Morning News – 01/02/15

KENTUCKY

Colmon Elridge III
Photo via WUKY

Executive Assistant to the Governor, Colmon Elridge, is considering entering his bid for a run as Kentucky State Treasurer. Elridge would be the second African-American to attempt to win a state office in Kentucky. Elridge has been working in the Governor’s office as an assistant to the Governor since 2007. Elridge is a graduate of Eastern Kentucky University, Transylvania University, and Harrison County High School.

http://wuky.org/post/beshear-senior-staffer-hoping-make-ky-electoral-history

https://www.linkedin.com/pub/colmon-elridge/8/9ab/322

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Reagan Carter
Photo via WKYT

A Nelson County youth’s suicide is being blamed on bullying that she had received online. Twelve-year-old Reagan Carter took her life two days prior to Christmas, apparently after harassment received from other girls of Bardstown Middle School became too much for the youth to handle. “They don’t think about the long term consequences about what that’s doing to another human being, who has feelings and who has thoughts, and who has a really big heart,” said Megan Hack, Reagan’s mother. Bardstown police say they’re investigating Reagan’s death.

https://web.archive.org/web/20150501135152/http://www.wkyt.com/home/headlines/Nelson-County-mother-blames-bullying-for-daughters-death–287309781.html

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NATION

Mario Cuomo
Photo via Wikipedia

Three time New York Governor Mario Cuomo passed away yesterday evening in Manhattan, due to heart failure. Cuomo was 82. Cuomo’s death came hours after his son and current New York Governor, Andrew Cuomo, gave his second inauguration address at the Erie and Buffalo County Historical Society.

http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/01/02/us-usa-politics-cuomo-idUSKBN0KB00F20150102

http://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/lost-giant-former-new-york-gov-mario-cuomo-dies-n278256

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General Motors is recalling roughly 92,200 trucks and SUVs for defective ingnition lock systems. GM says that the issue comes from lock acutators being set a bit wide, resulting in difficulty in turning the key when the temperature of the vehicle’s interior is exceedingly hot. Vehicles included in this recall are Chevrolet Silverado light-duty and heavy-duty pickups; Avalanche, Tahoe and Suburban; GMC Sierra light duty and heavy-duty pickups; and Yukon and Yukon XL; Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV and Escalade EXT. For more information on the current recalls, please visit:
http://media.gm.com/content/dam/Media/images/US/Release_Images/2014/05-2014/recalls/Recalls-Running-Total.pdf
http://www.cbsnews.com/news/gm-recalling-83000-more-vehicles-according-to-reports/

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WEIRD

Arthur Lampitt
Photo by Jesse Bogan/Associated Press via ABC News

Seventy-five year-old Arthur Lampitt is recovering following surgery related to injuries sustained in a car accident that occurred 51 years ago. After lifting and moving concrete blocks a week or so ago, Lampitt reported feeling great pain in his arm–radiating from an area where he had discovered nearly a decade ago that an unknown metallic object had been embedded. When Lampitt previously discovered the unknown object by passing through a metal detector, Doctors advised him to let it be, as it caused no pain and wasn’t creating any danger at the time. Once his arm began to “grow” this time around, Lampitt decided it was time to have the object removed. What surgeons discovered was a seven-inch turn signal lever from Lampitt’s former 1963 Thunderbird–a vehicle he had totaled half a century ago. Lampitt hasn’t decided what he’ll do with the signal lever, but he’s stated that he will keep it as a trophy of some sort.

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THIS DAY IN HISTORY

The Road Behind & Ahead: Reflections of 2014 and hopes for 2015

So here it is–January 1, 2015; that day where many of us sit and think about what we’ve done, and where we plan to be in the year that’s just begun. And here I am, left sitting, wondering where the time went, whether it was worth my while, and what I can do to try and make it better.

In many respects, 2014 wasn’t that great of a year for me; in some it helped to lay the path for what could be a better future–though optimism seems to be running a tad short due to certain events and feelings leaving me jaded.

