The Medical Leader

LOCAL TIES: Kris Bentley (Left) and Nick Jamerson (Right) of the band Sundy Best will be performing tonight at the East Kentucky Exposition Center.

PIKEVILLE – Local band Sundy Best will take the stage in Pikeville tonight.

Kris Bentley and Nick Jamerson of Prestonsburg will perform for familiar faces when they step on stage at the Eastern Kentucky Exposition Center.

The band, which has seen success in central and eastern Kentucky, southwest Virginia and central Tennessee, comes back to Pike-ville for a one-night-only performance of their acoustic folk sound.

The group is excited to return to Pikeville.

“The opportunity to finally play in front of the people who have not only helped make this thing happen, but who have supported us from day one, is very special,” Bentley said.

“Not to mention we are getting to play in one of the nicest venues in eastern Kentucky. This is really a treat for us and something we will forever remember.”

The band recently began raising funds for their debut album using the webpage Kickstarter.com.

The online “crowdsourcing” site allows many backers to donate funds in return for rewards.

The band saw tremendous support, surpassing its goal of $6,000 in less than a day.

As of Tuesday they had raised nearly $11,000 in pledges. Donations ranged from $5 to $1000.

Pledges for donations will be accepted until 5 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 12 at kickstarter.com.

Doors open at 7:30 p.m., If Birds Could Fly takes the stage at 8:15 p.m. and Sundy Best follows at 9 p.m.

The show will be in the upstairs ballroom at the East Kentucky Exposition Center and people only 18 years and older will be admitted.

Tickets will be $5 at the door and a limited number will be available.

STRONG MESSAGE: Clayton Potter, Pike Schools Technology Administrator, gave a report on the status of the District's technology department and future plans at the December meeting of the Pike County Board of Education.

PIKEVILLE – Pike County Schools technological services extend from “cradle to grave” and include much more than computers, according to Network Administrator Clayton Potter, who made a detailed report to the Board of Education at its December meeting.

“Cradle to grave” services mean school personnel do everything from purchasing and installing equipment to training staff and students, to removing and replacing products.

Some examples of the technology available to the schools include: one gigabit fiber Metro-E connection to all schools; firewalled fiber connection to the Internet; remote assistance and management capabilities; web pages for the district and all school sites; network and e-mail accounts for all students and staff; a Home Messaging System; Infinite Campus for all schools and at District Level; and uniform instructional program offerings.

The district has approximately 4,600 computer workstations, 1,400 virtualized workstations, voice over IP phone system at all sites, Uniform Wireless Network at all sites, 21st Century Classrooms in all elementary schools and fixed asset tracking.

Last year they resolved more than 9,000 documented work orders, Potter said.

Some new items added were I-Pads, Androids and Smartphones, he said. Also the District has embraced the use of FaceBook and Twitter and recently created accounts with those social networks. E-Mail, Munis (the school accounting and student tracking system) and Library Management have been moved to hosted servers.

The District now has a 30-station training lab and recently re-energized its groundbreaking Helpdesk services.

Numerous instructional tools and initiatives exist via the use of technology including on-line testing and assessment/progress monitoring. Each school completes a Technology Action Plan that details its specific needs.

The Student Technology Leadership Program (STLP) has become an important initiative in the county with 19 schools in the program, making Pike County a Diamond District. This year all 19 participated in the Regional Showcase with 33 projects. All 19 were recognized as Gold Award STLP Schools. Seventeen will advance to state competition with 25 projects represented.

In addition, students are treated to such experiences as video conferencing with NASA, the Louisville Zoo and the Louisville Natural History Museum.

“The Pike County Schools' Technology Department is constantly evolving and tackling new and challenging adventures in technology,” Potter said and he promised the staff would continue to “embrace social media and new technologies as they evolve.”

ELKHORN CITY -The Elkhorn City Public Library story hour celebrated Halloween with three boo-rific bashes on Nov. 1-3.

The story hour children decorated personalized mummies and friendly black cats to celebrate the witching season.

Candy, cupcakes and punch satiated the pallets of skeletons, dragons, monsters, princesses, and more.

A ghoulish great time was had by all.

The three-year-old class is Addison Taylor, Tristan Cantrell, Holly Henderson, Kaden McCoy, Ameila Coleman, C.J. Bartley, Isaiah Taylor, Landon Cantrell, Jaedi Belcher, and Shelby Taylor. Teacher: Ms. Misti

The four-year-old class is Layla Bingham, Shane Bishop, Nathaniel Overstreet, Jade Fuller, Gavin Damron, Catherine Overstreet, Ben Taylor, Candice Bishop, Aaron Adkins, Mariana Abshire, Norman Charles, and Jaxon Bingham. Teacher: Ms. Misti.

