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Escapees caught and returned to detention center

Randall Napier was captured earlier today near Garrison by Lewis County Sheriff's Deputies. Napier was reportedly taken into custody without incident and returned to the Lewis County Detention Center.

Roger Henson, the other inmate who had escaped, was apprehended this afternoon by deputies and is back in the Lewis County Detention Center. Henson had managed to obtain supplies and was armed with an 18 inch knife when taken into custody, according to a sheriff's department spokesman.

Two inmates escape from Lewis County Detention Center

The Lewis County Sheriff's Department is looking for two inmates who escaped Friday evening, around 6:00 p.m.

A department spokesman said that at approximately 6:00 p.m., the Lewis County Sheriff's Department received a call from the Lewis County Detention Center stating that two inmates had escaped from the facility. The inmates, Randall Napier, 28, of Redfox, and Roger Henson, 25, of Lost Creek, had forced open an exterior door of the facility and fled.

The inmates are classified as state inmates. Napier is serving time for Possession of a Controlled Substance, Promoting Contraband, Receiving Stolen Property (Firearm), and Theft by Unlawful Taking (Firearm). Henson was serving time for Promoting Contraband.

Authorities from several state and local agencies are actively searching for the escaped inmates. Henson is described as a 6’2” white male and weighs approximately 230 lbs with brown hair and brown eyes. Napier is described as a 5’7” white male and weighs approximately 150 lbs with brown hair and brown eyes.

If you have information regarding the whereabouts of these two individuals, call the Lewis County Sheriff's Department at (606) 796-2912 or Dial 911.

Olive Hill man arrested following high-speed pursuit

An Olive Hill man has been arrested and charged with two felonies and DUI following a high-speed chase yesterday near Laurel.

A spokesman with the Lewis County Sheriff's Department said Deputy Matt Ross and Deputy Jason Hill were conducting a traffic safety checkpoint on Rayburn Fork Road when a 1981 Kawasaki motorcycle approached the checkpoint and made an abrupt U-turn before reaching the location of the checkpoint.

The spokesman said the deputies began a pursuit and were following the motorcycle at high rates of speed when they noticed a child riding on the rear of the vehicle.

Deputies increased the following distance and watched as the motorcycle scraped the blacktop in curves on the roadway, according to the spokesman.

After about three miles the operator pulled over and deputies took the operator into custody.

The spokesman said Patrick Shoemaker, 64, of Olive Hill was charged with Operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol (aggravating circumstance), first degree fleeing/evading police and first degree wanton endangerment.

It was determined the passenger on the motorcycle is a nine-year-old relative of Shoemaker, according to the spokesman.

Shoemaker was lodged in the Lewis County Detention Center.

Deputy Dwayne Stone is investigating a single vehicle accident this afternoon on Ky. Rt. 8 west of Garrison.

Stone said a 2002 Chevrolet Impala, operated by Rickie Flanery of South Shore, was traveling west on the roadway near Flag Point. Stone said Flanery reported something ran out in front of the vehicle and he swerved to miss it.

Stone said Flanery lost control of the vehicle, went off the left side of the roadway and the vehicle rolled over two or three times before coming to a rest in the middle of the roadway. An oncoming vehicle went into the ditch to avoid colliding with the Impala.

Stone said Flanery was ejected from the vehicle and was taken to a landing zone in Garrison by MedCorp Ambulance. He was airlifted to a Huntington, West Virginia, medical center with multiple injuries. (Update) He later died as a result of those injuries.

The accident happened about Noon and disrupted traffic on the roadway for about an hour until the scene was cleared.

Stone, who is continuing the investigation into the accident was assisted at the scene by Garrison and Black Oak fire and rescue squads, MedCorp Ambulance and Mike's Towing.

Dennis Brown/Lewis County Herald

Deputy Dwayne Stone collects information following an accident on Ky. Rt. 8 near Flag Point. The driver of the vehicle was airlifted to a Huntington, West Virginia, medical center with multiple injuries. An oncoming vehicle went into the ditch to avoid colliding with the wreckage.

The Lewis County Sheriff's Department is investigating a two vehicle accident on the AA Highway at Charters this afternoon. Wet conditions may have contributed to the accident.