The biggest change that took place in 2014 was the dissolution of a ten-year marriage, eleven-year relationship and the drastic effects it’s had on a friendship that has spanned nearly two decades; intertwined in this mess, of course, is the affect that it has on my family–my children. In this respect, 2014 was very cruel to me–and I welcome it’s passing. Still, I’m left with so many more frightening questions and uncertainties of where I am now, and where I am going.

Another drastic sort of occurrence was the removal of my gallbladder–which came without much warning. Earlier in the year–and late in the previous year, as I think about it–I had suffered symptoms similar to those that I’d had the night before/morning of my gallbladder’s removal; I had felt incredibly ill, suffered terrible sweats and drastic cold chills–not to mention excruciating abdominal pain. Funny, on the morning of that last attack, I’d thought that I’d simply worked myself into one terrible emotional fervor related to my relationship woes. When the pain became too great to handle, I took myself to the hospital for help; hours later a diagnosis of an infected and dying gallbladder was made–surgery was eminent.

One great positive did surface around the last third of the year; I got a job! For nearly a year I had been searching for some sort of employment that would work with the scheduling needs of my family–that need became greater and even more difficult once I found myself a single parent. I was so discouraged–worse than discouraged–as prospects were so few and far between; then one day I found a posting for a “less-than” part-time position at a local business. At first, I believed that I shouldn’t bother, as I’d applied for positions with the company in years past; something, however, told me I should try–just as I’d been trying with every opportunity that I found. Much to my surprise, I was interviewed and hired.

It’s hard for me to say what the future holds. Honestly, there’s not much that I can forecast, given the hand that life dealt me this last round. I guess that I could say that I am somewhat cautiously optimistic–hoping for the best, yet still expecting and planning for the worst.

I would like to find myself in love, once more; to find that person that I hope to spend my life and eternity with. I don’t expect that it will happen–given the difficulties related to “finding” someone when one has children. I’d imagine it will also be rather difficult as I am still that shy, fearful person at my core–the same scared child that got incredibly nervous and awkward at the mere inkling of a smile from any member of the opposite sex in high school.

I still have a very strong desire to move away from this neighborhood, and to find a place better suited for my children. Since the divorce, that lofty goal has grown even more desired, as I wish to escape the memories associated with this place. I do hope that I may find some house available somewhere that I might be able to call home, and continue to raise my children in.

I hope that I might somehow manage to gain more responsibility and become more involved in my job and in the community. I’m not exactly sure of how to achieve this, though it does seem–at times–that I am actually taking steps toward these wishes everyday.

My vision for 2015 is rather blurred and hazy at this point. I do hope that the forecast calls for a lifting of this fog, and brings a future of bright sunny days…

Morning News – 01/01/15

CYNTHIANA / HARRISON

Harrison County EMS is searching for a few good medics to add to their team. If you believe you have the right stuff, stop by their offices located on Rodgers Park and fill out an application. For more information, call: 859.234.1515.
https://www.facebook.com/HarrisonCountyEms/posts/1005542226127365

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KENTUCKY
2015 has been declared to be the Year of the Women Veteran in Kentucky in a recent proclamation by Governor Steve Beshear. Throughout the year, the Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs will spotlight the 33,000 women that have served our nation, through numerous outreach programs, events and opportunities.
“Our Kentucky women veterans have served honorably and commendably in virtually every aspect of the U.S. military,” Gov. Beshear said. “They have earned their full benefits and services, as well as our thanks and appreciation.” For more information about the Year of the Woman Veteran, visit: veterans.ky.gov/Pages/KY-Women-Veterans-Unite!.aspx.
http://wuky.org/post/beshear-declares-2015-year-women-veterans-kentucky
http://surfky.com/index.php/component/content/article/123-general-news-for-all-sites/56168-governor-proclaims-2015-the-year-of-the-woman-veteran
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Pendleton County will be receiving a $500,000 Community Development Block Grant for the construction of a new building to house the ambulances and office of Pendleton County EMS. The new structure will move Pendleton County EMS outside of the 500-year floodplain–far from their current location that presently lies within the 100-yr floodplain. The new building will also allow for an additional ambulance bay, ample storage for equipment, and a hazardous materials decontamination room. The grant is administered by the Department for Local Government and funded through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

