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Troublesome Creek Times
P.O. Box 1500
Hindman, KY  41822
606-785-5134
FAX 606-785-0105
tct@
troublesomecreektimes.com

This Weeks Headlines
Week of July 2, 2009



 Richardson is new sheriff

By KAREN JOY JONES
At press time late Wednesday evening, the Times received word from Judge-Executive Randy Thompson that a decision has been made on the appointment of Knott County's next sheriff.
Dale Richardson, a retired Kentucky State Police officer, has accepted Judge Thompson's request to serve as sheriff; Thompson said he will be sworn in on Thursday, July 2.
"It was a difficult decision; we had several well-qualified candidates," Judge Thompson told the Times. "I know most of the applicants and have great respect for all of them. Each candidate offered unique qualifications for the position, some having law enforcement experience and others with administrative experience."


A National Weather Service spokesperson said the radar indicated that on May 28, 2009, rainfall in the Mousie area ranged from one inch to two and one half inches in a short amount of time.


Truck bed and cab of Little's vehicle was separated from the frame after crashing into a tree down the hill. "Jaws of life" was used to cut the door off the truck to remove Little.


Tracy Neice, deputy director of Trans-Star Ambulance, said the Tacoma driver suffered neck and back injuries while the driver of the Volkswagen appeared to have injuries to her neck, back, and shoulder/arm area. Both drivers were taken to McDowell Appalachian Regional Hospital.
In addition to Trans-Star, Jones Fork Fire Department, Ball Creek Fire Department, Kentucky State Police and Kentucky Vehicle Enforcement worked the scene. Combs Wrecker Service removed wrecked truck from the embankment.


Trooper Sims said that the driver of the gray Beetle was wearing a seatbelt. The driver of the Tacoma was not wearing a seatbelt. The wreck is still under investigation. Alcohol or drugs were not suspected.


See the current issue of the Troublesome Creek Times for the rest of the story.


Garner fire destroys trailer, copperhead den

Ball Creek VFD Chief David Slone (left center) removed several copperheads from trailer debris after a trailer fire in Garner. (Photo by Jordan Thomas Hall)

 

By Jordan Thomas Hall


An abandoned trailer caught fire Tuesday morning, June 30, in the Garner community of Knott County.


Garner Postmaster Susie Hicks was at work around 9:30 a.m. when she noticed the fire next door. She immediately called Stanley "Jawbone" Slone at his home nearby. Slone, a veteran member of the Ball Creek Volunteer Fire Department, rushed to the scene and was soon met by responding members of the Hindman Volunteer Fire Department.


Upon their arrival, the trailer had burned completely to the ground. They were able to save a trailer next door that had also caught fire.


Ball Creek Fire Chief David Slone encountered additional danger while putting out the flames. While at the rear of the building, he realized he was standing in the middle of a large copperhead den. The copperheads became victims to the fire. The trailer was owned by Jimmy Amburgey.


See the current issue of the Troublesome Creek Times for the this and other stories


Goodbye to Sheriff Ray Bolen

At 4 p.m., Tuesday, June 30, 2009, Sheriff Ray Bolen (left) turned the keys over to acting Knott County Sheriff Jeff Blair. Judge Executive Randy Thompson (right) was present for the transfer of responsibility. (Photo by Sharon K. Hall)


By SHARON K. HALL and JORDAN THOMAS HALL


Knott County Sheriff Ray Bolen officially took an early retirement June 30, midway through his second term. Bolen intended to retire at the end of his term but he cited several personal reasons for accelerating his plans.


Bolen stated that after turning 64 last month he felt like it was best for the county to be served by a younger sheriff. Grandchildren were another reason for his decision. He and his wife, Ollie, who also worked in the Sheriff's Office, felt like the grandchildren were growing up too quickly and they wanted to spend more time with them.


Sheriff Bolen leaves behind a legacy of stern marijuana eradication, illegal drug confiscation, child support collection, unlock service, and a passion for serving the people of Knott County. He earned several recognitions and plaques throughout his seven years of service to Knott County.


"My decision to leave the Sheriff's post was made easier because of the fine deputies, security guards, and clerks that are in place," said Bolen. They are to be commended for their teamwork in performing their duties of the Sheriff's Office. My staff have been with me a long time and perform a very responsible and dedicated job."