Deputy Gary Sparks said the accident happened about 2:30 p.m. as a 1998 Ford Windstar, operated by Terry Polley of Charters, was eastbound on the AA Highway and waiting to turn left onto Charters Drive.

Sparks said a 2009 Freightliner tractor, operated by Stephen Cain of Apple Grove, West Virginia, was also eastbound on the AA Highway and came up behind the van. He said the Cain was unable to stop and went onto the right shoulder of the roadway.

Sparks said the tractor struck the right rear of the van and also struck the guardrail.

There were no injuries.

Sparks was assisted at the scene by Sheriff Johnny Bivens, MedCorp Ambulance and Tollesboro Fire and Rescue.

Dennis Brown/Lewis County Herald

Deputy Gary Sparks collects information from Terry Polley following an accident on the AA Highway at Charters. No one was hurt as a result of the collision.

The Lewis County Sheriff's Department is investigating a home invasion and burglaries on Ky. Rt. 344 on Tuesday.

A sheriff's department spokesman said the department received a 911 call from a female who said that two men had tried to force their way into her residence. The woman told dispatchers that two white men had knocked on the door and, when no one answered, they kicked the door open. The men fled when they discovered the home was occupied.

The spokesman said that later Tuesday evening it was discovered that two other homes in the area had been burglarized when the perpetrators gained entry into those homes by kicking open the front door, the same method used in the home invasion.

Witnesses reported seeing a dark colored passenger car in the area during the times the burglaries took place.

Anyone with any information should call the Lewis County Sheriff's Office at 606-796-2912.

The Lewis County Sheriff's Department is investigating separate accidents this morning on area roadways.

Sheriff Johnny Bivens is investigating an overturned log trailer on the south side of Vanceburg Hill on Ky. Rt. 59.

Bivens said the accident happened about 9:00 a.m. as a 1994 Peterbilt tractor, operated by 56-year-old Alfred Warren Jr. of Vinton, Ohio, was pulling a trailer loaded with logs north on Ky. Rt. 59 when the brake system on the trailer reportedly malfunctioned and locked up.

Bivens said the trailer went over the right side of the roadway and overturned into the adjacent creek.

Crews will remain on the scene this afternoon to clean up the scene and traffic delays are expected. There were no injuries.

*Lower Kinney Road opened to traffic this afternoon following a bridge replacement project at Mill's Branch allowing a detour around the accident scene.*

Deputy Dwayne Stone is investigating a single vehicle accident on the AA Highway west of Vanceburg.
Stone said a red Kia vehicle, operated by 52-year-old Charles White of Florence, was traveling west on the roadway when White apparently fell asleep, went off the right side of the roadway, crossed a driveway and drainage ditch before striking a clump of trees along a creek.

Stone said White and two passengers, 58-year-old Martha White of Rush and 63-year-old Ethel Maggard of Lexington, were taken to Meadowview Regional Medical Center in Maysville by MedCorp Ambulance.

Lewis County Fire and Rescue assisted at both accident scenes.

Three women from Vanceburg were charged in three separate indictments on Thursday for offenses relating to Social Security fraud.

Nancy F. Osborne, 59, Carmel Mae Bond, 69, and Terri Lee Lewis, 70 were indicted by a federal grand jury in Covington for fraudulently securing supplemental security income payments.

The indictments allege that each woman falsely claimed that they had separated from their husband in order to obtain more money from the Social Security Administration (SSA).

According to the indictments, from March of 2002 to July 2011, Osborne received $68, 932.50 she wasn’t entitled to as result of her false statements. From December of 1997 through March of 2011, Bond received over-payments of $92,585.00 and Lewis received $63,042.25 in over-payments from November 2001 through September 2011.

Kerry B. Harvey, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, and Guy P. Fallen, Special Agent in Charge, Social Security Administration, jointly made the announcement today after a federal grand jury in Covington returned the Indictment. The investigation preceding the Indictment was conducted by the SSA Office of the Inspector General, Office of Investigations. The Indictment was presented to the grand jury by Assistant United States Attorney Christopher L. Nasson.

A date for the defendants to appear before the United States District Court has not yet been set. If convicted, each face a maximum prison sentence of five years. However, any sentence following conviction would be imposed by the court after consideration of the United States Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of sentences.

