Saturday, March 12, 2016

Drucella Horn Cook, 87,

    Drucella Horn Cook, age 87, passed away Saturday, March 12, 2016, at the Irvine Nursing and Rehabilitation Center following a long illness.
    She was born August 29, 1928, in Estill County, a daughter of the late James and Ida Neal Horn. She was a homemaker and had lived in Estill County most of her life. She was a member of the River Drive Christian Church.
    Mrs. Cook was preceded in death by her husband, Richard Harold Cook.
    She is survived by one daughter, Ida Delores Eversole (Ron), Kettering, Ohio; two sons: Richard Michael Cook (Rita), Littleton, Colorado; and Darryl Cook (Patty), Estill County; seven grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.
    Mrs. Cook was preceded in death by seven siblings: Flora Rawlins, Elizabeth Johnson, Callie Price, Ella Durham, Marie Gaines, Susie Fauste, and James Horn Jr.
    Funeral services will be held Thursday, March 17th at 1:00 p.m. at the Warren F. Toler Funeral Home Chapel by Bro. Paul Groves with burial following in the Chestnut Stand Cemetery. Friends may call from 6-9 p.m., Wednesday, March 16th at the funeral home.

Warren F. Toler Funeral Home

  Saturday, March 12, 2016

Shirley Ray Meadows, 71

    Shirley Ray Meadows, age 71, husband of Sharon F. Abney Meadows, passed away Saturday, March 12, 2016 at Stanton Nursing Center.
    He was born May 25, 1944 in Powell County to the late Elbert G. and Celia Wasson Meadows.
    Survivors include his wife, Sharon Meadows, Stanton; two sisters, Anna Goforth and Addy Staggs, Winchester, Indiana; and several nieces and nephews.
    Services were held Tuesday, March 15th at 11 a.m. at the Cobb Hill Cemetery. Visitation was held Monday 6-9 p.m. Stanton Church of Christ, Main Street, Stanton.
    Burial was in Cobb Hill Cemetery with pallbearers Dustin Meadows, Vincent Meadows, Jerry Meadows, Gerald Meadows, Denny Frazier, and Kevin Neal.
    Davis and Davis Funeral Home of Stanton was in charge of arrangements.

Davis and Davis Funeral Home

  Saturday, March 12, 2016

Joyce Gay Crews Smith, 75

    Joyce Gay Crews Smith, age 75, of Old Landing Road in Irvine, Kentucky, passed away Saturday, March 12, 2016, at the Marcum and Wallace Memorial Hospital following a long illness.
    She was born February 12, 1940, in Dayton, Ohio, a daughter of the late Philbert and Ella Mae McDaniel Crews. She was a former nurse at Good Samaritan Hospital in Dayton, Ohio, and had lived in Estill County for the last 17 years. She attended the Wagersville Pentecostal Church of God.
    Mrs. Smith is survived by her husband, Vernon Smith; three daughters: Anita Barker, Estill County; Teresa Diane Dooley (Mark), Verona, Ohio; and Renee Woods (Scott), Florida; two sons: Aaron Ray Smith (Mary), Phillipsburg, Ohio; and Phillip Vernon Smith (Kathy), Estill County; three sisters: Judith Faye Gibson, Dayton, Ohio; Rhonda Dale Finney, Greenville, Ohio; and Rita Sue Welch, Dayton, Ohio; three brothers: David Crews, Rick Crews, both of Dayton, Ohio; and Randy Crews, Dayton, Ohio; 17 grandchildren; 36 great grandchildren; and three great, great grandchildren.
    She was preceded in death by three brothers: Roger Crews, Jerry Crews, and Lin Crews.
    Funeral services will be conducted Wednesday, March 16th at 1 p.m. at the Warren F. Toler Funeral Home Chapel by Bro. David Crews, Bro. Beverly Arvin, and Bro. Rick Crews with burial following in the Campbell Cemetery. Friends called between 6 and 9 p.m., Tuesday, March 15th at the funeral home.

