Morning News – 12/26/14

CYNTHIANA / HARRISON

Driving past the Harrison County bus garage or Board of Education building may have raised an eyebrow if you’ve noticed buses marked for Oldham County Schools. The Harrison County School Board has purchased four used buses from Oldham County at a cost of $10,000 each; the buses will be joining the fleet for regular use, along with three brand new buses that were approved for purchase earlier this year. Harrison County Superintendent Andy Dotson remarked that, “Opportunities like this purchase will not happen every year,” in regard to acquiring the buses from Oldham County.

http://www.cynthianademocrat.com/content/school-board-adds-school-fleet-purchase-used-buses

KENTUCKY

James D. Comer, left, the Kentucky Area Chair of the Employer Support Of The Guard And Reserve presents Ale-8-One owner and former president Frank A. “Buddy” Rogers III the Patriotic Employer Award.
Photo by Steve Foley/sfoley@winchestersun.com

Kentucky soft-drink manufacturer Ale-8-One was recently honored by the Department of Defense on Monday for their continued support of U.S. Military troops. Ale-8 has been sending care packages abroad to troops for ten years, providing Kentucky’s sons and daughters deployed in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other areas a “Taste of Home” while they aid in serving and protecting our nation and world. For more information on how to aid in Ale-8’s support, visit http://www.ale8one.com/military.

http://www.centralkynews.com/winchestersun/news/ale—one-recognized-by-u-s-department-of/article_0ea809e9-640e-52c5-9f0e-75288f4c31c7.html

Police in Lexington responded to a bomb threat at Commonwealth Stadium late last night, shortly after 11:00PM. Officers combed the area with explosives trained search dogs, however they did not find anything. Police cleared the scene around 1:00AM. http://www.lex18.com/story/27708897/police-work-bomb-threat-at-commonwealth-stadium

NATIONAL

Santa leave a gift-card in your stocking instead of something you really wanted? You might be able to turn that little bit of plastic into something you like, thanks to an online gift-card exchange program and it’s partnership with Walmart. Cardcash–a company that purchases gift-cards at a discount rate has teamed up with the retail giant to turn cards from other retailers and restaurants into Walmart e-giftcards that can be used online or in-store as soon as they are issued. For more information, visit http://walmart.cardcash.com.

http://time.com/money/3646649/walmart-gift-card-exchange-holidays/

ENTERTAINMENT

The Interview (2014). When the host and producer for “Skylark Tonight” land an interview with a surprise fan, North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un, they are recruited by the CIA to turn their trip to Pyongyang into an assassination mission.

The Interview–the film that sparked buzz across the world, due to it’s negative reception by North Korean leader Kim Jong-un–was released by Sony, despite earlier announcements of being shelved. Sony had announced that the film would not be released due in part to threats made against theaters showing the film. On Christmas Eve, however, Sony released the film to numerous online film distributors and retailers–a day before it premiered at select theaters across the nation. Only three theaters in Kentucky debuted the film on Christmas–the Theaters of Georgetown was one of them.
http://www.kentucky.com/2014/12/24/3610151/three-theaters-in-kentucky-in.html
http://www.wkyt.com/news/headlines/The-Interview-debuts-in-front-of-large-crowds-in-Georgetown-286846511.html

WEIRD

A Nevada goat farmer and fire department have teamed up to recycle “live” Christmas trees. Vince Thomas–the farmer and long-time volunteer firefighter–got the idea from watching the goats graze, when he tossed a piece of pine to the herd and watched it be devoured. From there, the idea of safely and naturally discarding of former Christmas trees was born. After the goats have fed on the needles, the remaining branches and trunk are then chipped and turned into mulch. Why go to the trouble? J. Merriman–communication director of a local group that chips the remains of the trees–explains, “A lot of people dump it out on the desert and that’s really a problem because people think it’s a natural thing and it will decompose; but because we’re out in the desert, they don’t decompose, it will just get drier and drier and it really becomes a serious fire hazard.”

http://abcnews.go.com/Weird/wireStory/nevada-goats-eat-recycle-christmas-trees-27829995

THIS DAY IN HISTORY

1799 – Four thousand people attend George Washington’s funeral where Henry Lee III declares him as “first in war, first in peace and first in the hearts of his countrymen.”

