Anthem members will be able to sign up for credit monitoring and
identity theft protective services from a company called AllClear
starting today, Mark Robinson, director of communications for Anthem of
Kentucky, said Thursday. These services have been highly anticipated
since millions of the health insurer's customers — up to 80 million —
learned in early February they may have had personal information stolen
when hackers breached one of the company's databases.
Go to www.anthemfacts.com to learn how to sign up for the free protective services.
For more on the story, visit The Messenger Inquirer online.
Friday, February 13, 2015
Ky. House passes local option sales tax legislation, other bills
Two proposed amendments to the Kentucky Constitution and a bill to give immediate protections to dating violence victims passed the state House Thursday and now rest with the Senate.
House Bill 1, sponsored by House Speaker Greg Stumbo (D-Prestonsburg) and House Minority Leader Jeff Hoover (R-Jamestown), is a proposed constitutional amendment that would allow statewide voters to authorize state lawmakers to give local voters the right to approve up to a one-cent temporary sales tax on agreed-to local projects. The other, HB 70, sponsored by Rep. Darryl Owens (D-Louisville) and Rep. George Brown Jr. (D-Lexington) would allow statewide voters to decide on the automatic restoration of voting rights for certain non-violent felons who have served their sentence.
HB 8, sponsored by Rep. John Tilley (D-Hopkinsville) and Rep. Joni Jenkins (D-Shively), would for the first time under Kentucky law, allow dating couples to receive immediate civil protection from domestic violence, sexual abuse or stalking in the form of an “interpersonal” protective order. It would also streamline the process to obtain protective orders for other victims, and would allow an order to be expunged from someone’s record if the order is dismissed by a judge.
HB 1 passed on a vote of 62-35 and HB 70 passed on a vote of 86-12. Rep. Lynn Bechler (R-Marion) voted against both measures. HB 8 passed by a vote of 98-0, with Bechler's support. All three proposals are now before the Senate for its consideration.
HB 1, unofficially called the “LIFT bill” for the name of its advocacy group Local Investments for Transformation (LIFT), would add Kentucky to the list of 37 other states that allow for a local option sales tax for specified projects, should local voters agree to the levy. Stumbo said the amendment could free up state dollars for required services like education by allowing local communities to cover the cost of local projects themselves.
Hoover added that a local option sales tax could only be levied with “direct consent” of those affected, not to exceed one percent per dollar for specific projects.
“I have been a supporter of this idea from the beginning because I view this… as democracy at its best, where local people make a decision on what they want to do,” he stated.
Rep. Mike Harmon (R-Danville) proposed an amendment to HB 1 that would prohibit the use of tax dollars to promote a referendum on a capital project in association with the legislation. That amendment was defeated by a vote of 38-53.
Following the passage of HB 1, the House also voted 57-38 to approve HB 344, sponsored by Rep. Tommy Thompson (D-Owensboro) which would set requirements for a local option sales tax levy should the proposed amendment allowing such a tax be approved during the Nov. 2016 general election. Rep. Bechler opposed this legislation.
If passed by the Senate and signed into law by the governor, HB 344 would take effect on Jan. 1, 2017.
Legislation similar to HB 70, the felons’ voting rights bill that passed the House Thursday, has been filed in the House for at least nine years, but has not yet won the support of both chambers needed to put the issue on a statewide ballot.
Before passing HB 70, the chamber voted 37-57 to reject a proposed amendment to the bill filed by Harmon what would have required felons to wait three years to have their voting rights restored, unless the person has been pardoned.
“It’s time for HB 70 and for Kentucky to come out of the dark ages,” Brown said of the measure.
During often somewhat emotional debate on HB 8, Tilley said Kentucky would become the last state in the U.S. to include domestic violence protections for dating couples in its statutes should HB 8 become law. Only victims who are married to their abuser, have lived or currently live with the abuser, or who share a child with the abuser can file for protective orders under current Kentucky law.
The measure passed the chamber with an amendment filed by Rep. Thomas Kerr (R-Taylor Mill) that would allow protective orders issued on the basis of domestic violence and abuse to be referred to by the court as “emergency protective orders” and “domestic violence orders.” It would take effect in Jan. 1, 2016 should it become law.
One concern with HB 8 voiced by Rep. Donna Mayfield (R-Winchester) who ultimately voted for the bill, is that the orders may be used in spats between teenage couples. “I just fear that this (could) open the floodgates to some situations that dilute the purity of the way we have it in the courts right now,” said Mayfield.
Tilley said persons under age 20 are “four times” more like to be abuse by a partner than others.
“The purpose of this bill,” he said, “is to protect lives.”