The indictment of a person by a grand jury is an accusation only, and that person

is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

Officials are continuing their investigation into multiple murders in West Virginia and the reported suicide death of the suspect in Lewis County.

Deputy Dwayne Stone said the Lewis County Sheriff's Department received a complaint of a reckless driver about 11:30 p.m. Monday on the AA Highway near Garrison.

Stone said Deputy Matt Ross located the vehicle, a silver Jeep Grand Cherokee, near Spy Run Cemetery Road and pulled the vehicle over. When Ross approached the vehicle he saw the driver had apparently shot himself with a 30-30 rifle.

Stone said the vehicle operator was identified as Shayne F. Riggleman, 21, of Morgantown, West Virginia.

Stone said credit cards belonging to victims of the West Virginia shootings were found in the vehicle, which also reportedly belongs to one of the victims. Another rifle was also recovered from the vehicle.

The suspect was allegedly involved in a shooting incident about 8:00 p.m. Monday in Roane County, West Virginia, and is also suspected in a shooting incident in Monongalia County, West Virginia. As many as seven victims have been reported, Stone said.

Stone said Riggleman's body was taken to Northern Kentucky Medical Examiner's Office for an autopsy.

West Virginia State Police have scheduled a news conference in Morgantown for 2:00 p.m. Tuesday when more information will be released.

WSAZ-TV is reporting that a shooting suspect in Roane County, West Virginia, was located early this morning in Lewis County and reportedly killed himself as deputies approached the vehicle.

The suspect was reportedly involved in a shooting in Amma, West Virginia, along Interstate 79 in Roane County. That happened around 8:00 p. m. Monday night, according to WSAZ.

West Virginia State Police say one person was shot in the neck and then the suspect tried unsuccessfully to carjack several vehicles. He eventually took off in a silver Jeep Cherokee, WSAZ reported.

West Virginia State Police issued a news release that a suspect in a multiple murder that took place late Monday was found in Lewis County, Kentucky. The suspect then shot and killed himself, according to the news release.

West Virginia State Police scheduled a news conference in Morgantown at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday.

Lewis County Sheriff's Deputies began a roundup of suspected drug dealers Friday evening.

Sheriff Johnny Bivens said deputies met at 6:00 p.m. to review the 15 indictments, most for one or more counts of first degree trafficking in a controlled substance.

Deputies made their first arrests in the Garrison and Quincy areas. Deputies also searched for a suspect in Meadowbrook.

Those arrested were lodged in the Lewis County Detention Center.

Bivens said three indictments were also returned by the Lewis County Grand Jury on first degree robbery and fourth degree assault.

One of the inmates who escaped from the Lewis County Detention Center early Friday was apprehended shortly after 11:00 p.m. Sunday on Rock Run Road.

Christopher Lyons, 22, was taken into custody by Sheriff Johnny Bivens and Deputy Gary Sparks.

Jailer Chris McCane had offered a reward of $1,000 for information leading to the arrest of the escapees on Sunday.

Anyone with information concerning the whereabouts of Billy Joe "BJ" Thurman should contact the sheriff's office at 606-796-2912 or call the 911 center.

A storm passing through the Camp Dix area this evening uprooted several trees, damaged homes and resulted in power outages for several residents.

The powerful storm went through the area shortly after 6:00 p.m. with high winds that caused most of the damage. Volunteers with the Camp Dix Fire Department helped to clear trees off roadways. State Highway employees and Fleming-Mason Energy workers were also on hand to help with the cleanup.

Most of the damage appeared to be from straight line winds although some of the damage looked to be a result of rotational forces.

The Lewis County Sheriff's Department is investigating the escape of two inmates early this morning from the Lewis County Detention Center.

Sheriff Johnny Bivens said the department received a call at about 2:00 a.m. from the detention center informing them that two inmates had escaped the facility through a one foot by four foot window between headcounts.

Bivens said Christopher Lyons, 21, and Billy Joe "BJ" Thurman, 26, both of Vanceburg were the reported escapees.

Bivens said broken glass was found both inside and outside the facility and other inmates were house in the dorm-style room.