1846 – Trapped in snow in the Sierra Nevadas and without food, members of the Donner Party resort to cannibalism.

1898 – Marie and Pierre Curie announce the isolation of radium.

1941 – U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt signs a bill establishing the fourth Thursday in November as Thanksgiving Day in the United States.

1963 – The Beatles’ “I Want to Hold Your Hand” and “I Saw Her Standing There” are released in the United States, marking the beginning of Beatlemania on an international level.

1982 – Time’s Man of the Year is for the first time a non-human, the personal computer.

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“Morning News – 12/26/14” was originally published on J. Palmer

Morning News – 12/24/14

WEATHER

The National Weather Service in Louisville has issued a Wind Advisory, which is in effect from 1:00PM this afternoon to 9:00PM this evening.

Southwest winds will pick up as a low pressure area pulls north of the region. Sustained winds of 20 to 30 mph are likely with gusts to around 40 mph. Winds should pick up steadily through the afternoon. Peak values likely will occur between 4:00PM and 7:00PM.

 

 

CYNTHIANA / HARRISON COUNTY

Patrolman John Bright of the Cynthiana Police Department was one of 193 officers recognized last week for efforts in targeting impaired drivers. Bright received the 2014 Governor’s Impaired Driving Enforcement Award due in part to his 19 arrests during the Drive Sober Get Pulled Over Campaign.
https://www.facebook.com/cynthianapolice/photos/a.1519336025010605.1073741829.1488525538091654/1528544760756398/?type=1

Matt Royse (left) & Nathan Linville (right)
Photo from The Cynthiana Democrat

“What the [heck] did I do?” was what Linda Moore thought as she was pulled over by a patrolman Saturday while leaving Walmart; Moore had been pulled over for a malfunctioning tail-light. Instead of receiving a citation, however, the officer let Moore leave with a warning, a gift-card, and Christmas wishes. Two Cynthiana police officers–Nathan Linville and Matt Royse–decided to turn their Christmas bonuses around, and use them to spread a little cheer while on patrol. The idea, Linville says, was to “…do this for actual infractions and have an opportunity to turn it around and show that not every interaction with the police is negative.” In this instance, it was Royse that showed the positive side of the local police. After informing Moore that her tail-light was out, Royse handed her a card, stating, “It’s $15; go get a tail-light, and have a great Christmas.”
https://www.facebook.com/lindahmoore/posts/10202181617460380?fref=nf&pnref=story
http://m.cynthianademocrat.com/cynthianademoc/db_323314/contentdetail.htm?contentguid=qIomDEmH

KENTUCKY

The Kentucky Office of Employment and Training reports that unemployment rates have decreased in 119 of Kentucky’s 120 counties since November of 2013. According to the statistics released by the OET, area counties Franklin, Fayette and Scott have shown a decrease to 4.8%. Harrison County’s unemployment rate for the month of November was reported as 5.0%, compared to a rate of 6.8% last year.
http://kentucky.gov/Pages/Activity-Stream.aspx?viewMode=ViewDetailInNewPage&eventID=%7b0A2D7BF4-C282-4C3F-8D17-CACB2B37D94F%7d&activityType=PressRelease

Gov. Steve Beshear and Congressman Hal Rogers announced yesterday a partnership with Macquarie Capital, to establish a statewide initiative to bring broadband Internet to all of Kentucky. According to the announced plans, work will begin in building an infrastructure of fiber lines–dubbed the “middle mile”–along portions of I-75, I-64, and near the area of the future I-66. Initial focus will be on the areas east of I-75, with a proposed completion date of Spring 2016.
http://kentucky.gov/Pages/Activity-Stream.aspx?viewMode=ViewDetailInNewPage&eventID=%7bE1332C9C-F2D5-473A-A587-0B2C02975722%7d&activityType=PressRelease

THIS DAY IN HISTORY

In 1826 – The “Eggnog Riot” begins at the United States Military Academy, ending Christmas morning.