http://kentucky.gov/Pages/Activity-Stream.aspx?viewMode=ViewDetailInNewPage&eventID=%7b3D33C15A-9B99-4F81-88CD-B59A30A472C8%7d&activityType=PressRelease

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NATIONAL

Chick-Fil-A announced yesterday that the restaurant chain is investigating a possible breach of consumer credit card data. The company is currently working with IT security firms and law enforcement officials in their investigation into the matter. According to the restaurant chain’s website, the investigation stems from financial institutions and payment verification services contacting the company about suspicious activity originating from cards that had been used at certain Chick-Fil-A locations. The website also states that initial reports of the discrepencies came on December 19th. No information as to which locations or the number of patrons affected has been released.

https://web.archive.org/web/20150429083945/http://www.wkyt.com/home/headlines/287260731.html
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WORLD

A promotional stunt in Shangai seems to have turned deadly during New Year’s celebrations at Chen Yi Square. Reportedly, 36 people were killed and 47 injured during a frenzied stampede that resulted from people responding to collecting what appeared to be money falling to the ground from a nearby building. The “money” turned out to be promotional advertising slips for an area nightclub. Officials are still investigating whether the nightclub’s coupons are the root cause of the stampede.
http://www.foxnews.com/world/2015/01/01/35-killed-42-injured-in-shanghai-stampede-local-media-says/
http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/dec/31/shanghai-35-people-killed-42-injured-new-year-crush

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The seven bodies recovered from the area of AirAsia 8501’s crash site will undergo identification processes as recovery efforts continue in the Java Sea. Family members of the victims have submitted photos of their loved ones, as well as DNA smaples to aid in the identification process. An image of radar data was leaked onto social media Thursday afternoon [early morning, local time] suggesting that the flight made a ‘dramatic’ ascent before the crash, which would have pushed the Airbus A320-200 beyond it’s capabilities. It has been suggested that the pilots of the craft may have been attempting to react to and correct for turbulence; further suggestions have been made that the engines stalled in relation to the flight’s ascent. Official determination cannot yet be made until a thorough review and investigation conducted. The flight’s “black boxes” still have yet to be recovered.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2893026/First-two-bodies-AirAsia-flight-victims-arrive-land-emerges-wash-Borneo-beaches-storms-scatter-wreckage-hamper-rescue-operations.html

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FREE TACOS

Taco Bell is giving you the hookup for free Doritos Los Tacos throughout the month of January! The catch–you have to place an order using the Taco Bell mobile app; with every mobile order placed, Taco Bell will add on one free Doritos Los Taco. Unfortunately, Cynthiana’s Taco Bell does not participate in mobile ordering. 🙁
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/12/31/taco-bell-free-doritos-locos-tacos_n_6400340.html?ncid=fcbklnkushpmg00000063

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THIS DAY IN HISTORY

 

Morning News – 12/31/14

KENTUCKY

The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife is accepting donations of used, natural Christmas trees for use as fish habitats. By submerging the trees, a type of reef is created, thereby creating over and a nursery area for young fish; the trees also attract baitfish and algae, bringing food for young fish and other aquatic organisms. For more information on Fish and Wildlife’s Christmas tree recycling program, visit: http://fw.ky.gov/Fish/Pages/Xmas_Tree_Recycling.aspx
http://kentucky.gov/Pages/Activity-Stream.aspx?viewMode=ViewDetailInNewPage&eventID=%7b3B259E22-92B2-498D-A44F-38CBE9E83603%7d&activityType=PressRelease

