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Troublesome Creek
Times
P.O. Box 1500
Hindman, KY 41822
606-785-5134
FAX 606-785-0105
tct@
troublesomecreektimes.com |
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This
Weeks Headlines
Week of July 24, 2008
Pratt family arrested on drug charges
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Police chased Yeart Pratt into a small outbuilding. He
remained handcuffed on the ground while Knott Sheriff, deputies,
KSP, and UNITE arrested other targeted drug trafficking suspects
of the Pratt family. (Photo by Sharon K. Hall)
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By SHARON K. HALL
The Yeart Pratt family, an alleged well-known Knott County drug
trafficking family, was arrested Friday, July 18, 2008, after
a 14-month undercover investigation by Operation UNITE. UNITE
undercover officers, Kentucky State Police, and Knott County
Sheriff's Department joined forces to bring five members of the
family to the sheriff's office Friday and two members were brought
in Monday, July 21. A mother and father, two sons, and sister-in-law
allegedly bought illegal drugs from UNITE undercover agents.
A third son, with a jail record, was arrested at the family residence
on an unrelated bench warrant.
The three law enforcement agencies gathered around UNITE law
enforcement director Dan Smoot for information on the extended
investigation. "The Pratt Family has a lengthy criminal
history of violence, burglary, robbery, and trafficking illegal
drugs," Smoot said. "They are well-known in Knott County
for providing cocaine, Methadone and Oxycodone - mostly cocaine."
Detailed plans were discussed, including the order of the caravan
of police vehicles and the plan to block Walnut Hollow Drive
in Mallet Fork in Pinetop. Smoot distributed profiles of the
alleged drug dealers to the officers along with Knott County
District Court arrest warrants. One of the last instructions
proved to be true, "These Pratts are very clannish. Most
of them may be found in the same house," stated Smoot.
Receiving team assignments, they departed for the Pratts. Approximately
9:45 a.m., the police convoy entered the Pinetop area, turned
off Highway 582 onto Mallet Fork, then rushed onto Walnut Hollow
Drive to the home of Yeart Pratt.
An undercover officer explained when officers came toward the
house, the older Pratt (Yeart, Sr.) ran to an out building. Officers
removed Yeart from the out building securing him on the ground.
Other officers rushed the front and back of the house, making
other arrests.
As Pratts were handcuffed on the ground, on the porch, and in
sheriff cruisers, sixty-six year old Lillis Pratt, wife of Yeart,
Sr., remained in the house while the police searched her home.
Lillis granted ABC news, WYMT news, and Troublesome Creek Times
to enter her living room and interview her about her situation.
Lillis said, "It's like hell, I can't get away. I want to
go away; I can't go anywhere. I have no place to go. I am afraid
to lay down most of the time. It's just drugs and everybody here,
and just them in and out, and I don't know what to do."
One reporter asked, "Tell about your family." Lillis
answered, "It was good. They (her sons) all got married
but Aaron, and they all came back here to live. I have seven
children one got killed."
Lillis said, "I don't have a car. I don't have nothing...I
got nobody to help me...I will never go to church no more."
Paul Hays of UNITE told Lillis, "You may think that this
is the worst in life. Things have a way of working out. A lot
of people in this community care about you. Now you can turn
that bad situation you had into something that's good, and maybe
can change your life and get you back where you have some joy
in your life again. And that's what we want to help you to do."
Lillis remarked, "God forgives; I know."
Lillis was arrested on count of first-degree trafficking in a
controlled substance (cocaine). Her husband, Yeart Pratt, age
71, was arrested on two counts first-degree trafficking in a
controlled substance (cocaine). John D. Pratt, age 49, their
son, was arrested on two counts first-degree trafficking substance
(cocaine). Hubert Pratt, age 47, their son, was arrested on one
count first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance, second
offense (Oxycodone). Another son, 41-year-old Aaron Pratt, previously
convicted on drug violations unrelated to this UNITE roundup
was arrested on a bench warrant.
During the arrests, police recovered approximately 15 one-half
gram bags of powdered cocaine valued at babout $750 on hte street.
The alleged drug dealers were taken to the Knott County Sheriff's
office for processing. Jailor Eldon Hicks transported them to
the Kentucky River Regional Jail in Hazard.