Lyons was awaiting trial for charges of burglary and assault. thurman had pled guilty to charges of receiving stolen property, over $500, and was awaiting sentencing on July 29.

Bivens said the evidence indicates the escape was a well-orchestrated plan.

Lyons is described as a white male, age 21, is 6'2" tall and weighs about 180 pounds, He has short blonde hair and green eyes. Thurman is a white male, age 26, 5'11" tall and weighs about 150 pounds. He has brownish blonde hair and blue eyes.

The sheriff's department is being assisted by the Vanceburg Police Department and Kentucky State Police. Anyone with information on the whereabouts of the men should call the sheriff's office at 606-796-2912.

A Vanceburg woman has died as the result of an accident last night in Fleming County.

A spokesman with the Kentucky State Police in Morehead said the accident happened about 9:48 p.m. on Ky. Rt. 597 as a southbound 2008 Pontiac G6 GT, operated by Patricia Johnson, 45, of Harn Road, Flemingsburg.

The spokesman said the vehicle dropped off the right shoulder of the roadway and continued down a ditch until striking a tree. The impact caused the vehicle to overturn and come to a final rest.

Crystal Tester, 23, of Steve's Alley, Vanceburg was pronounced dead at the scene by Fleming County Deputy Coroner Jason Gulley.

Johnson and a passenger in the vehicle, a Tester juvenile, were taken to Fleming County Hospital where they were treated for minor injuries.

Trooper Michael Fogleman is continuing the investigation into the accident. He was assisted by members of the Fleming County Sheriff's Department, Fleming County Emergency Medical Services and the Fleming County Coroner's Office.

Gary Robinson has been found guilty of attempted murder and conspiracy to commit murder for hiring Wesley Allen to kill John Jamison.

The verdict for Gary Robinson came down about 4:00 p.m. this afternoon following about 2.5 hours of deliberation.

The jury recommended the maximum penalty of 20 years and Robinson, 62, will be required to serve at least 17 of those in prison. Under Kentucky law, he must serve 85 percent of the sentence. His bond of $500,000 was revoked and he was taken from the courtroom to the Lewis County Detention Center.

The incident happened in January 2010 at Jamison's home.

Allen pleaded guilty to shooting Jamison and was sentenced to 17 years in prison, he testified against Robinson during the trial. Jamison remains in an assisted living facility.

Two Vanceburg men have been charged in connection with the theft of a diesel fuel tank from a farm in the Oak Ridge area.

Sheriff Johnny Bivens said in recent weeks the Lewis County Sheriff's Office has taken theft reports in the Oak Ridge area. It was reported that in a couple of the thefts a white van was seen in the area. On Tuesday evening Bivens and Deputy Matt Ross set up surveillance in the area. At approximatley 12:30 a.m. on Wednesday morning, Bivens said he observed a white van traveling on Oak Ridge Road. The van turned off onto a dead end gravel road. A few minutes later Bivens observed the van coming back out of the dead end road with the rear doors open and a large object was observed sticking out of the rear of the van.

Bivens stopped the vehicle and identified the occupants of the vehicle as Terry and Perry Knell, both 24-years-old. Bivens said through the investigation it was determined that the individuals had just stolen a 1,000 gallon metal diesel tank from a farm in the area.

Bivens said the driver was charged with No Operators License and both individuals were charged with Receiving Stolen Property and lodged in the Lewis County Detention Center.

Bivens said the investigation is ongoing and the individuals may be involved in other thefts in the area.

Sheriff Johnny Bivens said a "person of interest" is being sought in the investigation of the murder of Lowell Skidmore Sr. of Garrison. An FBI sketch artist put together a composite of the person being sought for questioning.

Anyone with information concerning the person should contact the Lewis County Sheriff's Office at 606-796-2912.

Officials are investigating the murder of a Garrison man Sunday afternoon at his home.

A spokesman with the Lewis County Sheriff’s Department said a call was placed to the E-911 Dispatch Center at about 2:13 p.m. Sunday from the residence of Lowell Skidmore, 75, on McDowell Creek Road.

The spokesman said the caller was a relative of Skidmore who had stopped to visit and noticed the glass on the front door of the residence had been broken. The relative discovered Skidmore on the kitchen floor.