In 1914 – World War I Christmas Truce begins

In 1955 – NORAD tracks Santa for the first time–subsequently becomes an annual tradition.

In 1968 – Apollo 8 enters orbit of the moon. 10 Lunar orbits and live TV pictures are broadcast, becoming known as the Christmas Eve Broadcast–one of the most watched programs in history.

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“Morning News – 12/24/14” was originally published on J. Palmer

Morning News – 12/23/14

CYNTHIANA / HARRISON

Larry J. Nolen

The remaining suspect in yesterday morning’s home invasion surrendered himself yesterday afternoon, and is now in custody at the Bourbon County Detention Center. Larry J. Nolen (26) had been involved in an incident that took place in the home of Bill Jolley (42) on Monroe Road. After delivering his an accomplice, Marcus L. Gross (28) to Harrison Memorial Hospital, Nolen ran and remained in hiding for several hours. Gross was pronounced dead at the hospital, due to a fatal gunshot wound received in the incident.

Raven B. Edwards (27) also remains in custody at the detention center for her involvement in the invasion. Edwards has plead guilty to charges of first degree burglary and robbery; she is being held on a $50,000 bond.

https://kg4vma.wordpress.com/2014/12/22/late-evening-news/

KENTUCKY

Tonight is the last night for indoor activities at the Southern Lights; the driving tour portion of the Lights will remain open after tonight, though December 31.

http://khpfoundation.org/programs/featured-events/southern-lights-holiday-festival

 

NATION

The Food and Drug Administration is continuing to build a case against companies selling pure, powdered caffeine; this action comes after the death of an Ohio teen this summer. Since that time, many major retailers have stopped selling the substance in bulk, however certain avenues do still exist for purchasing bulk caffeine over the Internet. According to experts, a simple teaspoon of powdered caffeine–equivalent to 25 cups of coffee–can be lethal.

http://www.wkyt.com/home/headlines/FDA-going-after-sellers-of-pure-caffeine-powder-286650541.html

ENTERTAINMENT

Singer Joe Cocker – best known for his cover of the Beatles “With a Little Help From my Friends” died yesterday of lung cancer. Cocker was 70 years old.

http://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-30582761

72 year old Muhammad Ali is said to be improving after having been hospitalized for pneumonia over the weekend. Ali’s spokesman, Bob Gunnell, has stated that Ali hopes to be discharged from the hospital soon. No further details have been released.

http://wuky.org/post/hospitalized-muhammad-ali-improving

WEIRD

A replica of the iconic “Leg Lamp” from A Christmas Story walked away from it’s display in a New York liquor store. Gary Brennan, owner of Yankee Spirits, reports that a thief walked into the store, unplugged the lamp, and removed it from the store’s window display. “He knew what he was doing,” Brennan said. “There was a guy in a car waiting for him outside.” As to his feelings about the theft, Brennan stated, “Why do you want to steal a part of Christmas? Steal a bottle of vodka — I won’t feel nearly as bad.”

http://nypost.com/2014/12/22/replica-of-leg-lamp-from-a-christmas-story-stolen-from-liquor-store/

THIS DAY IN HISTORY

In 1823 – A Visit From St. Nicholas, better known as Twas The Night Before Christmas, was published anonymously.

In 1913 – President Woodrow Wilson signs the Federal Reserve Act, establishing the Federal Reserve System

In 1947 – The transistor is first demonstrated at Bell Laboratories.

In 1970 – The World Trade Center’s North Tower is topped at 1,368 ft, making it the tallest building in the world.

