's a method to Kentucky's moving of Big Blue Madness to Oct. 10.

The school announced earlier this week it was moving its annual tip-off of men's basketball practice to an evening a week earlier than usual.

As spokesman DeWayne Peevy noted, the move gives Kentucky the college basketball stage to itself that evening. This exclusivity allows UK to showcase its basketball program and its rabid fan interest.

"What better way to do that than put it on a date when no one else is (having a Madness)," Peevy said. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/232/story/513372.html http://www.kentucky.com/232/story/513372.html Fri, 05 Sep 2008 08:23 EDT
Defensive tackles rarely get any love from fans or the media, as they're often left to do the dirty work inside while the linebackers rack up tackles and the defensive ends pile up sacks.

"We're in the trenches, and we're not supposed to be making a thousand tackles or making big plays," Kentucky senior Myron Pryor said about the perception of his position.

But for perhaps the first time since Dewayne Robertson was the fourth pick of the 2003 NFL Draft, a UK defensive tackle is in the spotlight. Pryor has been the toast of the town after his big game in the Cats' 27-2 win over Louisville on Sunday.

Pryor's fumble recovery and 72-yard rumble to the end zone was one of the highlights of college football's opening weekend. It made No. 3 on ESPN's list for best plays of the week. Teammates and coaches were jumping up and down on the sideline in laughter as the 310-pound Pryor outraced Louisville's 309-pound center, Eric Wood, to the end zone. The play had ESPN commentators Joe Tessitore and Rod Gilmore using words like "big and beautiful," and "310 pounds of glory." ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/232/story/513254.html http://www.kentucky.com/232/story/513254.html Fri, 05 Sep 2008 10:14 EDT
First, Louisville Central product Ridge Wilson committed to the Wildcats early in the week, then Thursday Kentucky received an out-of-state pledge from South Carolina running back David Sims.

Wilson chose UK over Arkansas, Cincinnati and Indiana. The 6-foot-4, 210-pound Wilson will join high school teammate Mister Cobble in Lexington next fall.

Sims, a 6-foot, 208-pound senior at Calhoun County High School in St. Matthews, S.C., picked Kentucky over offers from Florida, Florida State, Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia Tech, North Carolina State, Michigan, Kansas and South Carolina, among others.

Sims told his coach that he chose Kentucky because he liked the direction the UK program was headed, liked the way Kentucky has been recruiting and because of his relationship with UK offensive coordinator/future head coach Joker Phillips.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/232/story/514176.html http://www.kentucky.com/232/story/514176.html Fri, 05 Sep 2008 07:52 EDT
The Cardinals will play 12 teams that made the NCAA tournament a year ago, though they'll get most of those games within the friendly confines of Freedom Hall.



. 2008-09 Louisville Cardinals basketball schedule (PDF)
. Roster

]]> http://www.kentucky.com/232/story/513615.html http://www.kentucky.com/232/story/513615.html Fri, 05 Sep 2008 07:36 EDT
All good things do not have to end, but some good things do.

On Saturday night, the final contracted football game between ancient rivals Eastern Kentucky and Western Kentucky will play out in Richmond.

WKU is in the process of moving to college football's highest level. EKU remains in the Football Championship Subdivision (the level formerly known as Division I-AA). A Sun Belt Conference rule prohibits Western from playing road or neutral-site games against schools from lower divisions.

Our state's most enduring college football rivalry . filled with the lore of funny clock work; back-room politics; and a longtime disagreement between the schools over the all-time series record . ends Saturday. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/232/story/513559.html http://www.kentucky.com/232/story/513559.html Fri, 05 Sep 2008 06:20 EDT
Bleary-eyed but having a blast. That's Elizabethtown football coach Brad Todd, whose weekends are wearying but wonderful this season. After coaching the Panthers on Friday nights, Todd and his family hit the road to follow son Chris as he plays quarterback for Auburn on Saturdays.

It makes for a tiring schedule.

After E-town played Bethlehem last Friday, for example, Todd, his wife, Becky, daughter Kristen and son Kyle, arose at 4 a.m. Saturday to make the trip to Auburn, Ala., for the Tigers' game against Louisiana-Monroe that evening. They made the seven-hour return trip home on Sunday.

This weekend will be even more hectic. After E-town's game against Central Hardin Friday night, the Todds will leave home around midnight so they can make Auburn's 11:30 a.m. CDT kickoff against Southern Mississippi on Saturday. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/232/story/513805.html http://www.kentucky.com/232/story/513805.html Fri, 05 Sep 2008 07:20 EDT
Vanderbilt (2-0) had made it a habit of knocking off SEC teams on the road with victories at Arkansas and Tennessee in 2005, an upset of then-No. 22 Georgia in 2006 and even pulled off the biggest victory in more than 70 years by downing then-No. 6 South Carolina last October.

But the Commodores hadn't upset a ranked team in Vanderbilt Stadium since Sept. 19, 1992, a 31-9 win over then-No. 25 Mississippi.