The matter is under investigation by the Lewis County Sheriff’s Department and Kentucky State Police.

Authorities are investigating a two vehicle accident Friday evening on Ky. Rt. 989, Salt Lick Road, involving a Ford Mustang and Pontiac Trans-Am.

A Lewis County Sheriff's Department spokesman said the accident happened shortly after 5:00 p.m. as Tracey Cropper was traveling north on the roadway in the Mustang. A southbound Trans-Am, operated by Santanna Lancaster, reportedly struck the Mustang.

A passenger in the Mustang, Tyler Cropper, was ejected from the vehicle. Another passenger, Hunter Cropper, was also injured.

A tractor-trailer hauling 47,000 pounds of lime overturned on Ky. Rt. 8 at St. Paul this morning, resulting in a road closure that lasted more than three hours.

Deputy Dwayne Stone said the driver of the rig, Nathan Singer, 52, of Belpre, Ohio, was traveling east on the roadway and reported the trailer wheels dropped off the right edge of the roadway and he was unable to correct the situation. The trailer overturned and rolled over causing the truck to turn over in the roadway. The trailer came to rest on its top and against a tree.

Both lanes of Ky. Rt. 8 were blocked and traffic was stopped in each direction. CSX rail traffic was also disrupted as crews worked to remove the wreckage. Lewis County Emergency Management Director Carl Chaney was on the scene to oversee containment of fuel and oil that had leaked from the truck.

Members of the Firebrick and South Shore fire departments responded to the scene and Garrison firefighters assisted with traffic control.

The truck driver received relatively minor injuries as a result of the mishap.

Stone is continuing the investigation into the accident. He was assisted at the scene by Deputy Johnny Bivens.

Governor Steve Beshear today requested a major disaster declaration from President Barak Obama in the wake of severe weather and damaging floods throughout the Commonwealth.

At present, 48 counties, including Lewis County, and 17 cities have declared states of disaster. Lewis County Judge Executive Thomas Massie made the local declaration yesterday.

Beshear is requesting individual assistance, disaster unemployment assistance, crisis counseling, public assistance, hazard mitigation and Small Business Administration disaster loans.

Under a major disaster declaration, local governments, state agencies, small businesses, certain non-profits, individuals and households would be able to request financial assistance from the federal government to clean up, repair and replace property destroyed or damaged by the storms.

Beshear is traveling across Western Kentucky today to see the storm damage in person.

A Laurel Elementary School teacher has been arrested after allegedly sending nude photos to a teenager.

Sheriff Johnny Bivens said the teen, now a high school student, is a former student of the teacher.

Bivens said the sheriff's office received a complaint from the victim's parents Monday afternoon after the parents discovered their 15-year-old daughter had received two text messages containing nude photos from Matthew Hall, 30, of Garrison.

Bivens said based on information received during the investigation, a search warrant was executed at Hall's residence on Montgomery Road. Officials seized computers, flash drives, external hard drives and Hall's iPhone, which was believed to have transmitted the messages.

Hall was charged with prohibited use of an electronic communications system to procure a minor, a class D felony, and distribution of obscene matter to a minor, first offense, a class A misdemeanor. He was lodged in the Lewis County Detention Center.

Bivens said items seized are being forwarded to the Kentucky State Police Electronic Crimes Lab in Frankfort for analysis.

Bivens is being assisted in the investigation by Deputy Jason Hill and Deputy Matt Ross.

Lewis County Schools Director of District Services Nick Adams said Hall had resigned from his teaching position this morning.

Hall appeared in Lewis County District Court today and was released on $5,000 unsecured bond. He is required to wear an ankle monitoring bracelet, according to a spokesman.

A man being sought by US Marshals and authorities from Ohio was apprehended this morning after alert citizens reported their suspicions to the Lewis County Sheriff's Office.

Deputy Johnny Bivens said Michael Welch, 29, was located at a Garrison residence and arrested by Deputy Dwayne Stone following a short pursuit when he fled the residence.

Bivens said he had been contacted by Marion County, Ohio, authorities who were searching for Welch and thought he may be in the area. He was being sought on charged that he failed to register as a sex offender. He was recently featured on Crime Stoppers on a Columbus, Ohio, television station.