Warren F. Toler Funeral Home

  Friday, March 11, 2016

Freddie Wayne Ashcraft, 77

    Freddie Wayne Ashcraft, age 77, of Pea Ridge Road in Irvine, Kentucky, passed away Friday, March 11, 2016, at the Marcum and Wallace Memorial Hospital following a short illness.
    He was born June 24, 1938, in Estill County, a son of the late Shelby and Edna Lee Pryse Ashcraft. He was a former conductor with CSX Railroad and had lived in Estill County all of his life. He was a member of the Mt. Carmel Christian Church, having served as an elder, chairman of the board, and a Sunday School teacher. He was a veteran of the United States Army. He was loved by his family, his church family, and anyone who knew him.
    Mr. Ashcraft is survived by his wife, Ida Mae Rison Ashcraft; two daughters: Tonya Thomas (Phillip) and Sandra Hall (Kevin), both of Irvine; five grandchildren: Kristin Richardson (Jake), Brandon Hall (Eidy), Kendra Hall, Cory Thomas (Tiffany Aldridge), and Rylan Hall; two great grandchildren: Lauren Hall and Jarrett Richardson; and one brother, Royce Ashcraft, Louisville.
    Funeral services were conducted Tuesday, March 15th at 11 a.m. at the Mt. Carmel Christian Church by Bro. Mark Pearson with burial following in the West Irvine Cemetery. Friends called from 6-9 p.m., Monday, March 14th at the Warren F. Toler Funeral Home Chapel and after 10 a.m., Tuesday, at the church.

Warren F. Toler Funeral Home

  Friday, March 9, 2016

Vina Powell Cruse, 87

    Vina Powell Cruse, 87, mother of Bertha Tipton, passed away Friday, March 9, 2016, at her home following a long illness.
    She was a native of Estill County, born June 12, 1928, a daughter of the late Andy and Sally Ann Larrison Powell. Mrs. Cruse was a homemaker, and member of the Sunlight Fellowship Church of God.
    She was preceded in death by her husband, Tom Cruse Jr,; her first husband, Colie Moberly; her sisters: Margaret Richardson, and Betty Jean Powell; and her brothers: James, Harris, Bobby, Charlie, and Ed Powell.
    Survivors include her daughter, Bertha Tipton (Woody); her stepsons: David and Lowell Cruse; her grandchildren: Robert Muncie (Krissy), Michael Muncie (Kristi), and Mike Tipton (Lisa); her great grandchildren: McKeely, Chase, Maci, Lexi and Preslee Muncie, Tara Raines, and Molly Tipton; her great, great grandchildren: Tristan Estes and Layla Rains; her sisters: Christine Moore (Fred), and Barbara Bland (Doug); her brother, Paul Powell; and several nieces and nephews.
    Services were held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, March 15th at Lewis Funeral Home. Burial followed in the Kimbrell Cemetery. Friends called anytime after 6:00 p.m., Monday, March 14th at the funeral home.
    Pallbearers were Robbie & Michael Muncie, Mike Tipton, Ron Lentz, Trevor Jones and Dwayne Tipton.
    Honorary pallbearers were her nephews, and Dwight Rison, Stephen Rison, and Donnie Watson.

