NOV 23

_         PUZZLES         _

DEC 7

Irvine-Ravenna, Estill Co., KY

PROUDLY SERVING ESTILL COUNTY SINCE 1982

Volume 35 - Number 22 - Wednesday, November 30, 2016

Current Obituaries

Wednesday, December 7th Edition

  Friday, December 2, 2016

Nannie JoAnn Walling Dawes, 76

Nannie JoAnn Dawes

    Nannie JoAnn Walling Dawes, age 76, of Irvine, Kentucky, passed away at her home on Friday, December 2, 2016 after a short illness.
    She was born on April 16, 1940 to Hargis and Thelma Sons Walling. Nannie was of the Holiness Faith. She enjoyed embroidery, working puzzles and music. She was retired from Walmart.
    Mrs. Dawes was preceded in death by her husband, Earnest Dawes; and a son, Earnest Dawes Jr.
    Nannie is survived by her six other children: two sons: Marty Dawes (Bevy) and Bobby Dawes (Cheebie); and four daughters: Reana Puckett (Buddy), Jo-Etta Darlene West (David), Tabby Shanks (Wayne) and Barb Dawes, all of Richmond. She had eleven grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren.
    Services were held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, December 5th at Lewis Funeral Home with burial following in the Dunaway Cemetery. Friends called anytime, 5-8 p.m., Sunday, December 4th at the funeral home.
    Serving as pallbearers were Buddy Puckett, David West Jr., Henry Boian, Jr., Jeremy McManus, Gerald Thacker, and Josh Barnes.

Lewis Funeral Home

  Monday, November 28, 2016

Lenville “Len” Robert White, 78

    Lenville “Len” Robert White, age 78, of Cherry Forrest Drive in Louisville, Kentucky, passed away Thursday, December 1, 2016, at his home with family by his side.
    He was born April 7, 1938 in Russell County, Kentucky, and was the son of the late Robert and Elsie Breeding White. He served in the United States Army before moving to Estill County. He retired from the Irvine Rite-Aid after 45 years as a pharmacist and manager. He was an active member of Rice Station Christian Church where he served as a Deacon and Sunday school teacher.
    Mr. White is survived by his faithful and loving wife of 41 years, Gladys Wiseman White; one daughter, Andrea Ohr (Keith), Louisville; one son, Ryan White (Lesley), Louisville; four grandchildren: Andrew and Amelia Ohr, Natalie and Landon White; two sisters: Darlene Wilson, Florence; and Marlene Frost, Brookville, Indiana; and several nieces and nephews.
    Funeral services were conducted Monday, December 5th at 10 a.m. at the Rice Station Christian Church by Bro. Bill Welker and Bro. Kirt Scott. Burial was at the Louisville Memorial Gardens East with graveside services at 2 p.m., Monday. Friends called between 5 and 8 p.m., Sunday, December 4th at the Warren F. Toler Funeral Home.
    Pallbearers were Butch Hardy, Aubrey Miller, Melvin Williams, Mike Tuttle, Ray Harold Hardy, and Joedy Ohr.
    Honorary pallbearers were the Elders of Rice Station Christian Church; Bobby Willis, Marvin Cooper and Matthew Hall.

Warren F. Toler Funeral Home

  Monday, November 28, 2016

Betty Joyce Riddell, 71

    Betty Joyce Riddell, age 76, a resident of the Lee County Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, passed away Monday, November 28, 2016, at the Marcum & Wallace Memorial Hospital in Irvine, Kentucky.
    She was born July 3, 1940 in Estill County and was the daughter of the late John Lee and Thelma Walters Puckett. She was a homemaker and a member of the Rice Station Christian Church. She had lived in Estill County most of her life.
    Mrs. Riddell is survived by her husband, Billy Riddell; and one brother, Doug Puckett (Maxine), Estill County.
    Funeral services were conducted Thursday, December 1st at 1 p.m. at the Warren F. Toler Funeral Home Chapel by Bro. Ricky Powell. Friends called after 11 a.m., Thursday, at the funeral home.