Want to contact your lawmakers on these issues? Simply click on the links below:
House Bill 1, sponsored by House Speaker Greg Stumbo (D-Prestonsburg) and House Minority Leader Jeff Hoover (R-Jamestown), is a proposed constitutional amendment that would allow statewide voters to authorize state lawmakers to give local voters the right to approve up to a one-cent temporary sales tax on agreed-to local projects. The other, HB 70, sponsored by Rep. Darryl Owens (D-Louisville) and Rep. George Brown Jr. (D-Lexington) would allow statewide voters to decide on the automatic restoration of voting rights for certain non-violent felons who have served their sentence.
HB 8, sponsored by Rep. John Tilley (D-Hopkinsville) and Rep. Joni Jenkins (D-Shively), would for the first time under Kentucky law, allow dating couples to receive immediate civil protection from domestic violence, sexual abuse or stalking in the form of an “interpersonal” protective order. It would also streamline the process to obtain protective orders for other victims, and would allow an order to be expunged from someone’s record if the order is dismissed by a judge.
HB 1 passed on a vote of 62-35 and HB 70 passed on a vote of 86-12. Rep. Lynn Bechler (R-Marion) voted against both measures. HB 8 passed by a vote of 98-0, with Bechler's support. All three proposals are now before the Senate for its consideration.
HB 1, unofficially called the “LIFT bill” for the name of its advocacy group Local Investments for Transformation (LIFT), would add Kentucky to the list of 37 other states that allow for a local option sales tax for specified projects, should local voters agree to the levy. Stumbo said the amendment could free up state dollars for required services like education by allowing local communities to cover the cost of local projects themselves.
Hoover added that a local option sales tax could only be levied with “direct consent” of those affected, not to exceed one percent per dollar for specific projects.
“I have been a supporter of this idea from the beginning because I view this… as democracy at its best, where local people make a decision on what they want to do,” he stated.
Rep. Mike Harmon (R-Danville) proposed an amendment to HB 1 that would prohibit the use of tax dollars to promote a referendum on a capital project in association with the legislation. That amendment was defeated by a vote of 38-53.
Following the passage of HB 1, the House also voted 57-38 to approve HB 344, sponsored by Rep. Tommy Thompson (D-Owensboro) which would set requirements for a local option sales tax levy should the proposed amendment allowing such a tax be approved during the Nov. 2016 general election. Rep. Bechler opposed this legislation.
If passed by the Senate and signed into law by the governor, HB 344 would take effect on Jan. 1, 2017.
Legislation similar to HB 70, the felons’ voting rights bill that passed the House Thursday, has been filed in the House for at least nine years, but has not yet won the support of both chambers needed to put the issue on a statewide ballot.
Before passing HB 70, the chamber voted 37-57 to reject a proposed amendment to the bill filed by Harmon what would have required felons to wait three years to have their voting rights restored, unless the person has been pardoned.
“It’s time for HB 70 and for Kentucky to come out of the dark ages,” Brown said of the measure.
During often somewhat emotional debate on HB 8, Tilley said Kentucky would become the last state in the U.S. to include domestic violence protections for dating couples in its statutes should HB 8 become law. Only victims who are married to their abuser, have lived or currently live with the abuser, or who share a child with the abuser can file for protective orders under current Kentucky law.
The measure passed the chamber with an amendment filed by Rep. Thomas Kerr (R-Taylor Mill) that would allow protective orders issued on the basis of domestic violence and abuse to be referred to by the court as “emergency protective orders” and “domestic violence orders.” It would take effect in Jan. 1, 2016 should it become law.
One concern with HB 8 voiced by Rep. Donna Mayfield (R-Winchester) who ultimately voted for the bill, is that the orders may be used in spats between teenage couples. “I just fear that this (could) open the floodgates to some situations that dilute the purity of the way we have it in the courts right now,” said Mayfield.
Tilley said persons under age 20 are “four times” more like to be abuse by a partner than others.
“The purpose of this bill,” he said, “is to protect lives.”
Want to contact your lawmakers on these issues? Simply click on the links below:
Shawnteetown Bridge down to 1 lane
The Shawneetown Bridge in Union County will be restricted to one-lane traffic starting at 9 a.m., this morning.
The bridge is localted where KY 56 and Illinois Route 13 meet at the Ohio River Bridge at Shawneetown, Ill.
Maintenance work on rocker bearing near the Illinois end of the bridge is being conducted today.
Drivers should be alert for one-lane traffic with alternating flow controlled by flaggers. Work is expected to be completed by noon today.
Reward for missing dog
Thursday, February 12, 2015
115 new jobs coming to southwest Ky.
KENTUCKY PRESS NEWS SERVICE
More jobs are coming to southwestern Kentucky. Gov. Steve Beshear Tuesday announced Douglas Autotech Corp. plans to expand its operations in Christian County.
