NOV 30

_         PUZZLES         _

DEC 14

Irvine-Ravenna, Estill Co., KY

PROUDLY SERVING ESTILL COUNTY SINCE 1982

Volume 35 - Number 23 - Wednesday, December 7, 2016

Current Obituaries

Wednesday, December 14th Edition

  2016

Willie Mae McIntosh

Willie Mae McIntosh

    A private memorial service for our dear sister, Willie Mae, was conducted at Turning Point Apostolic Church in Ravenna, Kentucky, on Sunday, December 11, 2016. She turned 73 on December 5.
    Willie Mae was child number five of Willie and Eva Rawlins McIntosh and the first of eleven children to join our precious Mom and Dad. She loved us dearly as we did her. Forever in our hearts and precious in our memories. "We'll Meet You By The River On That Beautiful Shore"!
    Love, Millard, Arthur, Russell, Marshall, Jim, Ray, Eugene, Linda Lou, Roger and Larry McIntosh

  Thursday, December 8, 2016

Stanley Walling Jr., 64

    Stanley Walling, Jr., age 64, of White Oak Road in Irvine, Kentucky, passed away Thursday, December 8, 2016, at the Compassionate Care Center in Richmond, following a long illness.
    He was born March 1, 1952 in Madison County and was the son of the late Stanley Benjamin and Pearl Wiseman Walling. He was a truck driver and a member of the White Oak Church of God. He had lived in Estill County all of his life.
    He is survived by his wife, Teresa Baker Walling; one daughter, Melissa Kaye Walling, Estill County; one son, Benjamin Ray Walling (Elizabeth), Estill County; one brother, Donnell Walling, Estill County; and six grandchildren: Austin Wells, Blair Walling, Stephen Wells, Jessalynn Wells, Nolan Walling and Jaxson Hardy.
    He was preceded in death by two sisters: Elizabeth Wise and Elwanda Walling.
    Funeral services were conducted Saturday, December 10th at 4 p.m. at the Warren F. Toler Funeral Home by Bro. Glyndon Woosley and Bro. Larry McIntosh. Burial was at the White Oak Cemetery. Friends called after 2 p.m., Saturday, at the funeral home.
    Pallbearers were Charlie Park, Jeff Hix, Kagen Walling, Dwight Puckett, Oza Johnson, Donnie Watson, Jackie Tipton and Donald Walling.

Warren F. Toler Funeral Home

  Wednesday, December 7, 2016

Bessie Marie Reed Caldwell, 76

    Bessie Marie Reed Caldwell, age 76, of Hickory Road in Stanton, Kentucky, passed away Wednesday, December 7, 2016, at the Owsley County Health Care Center in Booneville, following a long illness.
    She was born January 6, 1940, in Richmond, Kentucky, a daughter of the late Riley Reed and Jesse Pitman Reed Sparks. She had lived in Estill County most of her life and was a member of the Roadside Mission Church.
    Mrs. Caldwell was preceded in death by her husband, Eugene Caldwell.
    She is survived by two sons: Micky Reed, Powell County; and Rick Bryant, Alabama; a sister, Katherine Barker, Indiana; one brother, Langley Reed, Indiana; eight grandchildren and several great grandchildren.
    She was preceded in death by two sons: Jimmy McIntosh and Charles Reed; three sisters: Betty Begley, Frieda Stilman, and Mary Ashcraft; and four brothers: Tracy, Charles Henry, Jim, and Ray Reed.
    Funeral services were conducted Saturday, December 10th at 12 Noon at the Warren F. Toler Funeral Home Chapel by Bro. Henry Johnson with burial following in the Cobb Hill Cemetery. Friends called after 11 a.m., Saturday, until service time, at the funeral home.
    Pallbearers were Micky Reed, Rick Bryant, Greg Goodwin and Leroy Caldwell.