Warren F. Toler Funeral Home

  Thursday, November 24, 2016

Lola LaFawn Chaney Rose, 65

    Lola LaFawn Chaney Rose, age 65, of Inverness, Florida; died Thursday, November 24, 2016, from injuries sustained in an automobile accident on October 3, 2016 in Lecanto, Florida.
    She was born October 18, 1951 in Richmond, Kentucky, to Ona Barnes Chaney and Chester Chaney. She was a longtime resident of Inverness, but visited her hometown of Irvine, as often as she could.
    Lola is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Amanda Leigh and Curtis Crawford, Inverness; grandchildren, Matthew and MacKenzie Curtis, Inverness; sisters: Phyllis Tipton, Lecanto, Florida; Carolyn Marcum (Bill), Irvine; and Virginia West, Stanton; brothers: Jerry Chaney, Irvine; Steven Chaney, Ravenna; and Paul Chaney (Cheryl), Ravenna; a sister-in-law Shirleen Chaney, Ravenna; and several nieces and nephews she dearly loved.
    She was predeceased by her mother and father, Ona Barnes Chaney Barnes and Chester Chaney; step-father, Billie Wallace Barnes; and two brothers: Chester Dwight Chaney and Michael Dale Chaney.
    Services were held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, December 3rd at the Lewis Funeral Home. Friends called from 11 a.m. until service time at the funeral home.
    Serving as pallbearers were Curtis Crawford, Chris Chaney, Ryan Chaney, Billy Paul Chaney, Dwight Marcum, Shawn Chaney, Doug Dooley, and BJ Anderson.

Lewis Funeral Home

  Thursday, November 24, 2016

Randall Dudley Wood, PhD, 80

Randall Dudley Wood

    Randall Dudley Wood, PhD, age 80, of Bryan, Texas, passed away Thursday, November 24, 2016 at Crestview Skilled Nursing after a long courageous battle with Parkinson's disease.
    Visitation was held 5 to 7 p.m., Sunday, November 27th at Hillier Funeral Home in Bryan. Services were held at 2 p.m. Monday, November 28th at St. Andrews Episcopal Church in Bryan with burial following at the Aggie Field of Honor.
    Randall was born August 3, 1936 in Palmer, rural Estill County, Kentucky to Ocie B. Wood and Tena V. (Harris) Wood. He attended a one room grade school and later graduated from Estill County High School, Irvine, Ky. He received a B.S. in Animal Husbandry from the University of Kentucky, 1959; MS in Animal Nutrition in 1961, with coursework at UK and research at University of Tennessee Atomic Energy Commission Agricultural Research laboratory; PhD, Biochemistry, Texas A &M University, January 1965, he was in the first graduating class as Texas A&M University, Postdoctoral training at Atomic Energy Commission Fellow Oak Ridge Associated Universities, Tennessee.
    His academic experience included, Scientist, ORAU Oak Ridge, TN; Assoc. Prof., Biochemistry Stritch School of Medicine Loyola University, Chicago and jointly as Scientist at Edward Hines Jr. V A, Hospital, Oaklawn, IL; Assoc. Prof. of Medicine and Biochemistry, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO; Professor of Dept. Biochemistry & Biophysics and Nutrition at TAMU.
    Randall belonged to numerous biochemical and nutrition societies, primary of which was the American Oil Chemists' Society (AOCS). In 1963, he received the first AOCS Honor Student Award which was for recognition of outstanding preparation for a career in the field of edible fats and oils. In 1967, he received the Bond Award Gold Medal which was AOCS recognition of excellence in technical content and manner of presentation of technical papers at meetings (1967). Randall was named an AOCS Fellow in 1998. He also received the Sigma XI Distinguished Member Award for Research Achievement in 1981.
    He was a reviewer of several journals, Editor of the journal of Lipid Research and ad hoc grant and site reviewer of NSF, NIH and the Medical Research Council of Canada. Randall was the author of one book, over 100 refereed scientific articles, and several monographs and book chapters. He also organized several scientific convocations. He was also a member of FarmHouse Greek Fraternity. Randall married Betty Arlene Baker, September 6, 1959 at Perryville Baptist Church, Perryville, Ky., just before starting his graduate work.
    Survivors include his beloved wife, Arlene Wood of Bryan; their daughter, Marjorie Arlene Guidry (Steven Craig) of Doylestown, Pennsylvania.; grandson, Randall Austin Guidry of Charlottesville, Virginia.; sister, Linda Wood Sullivan (J. G.) of Irvine, Kentucky: brothers-in-law: K. A. Baker (Mary) of Franklin, Indiana; J. W. Baker III (Norma) of Ringgold, Georgia; and W. K. Baker (Ann), Yorktown, Virginia; and a sister-in-law, Bonnie Baker Gullett (James) of Okeechobee, Florida; along with numerous nieces and nephews.
    He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Juliette Wood Wyant; and a granddaughter, Stephanie Dawn Guidry.
    In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice Brazos Valley or, St. Andrews' Episcopal Church in Bryan.