Douglas Autotech, a manufacturer of automotive controls, steering columns and shifters, is expected to create up to 115 jobs – a more than 30 percent increase of its workforce – and invest $14.1 million into the project.
“Douglas Autotech accepts the opportunity to continue to partner with our customers, the Commonwealth of Kentucky and Hopkinsville on workforce development and continued growth,” Douglas Autotech plant manager Todd Thomas said in a state news release. “We are pleased with the talented workforce in Hopkinsville and the support provided by the surrounding community. We also commend Kentucky for developing and executing incentives designed to bring industrial growth to the Commonwealth. This growth secures many more years of stable work opportunity for Douglas Autotech and its employees.”
Douglas Autotech, a subsidiary of Japan-based Fuji Kiko Co. LTD, has two North American plants – one in Hopkinsville and a second in Michigan. The Hopkinsville plant opened in 1995 and currently employs more than 230 people. The new jobs will be added over the next three years.
Kentucky continues to be a key player in the international automotive industry. Kentucky’s 465 motor vehicle-related establishments employ nearly 85,000 people. Over the last five years, nearly 350 motor vehicle-related projects have been announced in the state, representing 20,000 new jobs and more than $4.5 billion in new investment.
More jobs are coming to southwestern Kentucky. Gov. Steve Beshear Tuesday announced Douglas Autotech Corp. plans to expand its operations in Christian County.
Douglas Autotech, a manufacturer of automotive controls, steering columns and shifters, is expected to create up to 115 jobs – a more than 30 percent increase of its workforce – and invest $14.1 million into the project.
“Douglas Autotech accepts the opportunity to continue to partner with our customers, the Commonwealth of Kentucky and Hopkinsville on workforce development and continued growth,” Douglas Autotech plant manager Todd Thomas said in a state news release. “We are pleased with the talented workforce in Hopkinsville and the support provided by the surrounding community. We also commend Kentucky for developing and executing incentives designed to bring industrial growth to the Commonwealth. This growth secures many more years of stable work opportunity for Douglas Autotech and its employees.”
Douglas Autotech, a subsidiary of Japan-based Fuji Kiko Co. LTD, has two North American plants – one in Hopkinsville and a second in Michigan. The Hopkinsville plant opened in 1995 and currently employs more than 230 people. The new jobs will be added over the next three years.
Kentucky continues to be a key player in the international automotive industry. Kentucky’s 465 motor vehicle-related establishments employ nearly 85,000 people. Over the last five years, nearly 350 motor vehicle-related projects have been announced in the state, representing 20,000 new jobs and more than $4.5 billion in new investment.
Homecoming starts at 5:30pm tomorrow
Crittenden County High School basketball homecoming festivities will kick off at 5:30 p.m., Friday before the varsity doubleheader at Rocket Arena. The court will be recognized and king and queen crowned prior to opening tipoff of the first game. At halftime of the girls' game, which starts at 6 p.m., there will be an athletics hall of fame induction ceremony. Joey Rich and Von Summers, two former CCHS athletes will be inducted.
New recreational sport for boys and girls
There will be a new recreational sport for boys and girls this summer at Marion-Crittenden County Park.Kickball.
It will be available for children ages 4 and 5.
Anyone age 4 by May 1 will be able to register. Children who are 5 years old will have the option to play kickball or co-ed rookie league baseball – a hybrid of machine pitching and T-ball.
Baseball and Softball skills assessment will be from 2-4 pm Sunday, March 8 at the CCMS gym.
CLICK HERE FOR REGISTRATION FORM
Wednesday, February 11, 2015
Minimum wage bill approved by Ky. House
The Kentucky House of Representatives voted Tuesday to pass legislation that would gradually raise Kentucky’s government-mandated minimum wage to $10.10 an hour by July 2017.
House Bill 2, sponsored by House Speaker Greg Stumbo (D-Prestonsburg) passed 56-43. Rep. Lynn Bechler (R-Marion) voted against the measure.
The bill now goes to the Senate for consideration.
Kentucky’s current minimum wage, which is tied to the federal minimum wage, is now $7.25 an hour. HB 2 would increase that rate to $8.20 this July, $9.15 in July 2016, and the final rate of $10.10 the following year.
Stumbo said more than 390,000 Kentuckians make less than $10.10 an hour, and that most of those earners are women. He wants to raise the wage gradually to what he called a “living wage” rate of $10.10 an hour as 29 other states and Washington, D.C. have done, he told fellow House members. Businesses that gross less than $500,000 a year (up from the current threshold of $95,000 annually) would be exempt from the wage increase.
“The trend across America is to reach out to those minimum wage workers and give them a living wage,” said Stumbo.
The bill would also prohibit wage discrimination based on gender, race, or national origin for equivalent work, with some exceptions allowed for seniority, merit, or productivity.