This win was very sweet for Vanderbilt, which lost its first 14 games against Steve Spurrier as he coached Duke, Florida and South Carolina. Now the Commodores have won two straight against the ol' ball coach, and it was enough for Vanderbilt coach Bobby Johnson, a Columbia native and Clemson alum, to nearly lose his voice.

"It feels great," Johnson said. "I was very proud of our guys, the way they played in the second half. We overcame a lot from the second half, and they just kept plugging away so I'm very pleased with their effort. I'm sorry I lost my voice."]]> http://www.kentucky.com/232/story/513202.html http://www.kentucky.com/232/story/513202.html Thu, 04 Sep 2008 14:39 EDT
The 2007 Horse of the Year, fresh from a victory in the Woodward Stakes at Saratoga in upstate New York, has earned $9,796,800 with 10 wins in 13 career starts. The record of $9,999,815 is held by Cigar.

Curlin's next start was announced Thursday by Stonestreet Farms, owned by Jess Jackson.

The Gold Cup is Sept. 27, with a winner's purse of $450,000. The 4-year-old Curlin won last year's edition and would be the first to win the race in consecutive years since Skip Away in 1996-97.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/232/story/513038.html http://www.kentucky.com/232/story/513038.html Thu, 04 Sep 2008 12:05 EDT http://www.kentucky.com/513/story/514537.html http://www.kentucky.com/513/story/514537.html Fri, 05 Sep 2008 19:44 EDT
Zoo officials decided to euthanize Jenny on Thursday night because of an inoperable tumor in her stomach. Jenny had stopped eating and drinking recently, and tests showed she was unlikely to recover, zoo spokesman Sean Greene said.

"The last couple of weeks we noticed that she hadn't been feeling all that great," Greene said. "It was a quality-of-life decision."

The International Species Information System, which maintains records on animals at 700 institutions around the world, confirmed earlier this year that Jenny was the oldest gorilla in its database.

The zoo held a birthday bash in May to celebrate Jenny's longevity, complete with a cake made of a frozen fruit treats for the guest of honor.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/513/story/514668.html http://www.kentucky.com/513/story/514668.html Fri, 05 Sep 2008 19:59 EDT
The standoff began around 1:30 p.m., after a Wheaton police officer responded to a call of a hit-and-run accident near the bank. When the officer arrived, the suspect grabbed the officer from behind, held a knife to his throat and demanded his gun, Deputy Chief Thomas Meloni said.

During an ensuing struggle, the officer was cut on a forearm and the suspect was able to take the gun and run the lobby of the Wheaton Bank & Trust, where he ordered everyone to the floor, Meloni said.

Police in Wheaton, about 20 miles west of Chicago, did not immediately release the gunman's identity, but said he was about 50 years old.

As officers evacuated nearby businesses and homes and shut down streets and rail service, hostage negotiators talked to the gunman by phone. They were able to persuade him to release 10 hostages, leaving two behind, Meloni said.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/513/story/514689.html http://www.kentucky.com/513/story/514689.html Fri, 05 Sep 2008 19:49 EDT
Eric McLean, 33, is charged with first-degree murder in the shooting death of Sean Powell, the 18-year-old who was having an affair with student-teacher Erin McLean, then the 29-year-old wife of the defendant and mother of his two young sons.

The defense acknowledges that McLean shot Powell on March 10, 2007, outside the McLeans' home as the victim waited in his car for Erin McLean to run off with him.

But McLean claims the single shot from a high-powered rifle that blew away part of Powell's face was an accident, his lawyer Bruce Poston told jurors. The defense has said it will make the case for conviction on a lesser charge, such as voluntary manslaughter.

"Last night was a mistake," McLean said in a barely audible voice as he was handcuffed the morning after the shooting, arresting officers testified. They said they found him wandering along railroad tracks about six miles from the high school where he parked his getaway truck - the same location where Erin McLean had met Powell.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/513/story/513027.html http://www.kentucky.com/513/story/513027.html Fri, 05 Sep 2008 11:40 EDT
Kilpatrick walked into a City Hall conference room Thursday to thunderous applause and thanked his family, backers and staff members for sticking by him during his rocky 6 1/2-year tenure.

"I truly know who I am. I truly know where I come from. In Detroit I know who I am. And I know because of that, there's another day for me," he said in a 20-minute speech on live television. "I want to tell you, Detroit, that you done set me up for a comeback."

In exchange for pleading guilty to two counts of obstruction of justice, the Democrat will get four months behind bars, pay the city $1 million in restitution, lose his license to practice law, and cannot run for any elected office for five years.

His resignation will take effect in two weeks and his sentence will be officially imposed on Oct. 28. Under the city charter, any mayor guilty of a felony is automatically expelled from office.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/513/story/513471.html http://www.kentucky.com/513/story/513471.html Fri, 05 Sep 2008 18:05 EDT
-ACH Food Companies, Inc. is recalling its Patak's Dopiaza Cooking Sauce sold in the United States because it may contain an undeclared milk allergen. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk may run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products, according to the Memphis-based company.

The product is sold under two different labels, "Patak's Rich Tomato and Onion Cooking Sauce Dopiaza (Mild)" and "Patak's Dopiaza Curry Cooking Sauce Mild." The recall only applies to products sold in the United States. ACH has notified the Food and Drug Administration.