Hillier Funeral Home

Wednesday, November 23rd Obituaries

Former Obituaries

Wednesday, November 30th Edition

  Saturday, November 26, 2016

Bessie Mayse McKinney, 90

    Bessie Mayse McKinney, age 90, of Cedar Grove Road in Irvine, Kentucky, passed away Saturday, November 26, 2016, at the Baptist Health Richmond Hospital, following a long illness.
    She was born September 27, 1926, in Lee County, a daughter of the late Johnnie and Mamie Horn Mayse. She had worked in the Estill County School System and was a member of the Irvine Nazarene Church.
    Mrs. McKinney was preceded in death by her husband, Vernon McKinney.
    She is survived by a daughter, Shelia Sturgill, Madison County; one son, Charles McKinney, Jefferson County; one sister, Sally Deaton, Tennessee; four grandchildren: Jason Lee McKinney, Alana Archibald, Sebrina Keeney and Tara Wierick; and 12 great grandchildren.
    Mrs. McKinney was preceded in death by a daughter: Mary Bravo; and five brothers: Johnnie, Martin, Jessie, Willard, and Tommy Mayse.
    Funeral services were conducted Wednesday, November 30th at 1 p.m. at the Warren F. Toler Funeral Home Chapel with burial following in the McKinney Cemetery. Friends called after 11 a.m., Wednesday, until service time, at the funeral home.
    Pallbearers were Ron House, Kasey Keeney, William Keeney, Santi Bravo, and Randy Cassidy.

Warren F. Toler Funeral Home

  Friday, November 25, 2016

Harold “Wormie” Durham, 82

    Harold “Wormie” Durham, age 82, a resident of the Lee County Health & Rehabilitation Center, Beattyville, Kentucky, passed away Friday, November 25, 2016, at the Marcum & Wallace Memorial Hospital in Irvine, following a long illness.
    He was born April 2, 1934 in Estill County and was the son of the late John and Mayme Turner Durham. He was the former owner of Durham’s Pool Hall and a member of the House of Prayer. He had lived in Estill County all of his life.
    Mr. Durham is survived by one son, Harold Durham Jr., Estill County; two sisters: Jeanette Stepp, Hamilton, Ohio; and Jewel Fox, Estill County; two brothers: Thomas Durham, Waco; and Dale Durham, Estill County; two grandchildren and one great grandchild.
    He was preceded in death by one daughter, Vicky Lynn Durham; and two brothers: Fred and Lavon Durham.
    Funeral services were conducted Monday, November 28th at 11 a.m. at the Warren F. Toler Funeral Home Chapel by Bro. Jerry Rose and Bro. Tony Riddell. Burial was at the Durham Cemetery. Friends called between 6 and 9 p.m., Sunday, Novemer 27th at the funeral home.
    Pallbearers were Tommy Durham, Jr., Rhonda Armstrong, Trenton Durham, Travon Durham, Jerry Stepp and Steve Armstrong.

Warren F. Toler Funeral Home

  Wednesday, November 23, 2016

Elise Anne Davis Fauste, 60

    Elise Anne Davis Fauste, age 60, of Louise Court in Irvine, Kentucky, passed away Wednesday, November 23, 2016, after a short illness.
    She was born March 15, 1956 in Los Angeles County, California, and was the daughter of Robert and Sally Gatten Davis. She was a cosmetologist and had lived in Estill County most of her life.
    Survivors in addition to her father and mother include two daughters: Sarah Ann Muncy and Amy Thomas (Jason), both of Estill County; one son, Charlie Fauste (Raina), Estill County; one sister, Stephanie Soibelman, Colorado; two brothers: Bob Davis, Washington; and Greg Davis, California; and eight grandchildren: Steven Muncy, Haley Fauste, Bailey Muncy, Julie Henderson, Natalie Thomas, Jayce Thomas, Aiden Henderson and Remi Fauste.
    She was preceded in death by one sister, Julie Leep.
    Funeral services were conducted Tuesday, November 29th at 7 p.m. at the Warren F. Toler Funeral Home Chapel. Friends called after 6 p.m., Tuesday, at the funeral home.