Six flu-related deaths have occurred across the state this year, according to the Kentucky Department of Public Health–of the six deaths, five were adults, and one was a child; the deaths were reported in Fayette, Spencer, Boyd, Mason, Owen and Boone counties. Health officials report that with the numbers of people having been tested for the flu after the holidays, Kentucky has officially reached the peak levels–the typical period for a peak in flu season occurs between January and March.
https://web.archive.org/web/20150914234208/http://www.wkyt.com/home/headlines/6-flu-deaths-reported-in-Kentucky-287160071.html
http://www.lex18.com/story/27729646/six-flu-related-deaths-reported-in-kentucky

Governor Steve Beshear released a list of 2014’s accomplishments on Monday, announcing his pride of the Commonwealth’s achievements. “We’ve fought our way through the Great Recession during the past seven years to get to this point – employment rates back at pre-recession levels, real investment in our schools and health care for hundreds of thousands of Kentuckians. I’m grateful for the outstanding accomplishments in 2014,” Beshear said. Included in Beshear’s list are Kentucky’s reports on business investment, lowered unemployment rates, increase in medical insurance coverage, and increases in educational funding.
http://www.kyforward.com/beshear-says-kentucky-accomplished-much-in-2014-sees-great-momentum-for-2015/
http://migration.kentucky.gov/newsroom/governor/20141229top10.htm

NATIONAL

Fiat Chrysler has recalled approximately 67,000 trucks from their 2006 and 2007 model years. Chrysler said that the issue stems from a problem where a wire in the clutch ignition interlock switch may break in trucks equipped with manual transmissions.; the fault could then allow for the vehicle to move when the ignition key is in the on position, or prevent the engine from being started altogether. The recall comes after an investigation where a child managed to start a 2006 Dodge Ram 3500 without depressing the clutch–another child was killed when the vehicle lurched forward and struck the child. Models included in the recall are: Dodge Dakota, Dodge Ram 1500, 2500, 3500 and Mitsubishi Raider pickups that were made between July 2005 and June 2006.
https://web.archive.org/web/20150907191627/http://www.wkyt.com/home/headlines/Chrysler-recalls-67000-pickup-trucks-287088751.html
http://abcnews.go.com/Business/wireStory/chrysler-recalls-67000-pickup-trucks-27880530

WORLD

Reports of debris from AirAsia 8501 off the coast of Borneo were confirmed yesterday by the Indonesian National Search and Rescue Agency. Some of the identifying debris that has been recovered include pieces of the jet’s interior, and luggage. The flight’s “black-boxes” have yet to be recovered. Seven bodies have been retrieved from the area, thus far–one reported to have been a female wearing a flight attendant’s uniform. According to a report by The Washington Post, the attendant has been identified as 20-year old Khairunisa Haidar Fauzi.

http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2014/12/31/airasia-wreckage-recovery/21090565/

WEIRD

Brasstown, North Carolina, population 240, will not be dropping a ‘possum this New Year’s Eve, despite a twenty year tradition, thanks to efforts made by PETA. A law passed earlier this year in result of an ongoing legal battle does allow for the community to continue their tradition, however according to Clay Logan–organizer of the event–the ruling came too late for him to acqurie the proper permits. In years past, community members would collect a live opossum and lower the animal caged in a plexiglass cage in a fashion similar to the “ball-drop” in New York’s Times Square. Hopes are still high that the event will be attended without the traditional lowering of an opossum. The event has drawn as many as 4,000 people in previous years, featuring gospel sings, and an annual “Miss Possum” contest where local men compete in makeup, heels, wigs and ladies’ formal wear. “Don’t call it a drag show, though,” Mr. Logan said. “It’s Southern gentlemen dressed up like Southern ladies.”
http://www.wsj.com/articles/possum-drop-will-go-on-without-a-live-animal-1419888968
http://www.wcnc.com/story/news/2014/12/29/no-live-opossum-at-nc-possum-drop/21006717/