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“Morning News – 12/23/14” was originally published on J. Palmer

Late Evening News

…yeah, I realize that if I wanna do this for real, I should probably aim for gathering and writing things sooner… but the kids were behaving fairly well, so I just had to treat them to a bit of daddy time and a movie–Peabody & Sherman–on the TV… and then that somehow turned into watching Firefly for the umpteenth time on Netflix… and then there was the cleaning, and the laundry, etc…

BIG STORY

Marcus Gross
(Photo from a 2007 WLEX interview w/ Gross)

It started around 12:30AM, when Raven B. Edwards (27) arrived at the home of Bill Jolley (42), on Monroe Road, off of US 27 South of Cynthiana. According to reports given to police by Jolley, Edwards had been in contact with him via phone and Facebook, asking to meet with him at his residence. Shortly after inviting Edwards in, Jolley’s home was forcefully entered by Edwards’ boyfriend, Marcus L. Gross (28), and an accomplice, Larry J. Nolen (26).

“The two men kicked in the door, came in, tackled me, and a fight ensued. We made it to the bedroom, went through a drywall wall then I was able to grab my gun off the night stand. I shot one of them and then they left,” Jolley told WKYT in an interview. “It is pretty scary. You know you think you are safe in your own home. I can’t explain why people do what they do. It is a shame you have to take precautions to protect what you have worked for.”

Sometime after Gross was shot, Nolen drove his wounded accomplice to Harrison Memorial Hospital; Gross was soon pronounced dead. Nolen left the hospital, abandoning a maroon 2000 Chevrolet Impala.

Raven Edwards
Bourbon Co. Det. Ctr. Booking Photo

Edwards was arrested in connection to the crimes, and charged with first degree robbery and burglary. In an arraignment that took place later this day, Edwards plead not guilty to the charges. She is currently being held at the Bourbon County Detention Center with a $50,000 bond, and has a court appearance set for December 29. Edwards has already revealed in a statement to police that she was “the set up person” and that she had “knowledge that a robbery was going to occur shortly after her arrival at the residence.”

Jolley claims to have no previous knowledge of Gross or Nolen, but that Edwards was a friend of a former girlfriend, according to a report by WTVQ.

In an earlier televised report made by WLEX, Gross had been the perpetrator of a crime that took place in 2007 at Hillside Apartments in Cynthiana. On August 27, 2007, Gross was involved in a heated altercation with an ex-girlfriend. According to an article published by The Cynthiana Democrat, Gross had approached the woman with a knife and attempted to draw her inside the apartment; when his attempts failed, Gross set fire to a mattress, and later jumped out of the third-story window of an adjacent bedroom. Gross plead guilty to criminal mischief, burglary, wanton endangerment, and an amended charge of arson.

In response to Gross’ former criminal activities, his father, Mark Gross told WKYT, “He did go to prison and he made some bad choices in his early life, but when he got out, he turned everything over to the Lord.”

Larry Nolen
Bourbon Co. Det. Ctr. Booking Photo

Nolen has since been located and arrested by Kentucky State Police. Nolen is currently in the custody of the Bourbon County Detention Center and has been charged with first degree robbery and burglary as well as fourth degree assault. Bond information has yet to be set.

http://www.lex18.com/story/27683866/man-shot-and-killed-during-harrison-county-home-invasion

http://www.wtvq.com/story/d/story/suspect-wanted-after-deadly-home-invasion-in-cynth/31914/iupkh10Khk28gDNlVAzuMA

http://www.wkyt.com/home/headlines/Man-shot-dead-in-Harrison-County-286538641.html

 

 

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“Late Evening News” was originally published on J. Palmer

Noon-ish News Update

Followup to the home invasion story mentioned earlier this morning:

At least one arrest has been made in connection to the home invasion that took place shortly after 12:30am this morning near Monroe Road, just off of US 27 South.