Warren F. Toler Funeral Home

  Wednesday, November 23, 2016

Alex Farrell Miller, 52

    Alex Farrell Miller, age 52, of Racetrack Road in Irvine, Kentucky, opened his eyes in Heaven on Wednesday, November 23, 2016. He left the University of Kentucky Medical Center, surrounded by his family, after a long battle with multiple myeloma.
    He was born May 9, 1964 in Estill County and was the son of Verneda Miller and the late Farrell “Gene” Miller. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He was a devoted man of God and a former pastor and member of the New Zion Baptist Church. He worked at Southern States for 34 years. Alex enjoyed hunting, fishing, trap shooting, vintage cars, grilling, camping and UK sports. Any time he spent with his family and friends was cherished the most. He loved fiercely and was always willing to lend a helping hand.
    Mr. Miller is survived by his wife of 33 years, Jacqueline “Jackie” Isaacs Miller; one daughter, Alexis Turner (Jeremy), one son, Chad Miller (Daesha); his mother, Verneda Miller; three brothers: Aubrey, Jimmy and Sam Miller; two sisters: Sheila Richardson and June Burke; three granddaughters: Hannah Turner, Preslee Miller and Paelyn Miller; one grandson, Greyson Turner; and many loved nieces and nephews.
    He was preceded in death by one sister, Teresa Miller.
    Funeral services were conducted Sunday, November 27th at 2 p.m. at the Warren F. Toler Funeral Home Chapel by Bro. Bobby Harris. Burial was at the Campbell Cemetery. Friends called between 6 and 9 p.m., Saturday, November 26th at the funeral home.
    Pallbearers were his nephews: Jeremy Miller, Chris Miller, Wesley Miller, Shane Richardson, Ryan Richardson, Lucas St. John, Trevor St. John and Jamison Miller.
    Honorary pallbearer was Josiah Miller.

Warren F. Toler Funeral Home

  Wednesday, November 23, 2016

Timothy Leon Thacker, 51

    Timothy Leon Thacker, age 51, of Wisemantown Road in Irvine, Kentucky, passed away Wednesday, November 23, 2016, at the St. Joseph East Hospital in Lexington, following a long illness.
    He was born March 30, 1965 in Campton, Kentucky, and was the son of Vernon Ray Thacker and the late Wanda Alice Ross Barrett. He was a construction worker with Union 187 and had served as a member of the National Guard. He had lived in Estill County most of his life.
    Survivors, in addition to his father, include three sons: Timothy Lyle Thacker, Michael Alan Thacker, and Christopher Adam Thacker, all of Estill County; three sisters: Wanda Darlene Abner, Laurel County; Shelia Rae Begley, Estill County; and Rhonda Michelle Barrett, Fayette County; and six grandchildren: Alexis Dawn Thacker, Madeline Jade Thacker, Jace Alexander Thacker, Matthew Mason Thacker, Michael Keegan Thacker and Kennedy Aliyah Thacker.
    He was preceded in death by one sister, Leatrice Ann Thacker.
    Funeral services were conducted Tuesday, November 29th at 11 a.m. at the Warren F. Toler Funeral Home Chapel. Burial was at the Thacker Cemetery. Friends called between 6 and 9 p.m., Monday, Novemer 28th at the funeral home.
    Pallbearers were Lewis Barrett, Chris Thacker, Jonathan Barrett, Steven Napier, Timothy Thacker and Michael Thacker.

Warren F. Toler Funeral Home

  Tuesday, November 22, 2016

Patrick Lee O’Shea, 76

Patrick Lee O’Shea

    Patrick Lee O’Shea, age 76, of Trotwood, Ohio, passed away Tuesday, November 22, 2016.
    He was born in Dayton, Ohio, on April 16, 1940 to the late Thomas and Julia O’Shea.
    Patrick is preceded in death by his parents; brother and sister-in-law, Bob and Joan Wingate; brother, John O’Shea; nephew, Mark Wingate; and father and mother-in-law, Sam and Stanley Barnes;
    He is survived by his wif,e Eldene O’Shea; two sons: Thomas O’Shea (Joanna) and Shane O’Shea (Sara); a daughter, Lisa O’Shea; grandchildren: Austin, Cheyenne, Jordan, Devin, Gavin O’Shea; a brother, Jerry O’Shea; a niece, Cathy French (Harold); sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law: Ruby Lynch (Richard),Lou Ellen Gray, Wayne Barnes, and Raymond Barnes (Willa); as well as extended family and friends.
    The family will receive friends on Thursday, December 1, 2016 at Newcomer Funeral Home, 4104 Needmore Road, Dayton, Ohio, starting at 12:00 Noon until time of service at 1 p.m. with interment to follow at Dayton National Cemetery.