Two other members of the Pratt Family, Yeart Pratt, Jr. and his
wife, Susan Hall, was not captured Friday during the roundup.
Knott County Sheriff Ray Bolen said Yeart Jr. "Pee Wee"
Pratt called his office to turn himself in. He was arrested approximately
10:30 a.m., at the home of his parents, Yeart and Lillis, on
15 Walnut Hollow Drive in Pinetop. Yeart, Jr. was charged with
two counts of first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance
(Methadone) and one count first-degree trafficking in a controlled
substance (cocaine).
Susan Hall, age 38, of 1225 Spruce Pine Rd., in Garner, was arrested
by the Knott County Sheriff's office approximately 5:33 p.m.
at her home. She was charged with first-degree trafficking in
a controlled substance (Methadone). The couple joined their family
in the Kentucky River Regional Jail.
On Tuesday, a representative of Kentucky River Regional Jail
said all the members of the Pratt Family remained in jail. Bonds
set are Lillis and Yeart at $10,000 cash, John D., Hubert, and
Yeart, Jr. at $20,000. Susan's bond was set at $10,000. Aaron's
bond, whose arrest is unrelated to the UNITE case, was set at
$280.
The Pratts were arraigned in Knott County District Court Tuesday.
Each of the defendants entered a not guilty plea and was appointed
a public defender, Bryan Banks. The pretrial conference for the
defendants is set for July 29, 2008, at 9 a.m.
  One-half gram bags cocaine confiscated.during
arrests.
Paul Hays of UNITE gave Lillis Pratt a moment before she
is handcuffed and taken to jail.(Photos by Sharon K. Hall)
See the current issue of the Troublesome Creek Times for this
and other stories.
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Pigman
home
ravaged
by fire
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 Hindman
Fire Department and Ball Creek Fire and Rescue fought the fierce
blazes that totally destroyed the home of Marlene Pigman of Hindman
on Friday. (Photo by Jordan T. Hall) |
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By JORDAN HALL
For Marlene Pigman overcoming heartbreak seems to be getting
harder by the day. Just four months after suffering the loss
of her mother, Girlie Mullins, she has now lost her home to a
fire.
According to Hindman volunteer firefighter Zach Neice, personnel
were paged out to a structure fire at R Mullins Dr. at 6:07 p.m.,
Friday, July 18. Hindman Vol. Fire Department arrived on scene
at 6:09 p.m. at the home near the Mt. Zion Old Regular Baptist
Church off Perkins-Madden Rd. In addition to Hindman's two units,
Ball Creek vol. Fire Department also responded with two units
to provide mutual aid with water and manpower. Upon arrival the
home was completely engulfed in flames.
Pigman could only watch as her home, family heirlooms, and memories
burnt to the ground. Five ATV's belonging to Pigman's son and
grandson were destroyed in the fire, as was her pump house. As
a result of the fire Pigman's two-toned part Chihuahua dog is
missing.
"I've lost everything", stated Pigman, "I've lost
photos of my husband who passed away in 2001 and my mother who
passed away this year".
Pigman is now living with her daughter, Debra Honeycutt, as she
tries to regroup after her tragedy. Many people have donated
items to her, which she appreciates greatly. After receiving
a lot of clothes, she is now in need of appliances. If you would
like to donate, or have information about her dog, you can call
her at 785-0696.
For now she can only look ahead and hope for the best. After
losing her mother her year has gotten worse, but at least she
can count on her family to support her. Pigman intends to contact
the HUD (U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development) to provide
assistance in rebuilding her home on the same location, beside
her mother's home.
I'm just so glad the fire didn't get my mother's house,"
expressed Pigman.
See the current issue of the Troublesome
Creek Times for the this and other stories
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- Lt. Gov. takes ATV training
- at Knott center
Matt Osborne, Kellie Wilson, Allison Mongiardo, Lt. Gov.
Mongiardo, and Bill Burger listen as instructor Tim Cody explains
the next exercise in the class -- negotiating a hill. (Photos
by Karen J. Jones)
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By KAREN JOY JONES
Lt. Governor Daniel Mongiardo, his wife, Allison, and three government
officials from Frankfort earned their certification in ATV safety
in Knott County this week.