According to a police citation obtained by WLEX, Raven B. Edwards (27) used social media to establish a meeting with the homeowner–[WLEX does not allude to the intended nature of the meeting]. Shortly after Edwards’ arrival and invitation into the residence, her boyfriend, Marcus Gross and a [presently] unnamed male subject entered the home, and began to assault the homeowner. [A previous report by WLEX stated that the altercation took place in the homeowner’s bedroom.] During the struggle, the homeowner managed to locate a firearm and shoot one of the men. The homeowner was apparently injured during the incident, though extent of injuries has not been reported.

Edwards has admitted to knowing that a robbery would take place shortly after her arrival.

According to reports, investigators are continuing to search for the second male subject.

Edwards is currently in custody at the Bourbon County Detention Center and is charged with Robbery 1st Degree and Burglary 1st Degree.

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“Noon-ish News Update” was originally published on J. Palmer

Morning News

…meh. This is the kinda stuff I’m thinking about putting into my podcast, if I can get it off the ground…

CYNTHIANA / HARRISON

The resident of a Harrison County home shot and killed an intruder during a home invasion early Monday morning. Deputies say two men entered the home on Monroe Road, just off US-27, around 12:30 a.m., and there was a struggle in the bedroom. During the altercation, a resident of the home shot one of the intruders. Deputies say a short time later, the suspect showed up at Harrison Memorial Hospital where he died.

http://www.lex18.com/story/27683866/man-shot-and-killed-during-harrison-county-home-invasion

 

The Cynthiana City Commission convenes in a special meeting this afternoon at 4PM. Numerous members of the community are concerned about this meeting as an answer to the fate of the Handy House, or Ridgeway, may be announced. The Harrison County Fiscal Court had already voted for the structure’s demolition earlier this year.

 

AREA NEWS

Bourbon County High School Principal David Horseman was discovered sleeping in his car at a Speedway in Lexington on Sunday, and was arrested for DUI. According to Lexington police, Horseman had admitted to drinking at least four tequilas and driving before stopping at the gas station and passing out. Horseman was later released from the Fayette County Detention Center.

http://www.wkyt.com/home/headlines/Bourbon-County–286518481.html?ref=481

 

Lexington Police are investigating a deadly crash that occurred around 2:45 this morning on Georgetown Rd in Fayette County near the Scott County Line. The victim, driving a white Chevy, crossed the median, crashed through two fence-lines and into a row of tress. The victim was thrown from the vehicle. The Lexington-Fayette coroner has yet to release the victim’s identity.

http://www.wkyt.com/home/headlines/Police-investigating-deadly-crash-286536511.html

KENTUCKY

The man responsible for last week’s Amber Alert in northern Kentucky has been arrested. On Thursday, December 18th, an Alert was issued for a 20-day old infant that had been left in the back-seat of a vehicle stolen from a Florence gas station. 25 year old Johnathon Sester was arrested yesterday for the crime, and has been charged with theft by unlawful taking and kidnapping.

http://www.whas11.com/story/news/crime/2014/12/21/man-accused-of-stealing-car-with-baby-inside-arrested/20748075/

http://www.wkyt.com/home/headlines/Warrant-issued-for–286516631.html

WEIRD

This year has set a few different milestones in UK history–such as this year’s class having over 5,000 freshman, and overall enrollment being 30,000 strong; but the oddest new milestone reached is having 113 twins in their undergrad class. UK spokesman Jay Blanton says of this latest trend, “The numbers of twins, triplets and quadruplets on our campus reflects our continued growth and the fact that more families and students view UK as a first choice for their education.”

http://www.kentucky.com/2014/12/21/3605826_youre-not-seeing-double-there.html?rh=1#storylink=cpy

THIS DAY IN HISTORY

In 1808, Beethoven priemered his Fifth Symphony at the Theater an der Wien in Vienna.

In 1964, the first test flight of the SR-71 (Blackbird) took place at Air Force Plant 42 in Palmdale, California.

In 1989, Berlin’s Brandenburg Gate re-opens, ending the division between East and West Germany.

In 2010, President Obama repeals “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.”

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“Morning News” was originally published on J. Palmer