Welch was charged with the offense of fugitive from justice, second degree escape, second degree fleeing or evading police and resisting arrest.

Spring Break for Lewis County students has been reduced to one day to help make up days missed because of bad weather. The Lewis County Board of Education voted this evening to amend the school calendar for classes to be held April 11-14 with no school on Friday, April 15.

Firefighters were called to Sullivan Ridge this afternoon when a residence was reported on fire.

The home, reportedly occupied by the Wade Merritt family, was heavily damaged by the fire, which started when no one was at the residence. The house is owned by Tony Tully.

Firefighters from Tollesboro and Orangeburg Fire Departments responded to the call and remained on the scene for more than two hours.

Deputy Gary Sparks is investigating a tractor-trailer accident this morning on the AA Highway at Charters.

Sparks said the accident happened shortly after 5:00 a.m. when the eastbound tractor-trailer went off the right side of the roadway and toppled onto its side. The trailer was loaded with logs.

The operator, Paul Madden, 49, of Garrison, said the rig's headlights went out and as he was pulling to the side of the road the wheels went off the pavement.

There were no injuries and the roadway was blocked while a wrecker set the vehicle upright and the scene was cleared.

Lewis County Fiscal Court took a step this evening to help alleviate a budget shortfall in the General Fund. Magistrates voted to lay off Solid Waste Coordinator John Teager and Solid Waste worker Mike Dunigan Sr. until "things get better".

Fiscal Court had met Monday but members were unable to come to a consensus on ways to cut spending by at least $50,000. Judge Executive Thomas Massie said the projected shortfall could be as much as $100,000.

EMS Director Carl Chaney was named interim Solid Waste Coordinator. He will not receive any additional compensation.

Massie asked magistrates to come up with additional ways to cut spending from the General Fund to meet the budget for this fiscal year ending June 30.

The next regular meeting of Lewis County Fiscal Court will be at 6:00 p.m. March 14 on the third floor of the Lewis County Courthouse.

Kentucky State Police are investigating a fatal accident Sunday evening on Ky. Rt. 57 north of Tollesboro.

A KSP spokesman said the Morehead Post received a call from Lewis County Dispatch of a two vehicle accident. Trooper Eugene Robinson, Trooper Chad Bowling, Trooper Mary Syversten, and Sergeant Rob Conn responded to the scene.

The spokesman said Michael Sowder, 36, of Goshen, Ohio, was traveling south on Ky. Rt. 57 operating a Yamaha Grizzly 700 four-wheeler that was pulling a Yamaha CR 80 dirt bike. Robbie Malone, 30, of Vanceburg, was riding on the dirt bike.

He said Keith Ruark, 43, of Vanceburg, was traveling north on the roadway in a 1994 Ford F-150 pick-up. Both vehicles met at the same time, the tow strap that secured the Yamaha CR 80 to the Yamaha Grizzly four-wheeler broke, causing the Yamaha CR 80 to enter the northbound lane and strike the pick-up.

The spokesman said Malone was pronounced dead at the scene by Lewis County Coroner Tony Gaydos.

Sowder was arrested and charged with operating on a suspended/revoked operators license, operating an ATV on a roadway, no insurance, and operating an ATV without headgear, according to the spokesman. Sowder was lodged in the Lewis County Detention Center.

Wesley Allen was sentenced today for his role in a shooting incident early last year on Montgomery Road.

Allen received a 17 year sentence as part of a plea agreement reached with officials.

The sentence was for Allen's plea of conspiracy to commit murder and assault. He was charged with shooting John Jamison seven times at Jamison's home on January 15, 2010.

A second man charged in connection with the shooting, Gary Robinson, is scheduled for trial March 21 on charges of attempted murder.

The Lewis County Sheriff's Department has arrested two fugitives from Mason County.

Sheriff Johnny Bivens said Mason County Sheriff Patrick Boggs informed him one of the fugitives may be staying in the Cabin Creek area.

"We increased patrols there and spoke with residents in regards to the investigation," he said.

As a result of those conversations, deputies identified a residence of interest and began surveillance. They were able to confirm there were two fugitives there, Bivens said.

