Festival of Quilts exhibit scheduled for Feb. 5-21
By KED SANDERS
      Quilting is not only an old mountain tradition, but in fact the art form has been around for thousands of years. In the 11th century the Crusaders brought a form of quilting to Europe from the Middle East. Knights used quilted garments under their armor for added comfort, warmth and protection.
More ...

Coalition election planned for Jan. 12
      The Letcher County substance abuse prevention coalition, United for Substance Abuse Prevention (USAP), will hold elections at its Jan. 12 meeting. The meeting will take place at 5 p.m. in the basement of the Harry M. Caudill Memorial Library in Whitesburg. Terms of office will be for two years.
More ...

Timber theft legislation appears to gain momentum
      The growing awareness of the magnitude of timber theft in Kentucky is spurring legislative action in Frankfort. Kentucky House Speaker Jody Richards has authorized a legislative task force to look into timber theft and other issues affecting Kentucky's forests.
More ...

County still in drought despite heavy rainfall
      While Tuesday's heavy rains helped somewhat, Letcher County remains in a moderate hydrologic drought, said a meteorologist with the National Weather Service.
More ...

NEW TERM BEGINS
      Senator Johnny Ray Turner, D-Drift, was sworn in Tuesday during the opening of the 2009 Kentucky General Assembly Legislative Session. Turner, who represents all of Letcher County, was re-elected for his third term in the November election. He also was re-elected Caucus Chair by his colleagues in the Senate Democratic Caucus.
More ...

Jenkins finally OK's garbage plan
By WILLIAM FARLEY
      After several months of wrangling and discussion, the Jenkins City Council managed this week to come up with an "equitable" garbage rate structure for business customers. In a split vote, the council agreed at its January meeting Monday to use a "step-up" (or step-down, depending on the customer) to bring all rates for businesses to $3.75 per cubic yard by July 2009.
More ...

Jenkins man dies after pickup hits guardrail on Pike County road
      A Jenkins man died New Year's Day after a one-vehicle wreck at Dorton. Kentucky State Police said William Henry Hodge, 34, was traveling west on Kentucky Route 610 when he lost control of his 1997 Ford Ranger pickup truck and hit a guardrail. Police said the impact caused Hodge, who was not wearing a seat belt, to be thrown from the truck.
More ...