As of Friday, neither ACH Food Companies nor the FDA have received any related reports of illness or complaints.

Consumers who have purchased this product with either of these labels and with a "Best By Date" on or before February 2010 should return the unused portion of the product to the store from which they purchased the item for reimbursement or call ACH consumer hot line from Monday to Friday at 800-726-3648 to receive a coupon for another Patak's product.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/513/story/514681.html http://www.kentucky.com/513/story/514681.html Fri, 05 Sep 2008 17:45 EDT
The four received varying amounts of credit for time served and were also placed on probation Friday. All pleaded to lesser charges than the original murder case against them.

Remaining defendant Seth Cravens, the alleged leader of the group, has pleaded not guilty to murder and his trial is scheduled Oct. 14.

A bar argument last year ended with a showdown that left Kauanui bleeding outside his mother's home in upscale La Jolla (HOY'-uh). The 24-year-old surfer was hospitalized with severe head trauma and died three days later after being taken off life support.

(This version corrects top sentence, 349 days not 210.)]]> http://www.kentucky.com/513/story/514733.html http://www.kentucky.com/513/story/514733.html Fri, 05 Sep 2008 18:05 EDT
The resolution, adopted by consensus, is intended to encourage international cooperation in going after would-be terrorists. It essentially reaffirms the strategy adopted two years ago by the 192-nation assembly, including vague promises to promote a rule of law and culture of peace.

General Assembly President Srgjan Kerim, who made a review of the strategy one of his top priorities, said the United Nations can play a bigger role as partner for nations that need help in dealing with extremist groups. That is something that Washington also favors.

"The United States strongly supports the central role of the United Nations in the global fight against terrorism," U.S. Deputy Ambassador Alejandro Wolff said, adding that the U.S. "wants to strengthen the U.N.'s ability and resolve to play a constructive and effective role."

Wolff was one of about 100 diplomats who took to the podium over two days to describe some of their counterterrorism activities. During much of the speechmaking the cavernous 2,000-person assembly hall was only about a tenth full.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/513/story/514795.html http://www.kentucky.com/513/story/514795.html Fri, 05 Sep 2008 19:34 EDT
Seventeen-year-old Cheyenne Blanton was sentenced Friday in Butler County Common Pleas Court.

Blanton and 17-year-old Joseph Nagle were accused of binding 19-year-old Ashley Clark in February and beating her for several hours. Prosecutors said the teens shaved Clark's head and soaked her in water before making her walk barefoot outside in the snow.

Blanton and Nagle each pleaded guilty to aggravated burglary, aggravated robbery, conspiracy to commit aggravated robbery, felonious assault, kidnapping and vandalism.

Nagle's sentencing is set for Oct. 14. He could receive up to 59 years in prison.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/513/story/513977.html http://www.kentucky.com/513/story/513977.html Fri, 05 Sep 2008 04:23 EDT
Who's in?

Turns out, about 270 boys. And 100 more are on a waiting list.

Boys' Latin of Philadelphia, one of the city's newer charter schools, began its second year on Wednesday, aiming to be an educational beacon in the financially and academically troubled district.

Because it's a single-sex public school - one of four in the city - Boys' Latin faced huge opposition and almost didn't exist.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/513/story/514817.html http://www.kentucky.com/513/story/514817.html Fri, 05 Sep 2008 20:40 EDT
The CSX train was stopped in North Bergen about 5:30 p.m. EDT Friday.

Police officials at the scene tell The Jersey Journal of Jersey City that the car containing the suspicious package was detached there and, while the rest of the train continued on to a nearby train depot, bomb squads searched the detached car for the parcel.

Officials say a Florida woman called CSX on Friday morning to tell them about the package, which she believed was sent by her ex-boyfriend.

North Bergen police would not comment on the matter or even confirm whether a search was being conducted.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/103/story/514486.html http://www.kentucky.com/103/story/514486.html Fri, 05 Sep 2008 15:29 EDT
The University of Kentucky is offering working people a chance to sharpen their business skills.

UK's Gatton College of Business and Economics is offering a Certificate in Business Administration course, with classes every Thursday evening for 10 weeks.

This course uses faculty and guest speakers from the college and combines hands-on experience.

Classes are three hours per session beginning Sept. 11 and continuing through Nov. 20. Individuals who attend all of the sessions will earn 27.5 course hours of continuing education credit and a certificate of completion. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/232/story/514769.html http://www.kentucky.com/232/story/514769.html Fri, 05 Sep 2008 19:32 EDT
Kentucky football coach Rich Brooks was frank when asked what he'd be looking for from his team in its home opener against Norfolk State on Saturday night.

"Some offense," he replied.

As good as Kentucky's 27-2 win over Louisville last week looked on paper, Brooks and his staff know that the Cats will have to pick things up offensively in order to compete with the big dogs on their Southeastern Conference schedule.

Between now and then, Kentucky has home games against Norfolk State, Middle Tennessee State and Western Kentucky. ]]>