Warren F. Toler Funeral Home

  Wednesday, December 7, 2016

James Lewell Reynolds, 83

    James Lewell Reynolds, age 83, passed away Wednesday, December 7, 2106 at Baptist Health in Richmond, Kentucky.
    He was a native of Arkansas, a son of the late Wilburn and Tressie Reynolds. He was a member of the Panola Baptist Church, and a retired brick mason.
    Mr. Reynolds was preceded in death by a daughter, Teresa Francisco; a son-in-law, Ron Profitt; a daughter-in-law, Debbie Reynolds; his grandson, James E. Reynolds; and a brother, Dub Reynolds.
    Survivors include his wife, Jan Reynolds; his sons: Ray Moses (Milly), Doug Reynolds, Danny Reynolds, and Verl Reynolds; his daughters: Pam Stone, Cherish Reynolds, Teresa Reynolds, Ruth Profitt, and Connie Daniels; his sisters: Agnes and Annie; and several grandchildren and great grandchildren.
    Services were held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, December 10th, at Lewis-Abner Home for Funerals with Bro. Marvin Neal officiating. Burial followed in the Reynolds Family Cemetery. Friends called anytime after 6:00 p.m., Friday, December 9th at the funeral home.
    Pallbearers were Ray Moses, Doug Reynolds, Mike Johnson, Jeff Woosley, Joe Woosley, and Tim Osborne.

Lewis-Abner Home For Funerals

  Tuesday, December 6, 2016

Hunter Nevada Shean, 19

    Hunter Nevada Shean, age 19, of Richmond, Kentucky, passed away Tuesday, December 6, 2016, after arrival at Baptist Health Hospital – Richmond following a lengthy illness.
    He was born August 30, 1997, in Montgomery County, Kentucky and had attended the Estill County High School. Hunter attended Eastside Community Church and loved anything to do with Batman and the University of Kentucky basketball. He was also a wrestling fan.
    Survivors include his mother, Glenna Rae Shean (Billy Neal) of Richmond; his father, Douglass Shean of Irvine; two brothers, Trey Shean of Richmond and Corey Shean of Winchester; one sister, Shanna Shean of Richmond; paternal grandmother, Elaine Gray; and maternal grandparents, Raymond and Linda Goosey; two nephews, Kayden and Jayden Shean and one niece, Miya Johnson.
    He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Gordon Shean.
    Funeral service for Hunter was held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, December 12th at Oldham, Roberts & Powell Funeral Home, 1110 Barnes Mill Road, Richmond, with Mike Eckler and John Buckland officiating. Visitation was from 11:00 a.m. until service time, Monday, at the funeral home.
    Pallbearers were John Buckland, Tyler Romero, Brian Eaves and Chris Hall.
    In lieu of flowers donations are suggested to Eastside Community Church, 2010 Catalpa Loop Rd., Richmond, KY 40475.

Oldham, Roberts & Powell Funeral Home

  Tuesday, December 6, 2016

Lawrence Seth Smith, 34

Lawrence Seth Smith

    Lawrence Seth Smith, age 34, of Irvine, Kentucky, passed away Tuesday, December 6, 2016 at his home.
    He was born on March 2, 1982, in Richmond to Charles and Dedra Stepp Smith. He was a member of the Union City Christian Church.
    In addition to his parents, he is survived by: his grandmothers, Sharron Stepp and Emma Smith; two sisters, Amanda & Michele Smith; a nephew, Gabriel Dombrowski; four aunts and one uncle; as well as many other family and friends.
    He was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Lawrence Stepp and Clyde Smith.
    Funeral Services were conducted at 7:00 p.m., Thursday, December 8th at the Warren F. Toler Funeral Home in Irvine, with Bro. Kenneth Bishop officiating. Private family burial was at the Crowe Cemetery. Visitation was after 4 p.m., Thursday, at the funeral home.
    Pallbearers were Brad Richardson, Zach Goosey, Billy Horn, Tangee Turpin and Tish Morris.
    The Combs, Parsons & Collins Funeral Home, Richmond, is in charge of the arrangements.