Newcomer Dayton Funeral Home

  Tuesday, November 22, 2016

Michael D. Witt, 65

Michael D. Witt

    Michael D. Witt, age 65, passed away on Tuesday, November 22, 2016.
    Born August 14, 1951 to Virginia and Beverly Witt in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Michael was a former self-employed service station owner/operator in Stanton. Prior to that he was an employee of Bundy Tubing for 20 years with positions including machine operator, group leader, quality control, process engineer and supervisor.
    Michael started his career selling newspapers, being a grocery store employee, tool and die operator and tobacco warehouse worker; sometimes working three jobs at once. He was a 30 year plus member of the Clay City Lions Club serving as secretary/treasurer for over 15 years and also holding several other positions in the club, a member of the Red River Historical Society and a 20-year member of the Sons of Amvets Post 67 in Clay City, serving as financial officer. Michael was a citizen band radio operator and ham operator.
    He was preceded in death by his sister, Brenda Witt Patterson; an uncle, Russell Strange; and his aunt and uncle, Geneva and Willie Profitt.
    Michael is survived by his parents, Beverly and Virginia Creech Witt of Clay City; his best friend and partner, Kim Demmons of Stanton; a son, Daniel J. Willoughby of Stanton; a daughter, Kayla Ledford (Ryland) of Stanton; aunts Reece Strange of Clay City and Margie Hanks of Louisville; an uncle, Miller Farris Witt (Lavela), Lafayette, Tennessee; cousins: Connie Johnson of Clay City and Teresa Kinser (John) of Stanton; and two grandchildren: Noah Ledford and Harley Ledford.
    Funeral services were held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, November 26th at Hearne Funeral Home, 125 West College Avenue, Stanton. Visitation began at 5:00 p.m., Friday, November 25th at the funeral home. Burial was in Stanton Cemetery with Greg Crabtree, Silas Smith, John Smith, Kenny Morton, Jeff Trent, Donavon Nolan and Ryland Ledford serving as active pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers were Byron Welch, Herman Dotson, Henry Andrews, John Graston, John Reffett, and members of Clay City Lions Club and Amvets of Post 67.

Hearne Funeral Home

  Friday, November 18, 2016

Donald Dean Napier, 78

    Donald Dean Napier, age 78, of Irvine, Kentucky, passed away at home on November 22, 2016.
    Don was a United States Army Veteran and a retired CSX Railroad Engineer. He was the son of the late Ward and Oda Napier.
    He is preceded in death by his sister, Doris Jean Stamper.
    Don is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Patsy Napier, of 50 years; two sons: Shannon Napier (Susie), and Rodney Napier (Angie), both of Irvine; one daughter, Sharon Napier-Pearson (Jeff), Richmond.
    Pappy has six grandsons: Josh Napier (Randi), Logan Napier, Caden Pearson, Isaac Napier, Landon Napier and Lane Napier; and one great granddaughter, Lacie Napier, all who love him dearly.
    Don also has a sister, Dixie Napier (Bill), Hazard.
    He has a host of nieces, nephews, other family and friends.
    Funeral services were conducted Saturday, November 26th at 1 p.m. at the Warren F. Toler Funeral Home Chapel by his nephew, Rev. Brad Napier. Burial was at the Sunset Memorial Gardens. Friends called after 11 a.m., Saturday, at the funeral home.
    Pallbearers were Shannon Napier, Rodney Napier, Jeff Pearson, Josh Napier, Caden Pearson, Logan Napier, Landon Napier and Isaac Napier.
    Honorary pallbearers were Lane Napier, Lily Brooke Pearson and Lacie Napier.