A recent audit was performed in the Sheriff's office, typical when a sheriff vacates his position. Bolen explained the audit was positive and concluded that all the checks and balances were in place. Thus leaving the Sheriff's Office in proper order.


During Sheriff Bolen's tenure, the Sheriff's Department secured several grants to obtain high tech policing tools and enhanced the fleet of cruisers. In June 2007, a federal homeland security grant made it possible for the Sheriff's department to purchase a thermal infrared camera. The handheld tool is used to assist with police investigations and law enforcement applications such as search and rescue.
Last year, taser guns were purchased as a tool in subduing an out of control person. Training was also made available by the grant. Tasers did not replace the officers" firearms but were added to their belt.
In addition to moving the Sheriff's Department into a high tech operation, the sheriff placed importance in the appearance of the Knott County Sheriff's Department. Continuing to improve the department, Bolen worked to purchase an entire fleet of cruisers. Six new black and white cruisers were visible throughout the county in 2007 as Bolen and his deputies performed their duties.


Walking into the office is impressive as the Sheriff's staff undertook a project to recognize every sheriff that served Knott County since its formation in 1884. The wall in the office is lined with framed 8x10 pictures with service dates of all the sheriffs that were located.


Sheriff Bolen has an interesting and varied background. He worked in the railroad industry in Ohio, a garage in Garrett, worked to train horses and dogs for a living, worked in National Mines for 16 years, served as a deputy under Jimmy Amburgey, was a Hindman City Police officer under Mayor Ken Blair, and performed dedicated leadership as Magistrate of District 3 (under Judge Executives Homer Sawyers and Donnie Newsome), from 1994­ 2002. Bolen became sheriff on January 2003 and served until his retirement this week.


Now retired, Bolen hopes to have time for a variety of hobbies, namely hunting, fishing, training animals, gardening, and traveling.


Reflecting on his life he said, "The best part of my life is my family, grandchildren, and raising my girls."


Judge Executive Randy Thompson said, "I wish Sheriff Bolen and Ollie would remain and not decide to retire. I wish them well and much happiness. KRS, (Kentucky law), statutes states that Knott County Corner Jeff Blair shall become acting sheriff until I feel comfortable with an appointee."


At 4 p.m. Tuesday, June 30, 2009, Blair became acting sheriff of Knott County. Blair expressed, "Like Randy, I hate to see Ray retire. As part of the coroner's duties I will serve as acting sheriff and continue to run the Sheriff's office in the same good service that it has been run until Judge Thompson appoints the new sheriff. The main thing I will focus on is the administrative duties until the new sheriff is appointed."


Bolen worked closely with the Times and will be truly missed. One of his favorite memories with the newspaper was when he received an unusual call to remove an alligator from the creek. Without the thought of potential danger he jumped in and grabbed the dangerous animal by his bare hands.
It is difficult to say goodbye to a sheriff that has performed above and beyond his duty. We wish Ray and Ollie well in their retirement.

See the current issue of the Troublesome Creek Times for this and other stories.


Hagins in Miss Kentucky pageant

Havanna Hagans, Miss Knott County 2009

A Knott County native will have the opportunity this month to compete in the Miss Kentucky Scholarship Pageant, held July 16-18 at the Singletary Center for the Arts in Lexington.


Havanna Hagans was crowned Miss Knott County in the Miss East Ky./Knott County pageant on Dec. 20, 2008. In that pageant, she performed a hip-hop dance routine in the talent portion, and she promoted her platform, "Heart Disease: Instilling Hope and Increasing Awareness" -- an issue which is intensely personal to this vibrant young woman.


"Sept. 11, 2007 changed my life forever," Havanna explains. "When I woke up and my heart was moving the covers, it was the first time I truly questioned whether or not pursuing my career as a professional dancer would at all be possible.


"I almost gave up on what I feel I was born to do -- dance, teach, and inspire. Then I asked myself, 'If you give up, what kind of example are you showing your students?' So thanks to the Appalachian Heart Center, which determined that I have tachycardia, I have continued to pursue my dreams. Now I want to help others pursue their dreams."


When one meets Havanna, it quickly becomes obvious that her beauty is much more than "skin deep" -- the loveliness of her physical presence is further enhanced by her enthusiasm and intelligence.


Havanna graduated from Knott County Central High School in 2004, then went on to Eastern Kentucky University, where she earned her bachelor's degree in journalism in 2007.

See the current issue to see the rest of the story

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