Lewis Funeral Home

  Wednesday, March 9, 2016

Omer Beckley, 93

    Omer Beckley, age 93, of Highway 587 in Beattyville, Kentucky, passed away Wednesday, March 9, 2016, at the Marcum & Wallace Memorial Hospital following a short illness.
    He was born January 11, 1923 in Estill County and was the son of the late John and Seafronia Stewart Beckley. He was retired employee of Bundy Tubing and a member of the Southside Church of Christ.
    Mr. Beckley is survived by his wife, Gracie V. Rogers Beckley; one daughter, Joy Carolyn Beckley, Lee County; one son, Lloyd Wayne Beckley (Sue Carol), Estill County; one sister, Emma Flannery, Estill County; one grandchild, L.W. Beckley (Emily), and one great grandchild, Will Beckley.
    He was preceded in death by one grandchild, Chad Beckley; four sisters: Lizzie Couch, Eliza Noe, Fannie Noe, and Louise Johnson; and three brothers: Eddie, Ward and Willy Beckley.
    Funeral services were conducted Monday, March 14th at 1 p.m., at the Warren F. Toler Funeral Home Chapel by Bro. Tom Reece and Bro. Joe Fox. Burial was at the Donnelly Cemetery. Friends called after 11 a.m., Monday, at the funeral home.
    Pallbearers were L.W. Beckley, Howard Rogers, Tim Peters, Austin Rogers, Joe Young and Kendall Rogers.
    Honorary pallbearers were Delbert Addison and Robbie Rogers.

Warren F. Toler Funeral Home

  Tuesday, March 8, 2016

Bessie Marie Rose, 79

    Bessie Marie Rose was born December 29, 1936 in Jackson County and departed this life Tuesday, March 8, 2016, at the Baptist Health Hospital in Richmond, being 79 years of age. She was the daughter of the late Eunice & Rosie (Clemmons) McKinney.
    Bessie is survived by her husband, Burchnel Rose Sr. of McKee; and by six children: L.D. Harrison, Burchnel Rose Jr., both of Irvine; David Harvey, Linda Gail Crabtree, both of McKee, Betty Jean Lickliter of Lawrenceburg; and Judy K. Rose of Berea. She is also survived by two sisters, Elsie Harrison of McKee and Betty Isaacs of Owsley Fork. Bessie was blessed with 17 grandchildren and a host of great grandchildren.
    In addition to her parents, Bessie was also preceded in death by four brothers: Harlan J. McKinney, Bill McKinney, James McKinney and Orville McKinney.
    Bessie was a member of the Sinking Valley Holiness Church.
    Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, March 11th at Lakes Funeral Home, 1181 Main Street, South, McKee. Burial followed in the Sinking Valley Cemetery.
    Pallbearers were D.J. Harrison, Dean & Josh Lickliter, Snowden Rose, Jonathan Cole and Brandon Crabtree.

Lakes McKee Funeral Home

  Monday, March 7, 2016

Sylvia W. Flannery, 77

    Sylvia W. Flannery, age 77, of Burlington, Kentucky, passed away Monday, March 7, 2016, at her home following a long illness.
    She was born September 3, 1938, in Estill County, a daughter of the late James B. and Ella M. Finney Wiseman. She was a former receptionist at the City of Irvine Mayor’s Office and she really enjoyed cooking. She lived in Estill County and Northern Kentucky all of her life and attended the Lighthouse Free Will Baptist Church. She was a loving mother who was known for her hugs.
    Mrs. Flannery was preceded in death by her husband, Lindburg Flannery.
    She is survived by three daughters: Teresa Tyree (David), Burlington; Peggy Placke (Andrew), Aurora, Indiana; and Kim Flannery (Steve) Crittenden; three sons: Rick Flannery (Anne), Union; William Flannery (Susan), Hebron; and Terry Flannery (Meg), Glencoe; one sister, Margie Smith Germantown, Kentucky; 22 grandchildren and 9 ½ great grandchildren.
    Mrs. Flannery was preceded in death by one son, Michael Wayne Flannery; and seven siblings: Mable Edge, Frankie Estes, Georgia Tipton, Minnie Poer, Gladys Shepherd, Elizabeth Wiseman, and Arnold Wiseman.
    Funeral services were conducted Friday, March 11th at 11 a.m. at the Warren F. Toler Funeral Home Chapel by Rev. Robert Courtney with burial to follow in the Tuttle Cemetery. Friends called between 6 and 9 p.m., Thursday, March 10th at the funeral home.
    Pallbearers were Eric Flannery, Christopher Flannery, Tony Flannery, Mia Hofstetter, Austin Schneider, David L. Tyree, Timothy Sterling and Caitlyn Flannery.
    Honorary pallbearers were Daniel Flannery, Justin Flannery, Ty Flannery, Terry M. Flannery, Rebecca Placke, Nathan Schneider, Corrine Tyree, Brett Kline and Cameron Kline.