Combs, Parsons & Collins Funeral Home

Wednesday, November 30th Obituaries

Former 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

Estill County News

  Thursday, December 8, 2016

Auditor Mike Harmon Announces Findings of Special Examination of the City of Irvine
Results of examination being referred to Attorney General, Department of Revenue, and IRS

    Mike Harmon, Kentucky Auditor of Public Accounts, today announced the results of a special examination of the city of Irvine in Estill County. The findings in the examination will be referred to the Office of Attorney General (OAG), Internal Revenue Service (IRS), and the Kentucky Department of Revenue to determine whether additional investigation is needed. "The conclusion we came away with is the city has a poor operating environment in which actions of the mayor, city clerk, and city council members have contributed to numerous questions regarding the city's finances, personnel practices, and other related issues," Auditor Harmon said in releasing the report. "Ongoing disagreements and confusion over who is responsible for supervision of the city's operations created a leadership vacuum, allowing financial decisions to be made without proper review or oversight and increasing the opportunity for waste, fraud or abuse to take place."
    The special examination of Irvine, which came about from anonymous complaints to the APA's TIPS line, and a formal request by Irvine Mayor W. J. Noland to conduct a review, contained seven findings:
    1. The city of Irvine's operating environment is not conducive to proper management of the city's functions primarily because there is a great deal of friction within the city's management. The city clerk and city council bypassed the mayor's executive authority on key decisions, and in many cases the city was noncompliant with state law and local ordinances on issues like budgetary reports. In addition, the city has no policy manual on administrative and financial activities.
    2. There were disagreements between the mayor and city council on who has authority over matters such as the hiring and dismissal of employees, and professional service contractors like external CPA firms.
    3. Financial information presented to the city council was minimal, inconsistent and insufficient to allow members to get an accurate understanding of the city's financial situation.
    4. The city had numerous errors on tax withholdings for federal and state taxes for employees and contractors, and failed to submit tax payments on time and in the correct amount to the IRS and the Kentucky Department of Revenue. Because of those failures, the city was charged nearly $18,000 in penalties and interest by the IRS and Kentucky Department of Revenue between 2010 and September 2015.
    5. Due to a lack of segregation of duties, the city clerk often performed financial duties without any review by another responsible official. For example, the city clerk approved a raise for a city employee without the mayor's signature, and the city clerk opened and closed bank accounts without any review or approval by the mayor.
    6. There was a lack of documentation on disbursements from the city's bank accounts. Our office examined 302 transactions from those accounts over a three-year period, and discovered 84 percent, or 253 transactions, lacked information such as invoices or receipts, and no evidence that anyone outside the city clerk had reviewed invoices or determined whether the expenditure was for valid purposes for the city. Auditors also found $5,090 in petty cash withdrawals without any supporting receipts.
    7. We also discovered fund transfers to the city's payroll account were not enough to cover the amount paid to employees, leading to bank charges of $3,311 in overdraft fees, returned deposits, fees for providing paper bank statements over and above the electronic statements provided, and other fees charged to correct errors from the deposit of funds. Our office also found an instance where the city had reimbursed a local grocery store after a city employee cashed their payroll check and it bounced because of insufficient funds in the city's account.
    8. The city paid bonuses to city employees in violation of Section 3 of the Kentucky Constitution. When the city was advised in a prior audit that bonuses are not permissible, the city changed its methodology and began purchasing and distributing gift cards to employees. We discovered a check written for $1,650 in Fiscal Year 2014 made out to "Christmas Bonus."
    9. Auditors identified $4,441 in questionable expenditures for gift cards and gift certificates for employees, flowers and gifts sent to city employees, elected officials and their families, and meal purchases. We also found the city clerk reimbursed herself $504 in July 2015 for four years of meal allowance expenses without any supporting documentation. "Due to the lack of supporting documentation for expenditures and other examples cited in our examination report, we are referring this to the Attorney General's office for them to determine if there has been any criminal wrongdoing within the city of Irvine," added Auditor Harmon. "The amount of missing or incomplete documentation in many areas was concerning enough that we felt it appropriate for law enforcement to take a closer look."
    The full examination report is available for review on our website.

  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