Burton had a warrant for his arrest from Mason District Court. Florence has been actively pursued by law enforcement since walking away from a work detail at the Mason County Detention Center, Bivens said.

"These arrests resulted from cooperation between this office and the Mason County Sheriff's Office, as well as information provided by residents in the Cabin Creek community," Bivens said.

Deputy Dwayne Stone is investigating a two vehicle accident about 7:15 a.m. at the intersection of the AA Highway and Ky. Rt. 1306 at Garrison.

Stone said the accident happened as a 2003 Dodge pick-up, operated by Levi Miller, 18, of Vanceburg, was traveling south on Ky. Rt. 1306 and a 1996 Dodge Neon, operated by Matt Harmon, 33, of Quincy, was traveling east on the AA Highway.

He said the pick-up reportedly stopped at the intersection then proceeded to travel across the AA Highway. He said Miller apparently didn't see the Dodge Neon and the two vehicles collided, coming to rest on the southeast corner of the intersection.

Stone said Harmon was extricated from the vehicle by workers from the Garrison and Black Oak Fire and Rescue Squads utilizing the Jaws of Life. Harmon was taken to Southern Ohio Medical Center in Portsmouth, Ohio, where he was pronounced dead.

Miller and a passenger in the pick-up, Tony Palarie Jr., 18, of Quincy, were also taken to Southern Ohio Medical Center where they were treated for non-life threatening injuries.

The roadway remained closed for about two hours until the scene was cleared.

MedCorp Ambulance and Kings Daughter's Medical Center Ambulance also assisted at the scene.

Stone and Sheriff Johnny Bivens are continuing the investigation into the accident.

Deputy Dwayne Stone takes photos following an accident this morning. - Photo by Dennis Brown/Lewis County Herald

Two Lewis County men have been charged after what Sheriff Johnny Bivens describes as a "desperate attempt" to feed their addiction.

Bivens said two men reportedly went to Sexton's Auto Sales in Tollesboro and asked to test drive a vehicle. The vehicle was later sold to Taylor's Recycling in Flemingsburg for $512 as scrap. An employee of the recycling center discovered the vehicle to be operational and found the owner by checking the vehicle's identification number.

Bivens said Christopher Case, 24, was identified as a suspect and arrested a short time later by Fleming County Sheriff's Deputies and charged with driving on a DUI suspended license and no insurance. He was lodged in the Mason County Detention Center.

He said Deputy Gary Sparks found the second suspect, Patrick Hinton, 22, as Hinton was checking out of a room at Stone Haven Inn and preparing to enter a taxi. Hinton was arrested and charged with theft by deception over $500, a class D felony. He was lodged in the Lewis County Detention Center.

Bivens said a warrant for Case, charging him with theft by deception, was forwarded to Mason County officials.

"This is just one example of the desperate measures drug abusers are willing to take," Bivens said.

He said the arrests were the result of a joint effort between the recycling center, Fleming County Sheriff's Department and members of the Lewis County Sheriff's Department.

"Through combined efforts we were able to act quickly and apprehend the suspects," Bivens said.

Magistrates voted to reject a proposal to combine two positions into one and also voted to reappoint County Treasurer Kathy Dillow during a lengthy, and sometimes heated, regular meeting of Lewis County Fiscal Court last night.

The meeting was the first regular session held at the new 6:00 p.m. meeting time and was well attended by the public.

During a special meeting last week Judge Executive Thomas Massie had proposed combining the positions of Solid Waste Coordinator and EMS/911 Director into one salaried position to be called County Services Manager.

Magistrate Milt Stanfield made a motion to reject the proposal. It was seconded by Magistrate Joe Bentley.

Massie asked magistrates if they have proposals to cut spending. No immediate proposals were offered.

Stanfield also made a motion to appoint Dillow to a four year term as County Treasurer.

A lengthy debate on the matter ensued and Massie asked magistrates to wait until the results of an audit are returned before making a decision on the matter. Massie said several qualified applicants are seeking the position, which is typically appointed at the start of the fiscal year in July.

Stanfield's motion was to appoint the existing county treasurer to a four year term beginning July 1, 2011, at a $44,000 annual salary. Bentley seconded the motion and all magistrates voted in favor. Massie voted no.