Warren F. Toler Funeral Home

  Monday, March 7, 2016

Elzie McIntosh, 69

    Elzie McIntosh, age 69, husband of Mildred Campbell McIntosh, passed away Monday, March 7, 2016 at the VA Medical Center in Lexington. Mr. McIntosh was a native of Estill County, born August 27, 1946, a son of the late Ottie and Ethel Baber McIntosh. He was a retired employee of the Clay-Ingels Company.
    Mr. McIntosh was a United States Army Veteran serving in Vietnam. He was a member of the Victory Tabernacle Church of God, a member of the American Legion Post #79, where he served as chaplain, and in the Honor Guard. He enjoyed hunting, spending time with his family, gardening, and giving the produce he grew to friends and neighbors.
    He was preceded in death by his daughter, Rachel; and his brothers: Glendon, Gene, Bill, and Millard McIntosh.
    Survivors, other than his wife of 48 years, Mildred, include his daughters: Jackie Ash (Randy) and Lisa Miller (Randy); his brothers: Jack, Lennie, Pleas, and Donald McIntosh; his sisters: Melba Johnson, Helen Frye, Anna Thatcher, Mamie Harshman, Mary Wylie, and Eva Watson; and his granddaughters: Jacqueline and Jessica Roberts.
    Services were held at 1:00 p.m., Friday, March 11th at Lewis Funeral Home with Bishop Geral Richardson officiating. Burial followed in the Oakdale Cemetery with full military honors. Friends called anytime after 6:00 p.m., Thursday, March 10th at the funeral home.
    Pallbearers were Jack, Pleas, Donald, Lennie, Gary, and Donald Paul McIntosh.
    Honorary pallbearers were Randy Ash and Randy Miller.

Lewis Funeral Home

  Monday, March 7, 2016

Amanda Duluth “Andi” Harrison, 24

    Amanda Duluth “Andi” Harrison, age 24, of Wagersville Road in Irvine, Kentucky, passed away Saturday, March 5, 2016.
    She was born December 25, 1991 in Montgomery County, and was the daughter of Tammy Duluth McMaine Cox and Jeffery Harrison. She was a Machinist Mate with the United States Navy and had lived in Estill County most of her life.
    Survivors in addition, to her mother and father, include her grandparents: Carl O. McMaine Jr., Estill County; and Carmen Harrison, Tennessee; and three brothers: Seth McIntosh, Trenton Tanner Harrison, both of Madison County; and Landon Harrison, Estill County.
    She was preceded in death by her sister, Savanah Harrison; and her grandparents, Gerald Don Harrison and Ruby Jean McMaine.
    Funeral services were conducted Saturday, March 12th at 1 p.m. at the Warren F. Toler Funeral Home Chapel by Bro. James Thacker and Bro. Ronald Lutes. Burial was at the Harrison Cemetery. Friends called after 11 a.m., Saturday, at the funeral home.
    Full military honors were held at the cemetery.
    Pallbearers were the Navy Honor Guard

Warren F. Toler Funeral Home

  Sunday, March 6, 2016

Billy Howard, 87

    Billy Howard, age 87, of Irvine, Kentucky, passed away Sunday, March 6, 2016 at the Irvine Nursing and Rehab.
    He was a painter and a veteran of the United States Army.
    Mr. Howard is survived by a son, Kenny Howard of Texas; five stepsons: Donald Freeman, Pryse Lee Freeman, Frank Estes, Elisha John "Bo Bo" Freeman (Linda), all of Irvine; and David Lewis Freeman (Whitney) of Winchester; two daughters: Sherry Howard of Sydney, Ohio; and Linda Schag of Germany; five stepdaughters: Genevia Ballou of Clay City, Lillie Freeman of Richmond, Virginia Horn (Tom) of Irvine, Tina Freeman of Clay City, and Crystal McKenzie (Mark) of Winchester; 15 grandchildren and several great grandchildren.
    He was preceded in death by his parents, Kanauwha and Bertha Howard; and one brother, John Henry Howard.
    Funeral services were held at 2 p.m., Wednesday, March 9th at the Grayson Funeral Home Chapel, 201 7th Avenue, Clay City, with Bro. Delvin Reece officiating. Burial was in the Donnie G. Randall Veterans Memorial Cemetery.