Hasbro’s “phallic extruder”
Photo: http://www.ktul.com/

Hasbro has issued a voluntary recall following complaints of an accessory upsetting parents due to it’s phallic like appearance. The accessory in question is a part of the Cake Mountain set from Hasbro’s Play-Doh Sweet Shop line of toys; the accessory is supposed to function as an “icing extruder” for the imaginary play, however the design of the accessory does seem to resemble a penis to many. Hasbro has said that customers who bought the toy and would like the replacement part, can call them at 1-800-327-8264.

http://www.local12.com/template/cgi-bin/archived.pl?type=basic&file=/news/features/top-stories/stories/archive/2014/11/hXSx401l.xml#.VKPkTSvF_ng

http://rare.us/story/check-out-the-new-play-doh-toy-thats-pissing-off-parents/

THIS DAY IN HISTORY

1862 – American Civil War: Abraham Lincoln signs an act that admits West Virginia to the Union, thus dividing Virginia in two.
1878 – Karl Benz, working in Mannheim, Germany, filed for a patent on his first reliable two-stroke gas engine, and he was granted the patent in 1879.
1879 – Thomas Edison demonstrates incandescent lighting to the public for the first time, in Menlo Park, New Jersey.
1923 – The chimes of Big Ben are broadcast on radio for the first time by the BBC.
1944 – World War II: Hungary declares war on Nazi Germany.
1946 – President Harry S. Truman officially proclaims the end of hostilities in World War II.
1983 – The AT&T Bell System is broken up by the United States Government.
1991 – All official Soviet Union institutions have ceased operations by this date and the Soviet Union is officially dissolved.
1999 – The United States Government hands control of the Panama Canal (as well all the adjacent land to the canal known as the Panama Canal Zone) to Panama. This act complied with the signing of the 1977 Torrijos–Carter Treaties.

Morning News – 12/30/14

CYNTHIANA / HARRISON

The Cynthiana Harrison County Public Library will be ringing in the new year during a special “Happy Noon Year” party on Wednesday at 11AM; the party–open to children 6mos through 2nd grade–will take the place of the library’s regular Story-Time hour. The event will take place across the street from the library, at the Cynthiana Presbyterian Church. For more information, contact the library at 859.234.4881.
https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=760457000689196&id=179196648815237

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Harrison Memorial Hospital honored members of the Board of Directors at their December meeting, which was held on Dec. 18th. Eight members recieved the Calvin Martin Perfect Attendance Award, as well as desk clocks crafted by Don Wynn–the clocks were crafted from wood that had been retrieved from the hopital’s former “South-Wing”. Those that received these honors were: Doug Hampton, John Lair, Dr. Brian Mulberry, Jane Thomas, Gerald Fields, Larry Wiley, Dr. Derek Clarke and Paul Tucker. The award is named in honor of former member Calvin Martin; Martin was approaching 10 consecutive years of perfect attendance when he passed away just hours before the October 1999 board meeting.

Other honors presented at the meeting included the presentation of plaques to members leaving the board. Those exiting the board at the end of the 2014 year are: Jane Thomas, Dr. Derek Clarke, Steve Moses, and Doug Hampton.

https://www.facebook.com/notes/harrison-memorial-hospital/trustees-honored-on-hmh-board-appreciation-night/783962981674778

 

KENTUCKY

Justice Will T. Scott is stepping down from the Kentucky Supreme Court
Photo: Kentucky Administrative Office of the Courts

Kentucky Supreme Court Justice Will T. Scott announced yeterday that he will be stepping down from his position effective midnight this coming Friday. Scott–a 67 yr-old Republican–has served as a Justice for 10 years; Scott states that serving on the Sumpreme Court has been a “great honor”, though the position limits court member’s abilities in finding solutions to Kentucky’s problems. It is rumored that Scott may consider running for governor in 2015.
http://wuky.org/post/scott-stepping-down-ky-supreme-court