Warren F. Toler Funeral Home

Wednesday, November 23rd Obituaries

Estill County News

  Thursday, December 1, 2016

KSP Post 7 December Traffic Safety Checkpoint Announcement

    The Kentucky State Police, Richmond Post, which provides coverage for Madison, Clark, Estill, Lee, Owsley, Jackson, Mercer, Boyle, Lincoln, Garrard and Jessamine counties, will be conducting periodic traffic safety checkpoints at locations approved by the Kentucky State Police Policy and Procedures Manual. These checkpoints will be conducted in an effort to enforce the traffic laws of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Special attention will be paid to occupant protection (seatbelt adherence), sobriety, insurance, and registration violations. A complete list of traffic safety checkpoint locations can be found at http://www.kentuckystatepolice.org/posts/press/post7_checkpoints.htm.
Safety Traffic Checkpoints for Estill County
    Pea Ridge Rd near Pea Ridge Church
    KY 52 at Pea Ridge Rd
    KY 89 at KY 82

  Thursday, December 1, 2016

  Tuesday, November 29, 2016

Traffic Stop Leads to Madison County Drug Arrest

    Kentucky State Police Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Officer Erik Stallsworth observed one of three occupants in a Chevrolet utility truck not wearing a seat belt on Battlefield Memorial Highway. After conducting a traffic stop and obtaining identifying information on all three individuals, it was determined a passenger, Jackie R. Bishop III of Richmond, had provided incorrect information to Officer Stallsworth. KSP post 7 dispatchers in Richmond then located the correct information and confirmed Bishop had two active arrest warrants. Upon interviewing a juvenile passenger inside the truck, he appeared to be smoking a cigarette and possessing tobacco products while under the age of 18. Upon further search of the juvenile, a cutoff straw and small plastic bag containing suspected methamphetamine was located. The juvenile was then detained and contact was made with the court designated worker. After being medically cleared at Baptist Health in Richmond, the juvenile was transport to the Fayette County Juvenile Detention center and charged with possession of a controlled substance 1st degree 1st offense (Methamphetamine), drug paraphernalia (buy/possess), and person <18 in possession of tobacco. Bishop was arrested on the active arrest warrants and also charged with giving officer false name/address. He was lodged in the Madison County Jail. Officer Stallsworth was assisted on scene by Trooper Briston Smith.

  Thursday, December 1, 2016

December 1-7 is Winter Weather Awareness Week in Kentucky

    East Kentuckians are no strangers to harsh winter weather, having dealt with multiple winter storms in recent years. While it's been mild recently, now is the time to prepare for the annual return of cold and snow. The National Weather Service offices that serve the state of Kentucky along with the Kentucky Weather Preparedness Committee have designated December 1-7 as Winter Weather Awareness Week across the Commonwealth.
    Each year, dozens of Americans die due to exposure to the cold. Even more fatalities occur in vehicle accidents, fires caused by heaters, or due to carbon monoxide poisoning from the improper use of generators during power outages. The aftermath of a winter storm can also have an impact on a community for days, weeks or even months.
    “Winter brings the threat of all types of hazardous weather, from heavy snow, ice and cold, to thunderstorms and flooding," said Shawn Harley, Meteorologist in Charge at the Jackson, Kentucky Weather Forecast Office. “Being prepared and staying weather aware is the key to keeping you and your family safe this coming winter.”
    Building a Weather-Ready East Kentucky starts at home and one of the most effective ways families can prepare for any disaster is to build an emergency kit. A basic emergency kit should have a three day supply of food, water and medicine, along with the essential supplies the family will need in the event of a prolonged power outage when travel is not possible.
    Know the severe weather risks your community faces and monitor weather forecasts. When a winter storm is in the forecast, communicate with family members and know their location and travel plans. Make sure all family members are able to get emergency alerts.
    While the best idea is to just stay home during winter storms, sometimes that's not possible. Winterize your vehicle now, while the weather is warm, and keep an emergency kit in your car. Weather conditions can vary greatly within short distances here in the mountains so make sure to check the forecast and road conditions along your route of travel. Road conditions and additional snow and ice information from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet can be found on the new snowky.ky.gov website.
    Winter Weather Awareness Week is a perfect time for families, communities, schools and businesses to review their plans and to build or resupply their emergency kits. To help that effort, the National Weather Service in Jackson will share winter weather preparedness information throughout the week via the web, Facebook and Twitter. Partner organizations and the media are also encouraged to participate and the National Weather Service has made various winter weather preparedness articles, infographics and social media plans available for use at http://www.weather.gov/jkl/winterawareness.
    Organizations that would like to partner with the National Weather Service to build a Weather-Ready Nation should consider becoming a Weather-Ready Nation Ambassador. The Weather-Ready Nation Ambassador initiative is intended for organizations and designed to help serve the public by strengthening our national resilience against extreme weather events. For more information and to apply, go to http://www.nws.noaa.gov/com/weatherreadynation/ambassadors.html.