Grayson Funeral Home

  Friday, March 4, 2016

Floyd Henry Burton Jr., 58

    Floyd Henry Burton Jr., age 58, of Canewood Drive in Winchester, Kentucky, passed away Friday, March 4, 2016, at the St. Joseph Hospital in Mt. Sterling, following a long illness.
    He was born October 3, 1957 in Estill County and was the son of Nancy Townsend Pasley and the late Floyd Henry Burton, Sr. He was an employee of Big Lots and attended the Baptist Church. He had lived in Clark County most of his life.
    Survivors, in addition to his mother, include his wife, Hattie Chism Burton; two sons: Floyd Henry Burton, III, Clark County; and James Burton, Montgomery County; three sisters: Donna Burton, Scott County; JoAnn Callis, Clark County; and Carolyn Parido, Washington County; one brother, Tracy Burton, Clark County; and six grandchildren.
    He was preceded in death by one brother, Leon Burton.
    Funeral services were conducted Monday, March 7, 1 p.m., at the Warren F. Toler Funeral Home Chapel by Bro. Joe Price. Burial was at the Cobb Hill Cemetery.
    Friends called after 11 a.m., Monday, at the funeral home.
    Pallbearers were Tracy Burton, II, Justin Crawford, Shawn Crowe, Josh Crowe, Anthony Crawford, Adrian Garcia and Eric Burton.
    Honorary pallbearer was Jeff Couch.

Warren F. Toler Funeral Home

  Friday, March 4, 2016

Warren Edward "Ed" Chaney, age 36

    Warren Edward "Ed" Chaney, age 36, of Jeffersonville, Kentucky, passed away on March 4, 2016 at St. Joseph Mt. Sterling Hospital.
    Born in Irvine, Kentucky, he was the son of Larry Gene Chaney and Dorothy Ruth Dunaway Stull. Ed loved hunting and being in the outdoors.
    He is survived by his wife, Crystal Bates Chaney of Mt. Sterling; a daughter, Taylor Brooke Chaney of Jeffersonville; his father, Larry Gene Chaney (Wavalene) of Mt. Sterling; his mother, Dorothy Ruth Stull of Jeffersonville; a brother, Billy Gene Chaney (Misty) of Winchester; a special uncle, Joe Chaney of Ravenna; a special nephew, Tanner Chaney of Winchester; along with numerous stepbrothers and stepsisters.
    Mr. Chaney was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Warren and Minnie Chaney; and by his maternal grandparents, Ollie and Dorothy Dunaway.
    Funeral services officiated by Bro. Harold Kelly were held at 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, March 8th at Hearne Funeral Home, Inc., 125 West College Avenue, Stanton. Visitation began at 5:00 p.m., Monday, March 7th at the funeral home.
    Interment was in Mt. Canaan Cemetery with Chris Smith, Tanner Chaney, Lindsey Allen Roberts, Shawn Barnett, Wayland Sherbert, Aaron Barnett and Mike Johnson serving as pallbearers.