Massie questioned magistrates concerning matters associated with a former county animal control officer and also outlined matters being investigated in an audit.

The meeting was adjourned after a plea from George Plummer, a former Lewis County Judge Executive. "If you can't come to an agreement . . . you can always adjourn," Plummer said.

Bentley Lumber Company on Ky. Rt. 8 in Garrison was reported on fire about 4:30 a.m., according to reports.

Firefighters from Garrison, Black Oak and Firebrick Fire Departments responded to the call but were unable to save the structure and its contents.

Although there was an apartment located at the business, no one was reportedly occupying it at the time of the fire.

The cause of the fire is under investigation by members of the Garrison Fire Department.

Fire destroyed Cooke's Farm Center in South Shore on December 27. Investigators have determined that fire had been intentionally set.

Lewis County Fiscal Court has changed the regular meeting time to allow more people an opportunity to attend. The change was made during a special meeting last night.

The regular meetings will be held on the second Monday of each month at 6:00 p.m. The change was recommended by Judge Executive Thomas Massie.

Massie also recommended combining the positions of Solid Waste Manager and EMS/911 Director. That matter will be taken up again during the regular meeting on January 10. Massie agreed to meet with representatives from county fire departments, law enforcement and ambulance personnel prior to then. John Teager and Carl Chaney were named as interim personnel for those respective positions.

Magistrates affirmed Massie's recommendation to hire Thomas W. Kennard as County Road Supervisor for a two year term and also agreed to create the position of General Road Foreman. That position will be filled by Bob Moore II.

Magistrates approved the reappointments of other county personnel with some minor changes.

Massie also recommended that the county "get out of the trash business" and turn a trash collection route currently operated by solid waste personnel over to a private hauler.

That matter will also be taken up during the regular session on January 10 at 6:00 p.m. The meeting will be on the third floor of the Lewis County Courthouse.

A Lewis County man has been charged following an undercover investigation by the Fivco Area Drug Enforcement (FADE) Task Force.

Vanceburg Police Chief Joe Billman said Clyde "Eugene" Wilburn, of Garrison, was charged Monday night at Clark's Pump-n-Shop after he purchased 300 - 30 milligram Oxycodone pills from an undercover agent for $4,500.

Wilburn was charged with first degree trafficking in a controlled substance and tampering with physical evidence. He was lodged in the Lewis County Detention Center.

Billman said Wilburn attempted to hide the pills beneath a vehicle seat as officers moved in.

Anonymous tips concerning illicit drug activities may be made by calling FADE at 606-836-0442.

In one of his first officials acts as Lewis County Judge Executive, Thomas Massie has selected Thomas W. Kennard as Lewis County Road Supervisor.

"I conducted the search process for our county as if I would have for a private company in order to get the best results possible," Massie said.

Kennard is a 1981 Lewis County High School graduate and has worked on numerous multimillion dollar road projects as a shift foreman and truck boss.

"I care about Lewis County and want to put my skills to use to improve the county," Kennard said.

Massie has called a special meeting of Lewis County Fiscal Court for 6:00 p.m. Tuesday at the Lewis County Courthouse. Kennard's official appointment is among the items on the agenda for the meeting.

A Garrison man being held on charges of aggravated robbery attempted an escape from the Lewis County Detention Center.

Deputy Dwayne Stone said Dustin W. Egbert, 26, made a complaint to deputy jailers about 9:50 p.m. that the commode in his cell was leaking and that his mat was wet and needed to be dried.

As deputies opened the door to the cell, Egbert pushed the door open and assaulted the two officers with a homemade knife, Stone said.

An alert was sent from the facility's control room and Deputy Jason Hill, Stone and Vanceburg Police Lt. Tom Flannigan responded. Deputy jailers had regained control of Egbert and lodged him in a cell. Jailer Tim Underwood and Jailer-elect Chris McCane also responded to the facility.

Two deputy jailers were taken to the hospital with lacerations to their hands, necks and faces. Stone said deputies determined Egbert had removed a portion of a metal vent and used the edge of the sink in his cell to sharpen the metal.

Egbert was charged with one count of attempted murder, two counts of first degree assault, one count of third degree assault and one count of first degree escape.