The Mongiardos, along with Bill Burger of the Department of Environmental
Protection, Matt Osborne with the Tourism, Arts and Heritage
Cabinet, and Kellie Wilson from the Department of Local Government,
braved 90-plus degree temperatures on Monday afternoon as they
took the ATV safety course at the Knott County ATV/Motorcycle
Rider Training Center.
Members of the group came with varying levels of experience.
Dr. Mongiardo, who took the course on his own ATV, was obviously
a skilled rider; others in the class were less advanced or learning
for the first time.
The course, approved by the ATV Safety Institute, covers basic
skills for safety awareness. It focuses on basic skills of straight-line
riding, turning and braking, and incorporates a few advanced
skills, such as evasive maneuvers to avoid obstacles, riding
over obstacles and negotiating hills.
The lieutenant governor noted, "I thought it was a good
idea even as an experienced rider to take the class. You never
know what you might learn. Also, we want to set a good example
and make sure everyone knows how important it is to have the
training.
"We want to make sure, as we draw people to benefit the
economy, that we keep safety number one.
"We want to encourage everyone to come to Knott County for
this training. We have this training facility here that's one
of the few in the nation; it's unique, with miles of trails available
beginning right here at the center."
Lt. Gov. Mongiardo emphasized the importance of proper safety
equipment. "It all starts with the right gear. Always wear
a helmet -- this prevents so many injuries. This is an 800 to
900 pound vehicle, and it won't roll off you like a horse can.
Riders need to respect and treat this as a dangerous piece of
equipment in order to enjoy it safely and have fun."
See the current issue of
the Troublesome Creek Times for this and other stories.
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| County workers
get annual raise |
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By KAREN JOY JONES
In an important decision during tough economic times, the Knott
County Fiscal Court voted last week to grant the annual cost
of living raise to county employees.
Also during the regular meeting, held Wednesday, July 16, members
of the court voted to prioritize spending of the county's coal
severance funds for 2008-2009/2009-2010.
The court decided (on a split vote) to change providers for 911
radio equipment, then heard from the 911 board chairman, who
was disappointed by their choice.
Judge-Executive Randy Thompson and County Treasurer Byron Jacobs
addressed the issue of raises for county workers.
"It's a tight budget, and we hope the coal severance money
holds -- it should, according to reports. At the same time, we
have employees paying $4.00 a gallon for gas -- they need a raise,"
Judge Thompson said.
"At 5% across the board, it amounts to around $1,100 per
employee per year. We just about have to do this," Jacobs
added.
Judge Thompson reminded the magistrates that the 5% was not based
on individual salaries, but rather on the county's overall payroll.
"Everyone doesn't get 5% of their own pay amount -- it's
countywide," he noted.
See the current issue of the Troublesome
Creek Times for the rest of the story.
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Summer fun at the Sportsplex
Hula Hoop contest was among the many activities Monday
during Funday at the Plex. (See story, page 11. Photo by Jordan
T. Hall)
By JORDAN HALL
Kids of all ages from across Knott County are enjoying their
summer at the county's finest recreational facilities. The Knott
County skatepark, Knott County pool, and the Sportsplex are all
playing host to children this summer to keep them active and
entertained.
This is something we are glad to do for children young and young
at heart," expressed Sportsplex director Rhett Gibson.
The Sportsplex is offering "Funday" every Monday through
Labor Day from 6-10 p.m. Everyone is encouraged to come out and
enjoy all the fun activities with admission at only $1. Employees
and those holding membership will face no admission.
Activities include a three point shootout, free throw contest,
"gotcha" contests, hula hoop contests, Corn Hole and
rock tournaments, scavenger hunts, and face paintings. The admission
fee will also allow participants to play basketball, volleyball,
bowl, work out, use the Tumble area, walk, and even tan.
The Knott County pool will be hosting daily games and activities
for kids. The games, ranging from hula-hooping, talent shows,
and dance offs to swimming relays and cannonball contests, give
kids not only a chance to win prizes but to enjoy competing and
playing with others. The pool also offers swimming lessons in
the morning for $10 per lesson. Pool parties can be held at the
pool by renting it from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at a cost of $125.
Look in the current issue of the Troublesome
Creek Times for this and other stories
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