Hearne Funeral Home

  Friday, March 4, 2016

Lohris R. Newton, 82

    Lohris R. Newton, age 82, of Richmond, Kentucky, passed away Friday, March 4, 2016, at the Baptist Health Richmond Hospital following a long illness.
    He was born September 3, 1933, in Estill County, a son of the late Floyd A. Newton Sr. and Della Rogers Newton. He retired from General Motors where he worked on the Assembly Line and had lived in Dayton, Ohio, most of his life. He was a member of the Crooked Creek Christian Church.
    Mr. Newton is survived by his wife, Thelma Shiflet Newton; one daughter, Sheri Neely (Mike), Georgia; two sons: Mitchell Newton (Peggy) and Kenneth Newton (Linda), both of Ohio; one brother, Floyd Newton Jr. (Burma), Irvine; and five grandchildren: Jennifer Valk, Ross Newton, William Michael “Joe” Neely, Nicholas Newton, and Olivia Neely.
    He was preceded in death by three siblings: Modena McKinney, Glendon Newton, and Hargus Newton.
    Funeral services were conducted Wednesday, March 9th, 1 p.m., at the Warren F. Toler Funeral Home Chapel by Bro. Beverly Arvin. Friends called after 11 a.m., Wednesday, until service time, at the funeral home.

Warren F. Toler Funeral Home

  Friday, March 4, 2016

Earl M. Rhodus, 82

    Earl M. Rhodus, 82, of Waco, Kentucky, passed away Friday, March 4, 2016 at his home.
    He was born on Saturday, February 10, 1934 in Madison County, Kentucky, the son of Burnam and Ida Rhodus. He served in the United States Air Force and was a retired employee of IBM. He was a member of the Kirksville Christian Church.
    Survivors include his wife of 59 years, Georgia “Bunny” Rhodus; one son, Doug Rhodus (Margaret); two daughters: Rebecca Worrell (Mark) and Peggy Riddell (Billy); one sister, Virginia Clark (Gilbert); seven grandchildren: Kevin Riddell, Andrea Northern (Brandon), Ryan Rhodus, Logan Worrell (Morgan), Amanda Starnes (Brandon), Jessica Riddell and Nicholas Worrell; and two great grandchildren: Hayden Riddell and Hannah Eversole.
    He was preceded in death by two brothers: Carl & Price Rhodus; and three sisters: Christine Gilliam, Molly King and Agnes Purcell.
    Funeral Services were conducted at 11 a.m., Wednesday, March 9th at Combs, Parsons & Collins Funeral Home, 328 West Main Street, Richmond, with Bro. Mark Pearson officiating. Burial followed in the Madison Memorial Gardens. Visitation was from 5-8 p.m., Tuesday, March 8th at the funeral home.
    Pallbearers were Hayden Riddell, Kevin Riddell, Ryan Rhodus, Logan Worrell, Brandon Northern, Brandon Starnes and Kenny Glover.
    Honorary pallbearers were Jack Harrison, Billy Ray Murphy, J. B. Burgin, Russell Thomas, Bobby Elkins, Wayne Powell and Joe Allen.

Combs, Parsons & Collins Funeral Home

  Thursday, March 3, 2016

Paulene Chaney, 56

    Paulene Chaney, age 56, of Irvine, Kentucky, formerly of Pike County, passed away Thursday, March 3, 2016 at the University of Kentucky Hospital in Lexington.
    Ms. Chaney was a native of Estill County, born March 15, 1959, a daughter of Kenneth Ray and Arlene Flynn Chaney. She was a former employee of the Trane Company of Lexington. She was an accomplished artist and former business owner.
    Survivors, other than her parents, include her daughter, Lisa Trimble Craft (David Lee)of Lexington; her son, Timothy Mark Trimble of Irvine; her grandchildren: Isabella Marie Short and Gabriel Isaiah Craft; and three siblings: Kenneth Ray Chaney Jr. of Irvine, Eulane Gardner of Hodgenville, and James Chaney of Irvine.
    The family of Paulene Chaney hosted a gathering of friends at 1:00 p.m., Sunday, March 6th, at Lewis Funeral Home, with a memorial service beginning at 3:00 p.m. with Sam Miller officiating.