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Campus kitchen students prepare food for local charities.
(Photo from UKNow)

A new program at the University of Kentucky is working to educate students on hunger and nutrition while feeding members of the community. Campus Kitchen–a national community service initiative–focuses on collecting unused and left-over foods from school cafeterias and delivering meals to community members in need. At UK, the effort has collected foods from UK Dining and produce from the school’s College of Agriculture Food and Environment’s Horticulture Research Farm, and delivered meals to Lexington charities such as the Catholic Action Center, Salvation Army and Hope Center. You can find more information on the UK Campus Kitchen efforts on facebook at facebook.com/ckkentucky.
http://www.kyforward.com/uk-students-tackle-food-waste-problems-while-also-helping-feed-lexingtons-hungry/

NATIONAL

Kathryn Allman and Tristen Dutiel went missing from Sumner County, Tennessee on Christmas Day
(Photo: Gallatin Police Department)

Gallatin, Tennessee authorities are asking citizens in Louisville, Kentucky to be on the lookout for two teens that have been missing since Christmas Day. Police believe that 16-year-old Kathryn Allman and 17-year-old Tristen Dutiel may be in the Louisville area, based on recent activity on a debit card belonging to Kathryn’s mother. Police have reported that Dutiel has friends and family in the Newark, Ohio area but cannot speculate as to whether the teens are heading in that direction. Allman is described as being 5-foot-3-inches tall, weighing 130-pounds, shoulder-length reddish-brown hair and was last seen wearing a long sleeve pink shirt and black leggings. Dutiel is 6-foot-2-inches tall, weighing 150-pounds and has short brown hair. Anyone having information pertaining to the teens are asked to contact Gallatin Police at 615.452.1313
http://www.whas11.com/story/news/local/2014/12/29/tenn-authorities-search-for-missing-teens-possibly-in-louisville/21018445/

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A recent study has concluded that some patients may find it difficult to find a doctor accepting Medicaid. The study–which was conducted by phone, in a manner similar to that which Medicaid patients would face–revealed a high number of inaccuracies in information published by the varying state Medicaid systems; the most common issue being that providers listed could not be located at the addresses/offices listed in the Medicaid managed care-plans.

“In these cases, callers were sometimes told that the practice had never heard of the provider, or that the provider had practiced at the location in the past but had retired or left the practice. Some providers had left months or even years before the time of the call,” the study report says.

The second and third most common issue–which only accounted for a total 16% of responses to the inquiries–were practitioners either no longer participating or no longer being able to accept new patients.

http://www.kyforward.com/u-s-study-finds-medicaid-patients-may-have-trouble-finding-doctor-kentucky-in-minority/

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Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton Extend Run as Most Admired
Photo via Gallup

President Barack Obama is the “most admired man” for the 7th year running, according to Gallup’s Most Admired Man and Woman, 2014 results. Joining the president at the top of the poll on the women’s side is Hilary Clinton, who has had the honor of being most admired for 17 out of the 18 years she’s appeared on the list. Gallup has conducted the the open-ended poll for nearly 7 decades.

http://www.gallup.com/poll/180365/barack-obama-hillary-clinton-extend-run-admired.aspx
WORLD

Six bodies, as well as some debris has been spotted in the waters near the last known location of AirAsia 8501. The bodies were found approximately six miles from the last known coordinates of the flight; the bodies have been recovered and taken aboard an Indonesian naval ship. AirAsia CEO Tony Fernandes has stated, “My heart is filled with sadness for all the families involved in QZ 8501. On behalf of AirAsia my condolences to all. Words cannot express how sorry I am.”
https://web.archive.org/web/20150426225309/http://www.wkyt.com/home/headlines/Indonesia-Bodies-found-near-site-where-plane-disappeared-287088081.html
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/12/30/airasia-flight-qz8501-found_n_6387938.html
https://twitter.com/tonyfernandes/status/549840195579703296