  Tuesday, November 29, 2016

Plow blades down! Crews across the state gear up for snow and ice season
Stocked inventory, well-trained crews, new initiatives cement Cabinet’s strategy

    The plow blades have been sharpened. The salt domes are full. It’s snow and ice season, and the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s (KYTC) maintenance crews are prepared and ready to battle the elements to keep Kentuckians moving this winter.
    At the Department of Highways District 5 office, Secretary Greg Thomas and State Highway Engineer Patty Dunaway today discussed the Cabinet’s upcoming snow and ice strategy, including new equipment to assist crews with their snow removal efforts. The Cabinet’s mission for snow and ice removal is to keep traffic moving in a safe manner with an emphasis on maintaining mobility along critical corridors and priority routes.
    “Snow and ice season is the Super Bowl of transportation,” said Secretary Thomas. “The Cabinet is committed to providing dependable service to the public, and we are prepared to respond to weather conditions that may affect travel.”
    With a strategy reminiscent of combat, nearly 2,000 professional “snowfighters” and support staff have been briefed and trained on how to tackle snow and ice removal. A statewide brigade of trucks and plows stands ready, and a new special teams strike force of eight plows is stationed in Frankfort, positioned for district deployment during major winter weather events. The Cabinet will operate using snow and ice priority route maps during routine snow and ice occurrences.
    “We’ve sophisticated our strategy based on the unusually harsh winter hits Kentucky has seen in recent years that have impacted traffic on major roadways and interstates,” said Dunaway. “Our teams are ready to take on the snow and will work to maintain access on heavily travelled priority state routes.”

New this season:
    New equipment has been secured, including a special teams strike force of eight retrofit snow plows housed in Frankfort for statewide deployment as needed in winter weather emergencies. The strike force is reserved for high-priority routes to ensure interstates remain open.
    In addition, the Madisonville and Elizabethtown districts have new tow plows. These plows are independent, trailer-mounted plows with an attached hopper spreader that allow one driver in one truck to cover two lanes. The trucks are much larger and have greater hydraulic capabilities.
    The Cabinet has also developed a new webpage for all snow and ice information. The public can visit http://snowky.ky.gov to learn more about priority routes, access helpful winter weather tips and fact sheets and view informational videos on salt application and snow removal.
Inventory of materials and equipment:
    The Cabinet is winter-ready, fully stocked with a supply of 431,200 tons of salt, 1.1 million gallons of salt brine and 1.1 million gallons of calcium chloride.
    The Cabinet has approximately 980 deployable trucks and plows among the 125 snow and ice frontline maintenance crews. Another 451 contracted trucks are available to assist in snow and ice operations.
    Maintenance crews have prepared rosters and schedules, calibrated salting equipment, prepped plows, reviewed plowing strategies and completed safety training.
    The Cabinet will efficiently manage equipment, salt supplies and other snow-fighting materials. Districts will actively look for opportunities to shift resources for sharing with other districts as needed, focusing on the statewide team goal of serving all Kentucky citizens.
Be prepared:
The following measures will help keep motorists safe and prepared:
    • Pay attention to weather advisories. Weather will impact your commute on some level
    • Travel only as necessary during major snow events. It’s better to be stuck at home than to be stuck on the road
    • Maintain a safe distance from snowplows and other heavy highway equipment
    • Do not pass snowplows on the shoulder
    • Allow time for a slower commute
    • Winterize vehicles
    • Supply vehicles with blankets, flash light and an emergency supply kit
    • Know before you go. Visit http://transportation.ky.gov/sites/snowky and download the free Waze app to check traffic conditions before you travel
    • Eliminate distractions (e.g. using phone and eating) while driving
    • Cooperate with the expectations of the Quick Clearance law, which requires drivers to move vehicles to the shoulder in the event of a non-injury crash
    • See Estill County Priority Snow Routes at http://transportation.ky.gov/Maintenance/Documents/Snow%20and%20Ice%20Maps/ESTILL.pdf

Estill Election Results