Lewis Funeral Home

  Thursday, March 3, 2016

Brett McIntosh, 47

    Brett McIntosh, age 47, of Irvine, Kentucky, passed away at his residence Thursday, March 3, 2016.
    He was a self-employed painter.
    Mr. McIntosh is survived by his parents, Jerry and Patsy McIntosh of Irvine, two sisters Timiri Bingham (James) of Irvine, and Cherish Conner (Jeff) of Crossville, Tennessee.
    The family has chosen cremation.
    Grayson Funeral Home of Clay City is in charge of arrangements.

Grayson Funeral Home

  Wednesday, February 24, 2016

Agnes J. Means, 77

    Agnes J. Means, age 77, of Pea Ridge Road in Irvine, Kentucky, passed away Wednesday, March 2, 2016, at the University of Kentucky Medical Center in Lexington, following a sudden illness.
    She was born May 3, 1938 in Estill County and was the daughter of the late Robert Lee and Mattie B. Gross Gray. She was a homemaker and had lived in Estill County most of her life.
    Mrs. Means was preceded in death by her husband, Everett Means.
    She is survived by four daughters: Connie Lou Ferguson, Huber Heights, Ohio; Melissa Riddell, Estill County; Rebecca Willis, Richmond; and Tina Kelly, Estill County; three sons: Ernest Brinegar, Herman Brinegar, and Timothy Brinegar, all of Estill County; four sisters: Minnie Riddell, Maggie Brinegar, Lilly Hoover, all of Estill County; and Barbara Gray, Frankfort; 23 grandchildren, several great grandchildren and several great, great grandchildren; her companion, Leslie E. Flynn; and one who was loved as a son, Terry Lee Flynn.
    She was preceded in death by four sisters: Bertha Hoover, Katherine Henry, Gracie Gilbert and Nancy Rose; and three brothers: Columbus, Hershell and Buford Gray.
    Funeral services were conducted Saturday, March 5, at 1 p.m. at the Warren F. Toler Funeral Home Chapel by Bro. Jeff Ferguson. Friends called after 11 a.m., Saturday, at the funeral home.

Warren F. Toler Funeral Home

Monday, February 29, 2016

Current Information and Public Safety
Blue Ridge Landfill Radioactive Waste
Estill County Schools

    On Thursday afternoon, February 25, the Estill County Schools were notified by news media about the possible dumping of radioactive waste at the Blue Ridge Landfill across from Estill County High School and Estill County Middle School. Since that time it has become evident that there has been naturally occurring radioactive waste deposited at the landfill during the second half of 2015. We were assured on Thursday by the Commonwealth Department of Health and Family Services Radiation Health Branch that there was no public health threat to our students or staff at either school. We have worked very closely with the Estill County Judge Executive, Wallace Taylor and the Director of Emergency Management, Ronnie Riddell to assure that our students are attending school in a safe environment.
    On Saturday, February 27, a team of inspectors from various state agencies, including the Energy and Environment Cabinet, Radiation Health, and the state HAZMAT Team inspected the buildings and grounds of both Estill County High School and Middle School. Their findings confirm that there is no evidence that any activity at the landfill has caused unsafe conditions on our campuses. On Sunday, February 28, a team from ECO-TECH, a private company that has no ties to the state agencies or the landfill, was contracted by our Judge Executive and Emergency Management Director. This group also tested the schools and grounds, along with the landfill. Their preliminary reports shows no evidence that the schools have been contaminated or made unsafe by activities at the landfill. Both of these inspections were done to assure our students, parents, staff, and community that everyone is safe and our schools are safe as well. It has been and will always be our main objective to provide a safe learning and working environment for everyone in our district.
    The Estill County School district would like to thank the following people for their dedication and quick responses: County Judge Executive, Wallace Taylor; Director of Emergency Management, Ronnie Riddell and Director of Buildings & Maintenance, Arthur Ballard. These individuals have worked long hours during the past few days to make sure our students and staff are safe.
    If any citizen has additional concerns and wants more information concerning this issue, there will be a public forum held on Tuesday, March 1, 2016 at the Estill County High School beginning at 6:00pm.

                        Sincerely,
                        Jeff Saylor, Superintendent
                        Estill County Schools