ENTERTAINMENT

Netflix has given parents the chance to allow their kids to experience a countdown to 2015 at any time of the day; DreamWorks has produced a special three minute cartoon using the character’s of All Hail King Julien–a Netflix exclusive spin-off of DreamWorks’ Madagascar franchise. The cartoon is available for viewing at any time through New Year’s Eve.
http://lifehacker.com/send-your-kids-to-bed-early-new-years-eve-with-this-net-1676139174

FEATURED INTEREST

Kentucky for Kentucky has released a list of 29 ways that Kentucky has “kicked ass” in 2014. Included in the list are numerous statistics–like Kentucky being the 7th-ranked “nerdiest” state; stories that made national attention; and even a few odd goofs that were good for a laugh–like WDKY inadvertently broadcasting an image of John Wayne as an escapee. To see the list, head over to:

http://www.kentuckyforkentucky.com/blogs/news/16401100-29-ways-kentucky-and-its-kentuckians-kicked-ass-in-2014

THIS DAY IN HISTORY

1813 – War of 1812: British soldiers burn Buffalo, New York.
1922 – The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics is formed.
1981 – In the 39th game of his third NHL season, Wayne Gretzky scores five goals, giving him 50 on the year and setting a new NHL record previously held by Maurice Richard and Mike Bossy, who earlier had each scored 50 goals in 50 games.
2006 – Former President of Iraq Saddam Hussein is executed.

Morning News – 12/29/14

Been up since 5am and have come to a conclusion; it’s a very slow news morning! Everyone just seems to be repeating wire stories and reading police reports. There aren’t many good interest stories, either… Heck, even this day’s history is slow and boring!

KENTUCKY

Photo via WLEX

Lexington Police are searching for two women involved in a shooting that occurred at the Days Motel around 2PM on Sunday. According to reports, a man and woman agreed to meet with the women at the motel to buy a cellphone that had been listed on a Facebook “yard-sale” group. The victims claim that when the women arrived they produced a handgun and began demanding money; when the victims attempted to flee the area in their car the armed suspect fired at least three rounds toward the vehicle. One suspect is described as being approximately 6′ in height, wearing a red hoodie and pink tennis shoes; the other suspect is described as being approximately 5′ tall, wearing a grey hoodie. The owner of the Days Motel states that no one involved in the incident were staying at the motel.
https://web.archive.org/web/20150420231831/http://www.wkyt.com/home/headlines/Lexington-Police-looking-for-women-wanted-in-shooting-286964771.html
http://www.lex18.com/story/27718693/sale-over-facebook-leads-to-shots-fired-outside-lexington-motel

Several Kentucky State Parks have events scheduled to help you ring out the old and bring in the new; among the options are entertainment, dining, and package deals for those wishing to stay away from home for a night or two. Nearby, Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort is offering a “New Years Eve Comedy in the Parks” event featuring stand-up comedy, music and dinner at the Worthington Lodge. For more information on this and other events, visit the calendar at parks.ky.gov.
http://parks.ky.gov/calendar/default.aspx

WORLD

AirAsia flight 8501–which was lost mid-flight from Indonesia to Malaysia on Sunday–has yet to be located, leaving officials to believe that the flight’s wreckage may lie at the bottom of the sea. Earlier reports of the sighting of a possible oil-slick and contacts from flight-recorder pings have been discounted as false rumor. Reports of visible wreckage seen in the area have yet to be confirmed at the time of this writing. The flight was carrying 155 passengers and 7 crew members.
http://www.cnn.com/2014/12/29/world/asia/airasia-missing-plane/

THIS DAY IN HISTORY

1835 – The Treaty of New Echota is signed, ceding all the lands of the Cherokee east of the Mississippi River to the United States.
1851 – The first American YMCA opens in Boston, Massachusetts.
1949 – KC2XAK of Bridgeport, Connecticut becomes the first Ultra high frequency (UHF) television station to operate a daily schedule.