If the bill becomes law, it could spread local government thinner.
Crittenden County Judge-Executive Perry Newcom said all county employees are earning above the current minimum wage, but many are earning below the proposed $10.10 rate. So a mandated increase to that hourly rate would cost the county significantly more in salaries each year.
House Minority Leader Jeff Hoover (R-Jamestown) explained that passing the bill as written could cost the state more than 14,000 jobs based on a recent Kentucky legislative staff report.
“So it’s clear – there would be a loss of jobs,” said Hoover.
Stumbo challenged the study data cited by Hoover.
Want to contact your lawmakers on this issue? Simply click on the links below:
What's New in Marion this Week...
Here are few of the articles you find in this week's printed edition of The Crittenden Press:
- Par 4 is hosting a Relay for Life beauty pageant. But the contestants will shock you.
- Red Cross is looking for some help. Are you willing to volunteer?
- Baptist show their hearts with special Valentine's event.
- Another CCHS student is playing collegiate athletics.
- Tolu is attracting some authors for a Feb. 21 event.
- Also in this week's newspaper is our annual Pet Special Section.
The newspaper is on sale now at newsstands. Click here to subscribe.
Hey! Have you heard about the Rockets?
 |
| Rocket coach Denis Hodge. |
their records are among the best in school history.
This week's printed edition of The Crittenden Press includes a close look at just where this year's teams stack up against some of the other great seasons at CCHS. Newspaper will be on sale this afternoon.
The teams wrap up the regular season next week, and Friday's game is Homecoming as St. Mary comes to Rocket Arena. Crowning of the queen starts at 5:30 p.m.
Friday will also be the induction ceremony for the Class 2014 Athletics Hall of Fame. Being inducted are football greats Von Summers and Joey Rich. Don't miss it.
Fast action at school saved a man's life
Thanks to a quick response by school officials who were trained and had access to a portable defibrillator, a basketball referee's life was spared.
Don't miss the articles in this week's printed edition of The Crittenden Press that detail what exactly happened when John B. Travis, 54, of Hopkinsville collapsed at a ball game last week and why school officials were perfectly ready to handle the situation.
The newspaper will be on sale later this afternoon at area groceries, convenience stores and drug stores.
Dam 50 boat ramp hearing tomorrow
There will be a public hearing in Marion Thursday to discuss a planned project to build a boat ramp at Riverview Park (also known as the Dam 50 Area).
Local officials hope that interested persons will attend the meeting and provide feedback regarding the proposed project on the Ohio River.
This will be a brief hearing to discuss a grant application to help pay for the plan. The meeting opens at 10 a.m., in the fiscal court courtroom on the main floor of the Crittenden County Courthouse.
Poverty in Crittenden County
Crittenden County ranks among the most poverty stricken counties in all of western Kentucky.This week's printed edition of The Crittenden Press takes a deep look at where our county stands and why. You will hear from experts and local leaders who have ideas on the causes and perhaps some remedies.
Don't miss this revealing in-depth article on poverty in your community.
The Crittenden Press printed edition will be on sale this afternoon. Stay tuned to today's Web for more snippets of what you can expect in this week's newspaper.
Tuesday, February 10, 2015
AG asks Anthem to give information about data breach
Attorney General Jack Conway and nine other state attorneys general from across the country joined in a letter sent to Anthem's president and chief executive officer today, expressing concern that the company's delay in notifying those impacted by the data breach is causing unnecessary added concern to Anthem customers.
"We are asking Anthem to provide further information without unnecessary delay to those whose personal information was impacted by the data breach," said Attorney General Conway. "We believe that Anthem must provide details to those customers affected by the breach and tell them how to access the credit monitoring and identity theft protections that the company has said it will provide to them."
The attorneys general of Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Maine, Mississippi, Nebraska, Nevada, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island, led by the state of Connecticut, have joined the letter.
For a list of tips Attorney General Conway offered to Anthem customers, visit http://1.usa.gov/16OvwrU.
"We are asking Anthem to provide further information without unnecessary delay to those whose personal information was impacted by the data breach," said Attorney General Conway. "We believe that Anthem must provide details to those customers affected by the breach and tell them how to access the credit monitoring and identity theft protections that the company has said it will provide to them."
The attorneys general of Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Maine, Mississippi, Nebraska, Nevada, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island, led by the state of Connecticut, have joined the letter.
For a list of tips Attorney General Conway offered to Anthem customers, visit http://1.usa.gov/16OvwrU.
Area death
Barbara Miniard 74, of Marion died Monday at Lourdes Hospital. The funeral is Saturday at Gilbert Funeral Home. See this week's Crittenden Press for further details.
Monday, February 9, 2015
Reward for missing dog
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