The two-year-old class is Abigale Morgan, Amelia Stiltner, Hannah Hampton, Jace Tackett, Tynlee Tackett, Lilly Sussan, Mason Hamilton, Quinn Sescoe, Trace Slone, Addy. Teacher: Ms. April

The Story Hour teachers are Misti Johnson and April Deaton.

Meeting times are:

3-years-old: Tuesdays @ 11 a.m. until noon

4-years-old: Tuesdays @ 1-2 p.m.

2-years-old: Thursdays @ 1-2 p.m.

The Floyd/Pike Agency for Substance Abuse Prevention recently announced grant funding for projects at 10 local schools and organizations.

The mini-grant funding was awarded to help schools and organizations host events or programs to prevent alcohol, tobacco and drug use.

Funds were granted for the following programs and events:

Virgie Middle School's Family Resource Youth Service Center received $500 for its Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs program to host a student assembly featuring speaker Ron Cole, who uses music to educate students about drugs and alcohol.

Kimper's FRYSC received $500 for its “Happy to be Me” character education summer camp. The program helps students know, care about and act on core ethical values such as honesty, compassion, responsibility and self-discipline and self esteem.

Dorton's FRYSC received $500 for its “Leaving a Drug Free Legacy” project. In the project, the eighth grade UNITE club members will encourage underclassmen to live a drug-free life during a luau event, during which students sign a pledge to live drug-free.

Dorton's FRYSC received $500 for its Drug and Alcohol Prevention & Character Education program for all students. The Waltens Acrobatic Program will be featured during a school assembly and teachers and staff will follow-up with drug and alcohol education.
Blackberry's FRYSC received $500 for a summer science survivor camp, in which the “Here's Looking at You” curriculum will be implemented. Funds will be used for a teacher's stipend, materials and refreshments.
Betsy Layne High School's Champion Leaders UNITE Everyone club received $500 for its Drug & Alcohol Free Skits, which are created and performed by students. The funds will be used for refreshments and transportation of club members to performances at the Betsy Layne Elementary, John M. Stumbo Elementary and Allen Elementary.
Mud Creek's FRYSC and Betsy Layne Elementary's FRYSC each received $500 for annual student planners that contain a daily message about the dangers of substance abuse. The messages will be discussed each day in class.
Mud Creek FRYSC and Adams Middle's FRYSC each received $500 for the Wulfe Brothers to perform during Red Ribbon Week. The presentations will promote drug and alcohol education through music.
Adams Middle School's FRYSC received $500 for a drug-free day student assembly and game-style day with Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs games and presentations.
The Floyd County Board of Education received $500 for its all-day “Choose to Dream Conference” for sixth graders. The funds will provide a guest speaker for the conference, which encourages kids to live drug-free.
The Floyd County Board of Education received $500 for the Floyd County Sheriff's DARE program's Day at the park, which concludes the 13-week education program. The Sheriff has several substance prevention activities with a picnic and entertainment provided by emergency responders.  The students will be provided with substance abuse prevention, violence prevention, emergency management and respect for law enforcement.  The funds will be used for transportation costs. 

Bevins' FRYSC received $500 for its three-day summer fun fitness camp to promote healthy lifestyle choices.

Bevins' FRYSC received $500 for four, two-hour summer parent training sessions that focus on early childhood development with an emphasis on the dangers of second hand smoke.  The funds will be used for food, teacher stipend, and educational supplies.

The Floyd County Health Department received $500 to purchase the “New Mom's Handbook” for its HANDS program. The handbook that teaches the adverse effects of smoking and alcohol use during pregnancy and is a valuable teaching tool for families.  It is expected that the tobacco and alcohol education will take place in the family home during a home visit which may last up to one hour. 

The Floyd County Health Department received $500 to purchase nicotine replacement therapy for its tobacco cessation classes.

Betsy Layne Elementary's FRYSC received $500 for the Wulfe Brothers to perform during the “Give Yourself a Break” parent program. The county-wide event features various speaker discussions on drugs, alcohol and tobacco use.

Belfry's FRYSC received $500 for a three-day summer reading camp in which students will be educated about substance abuse. The mini-grant will be used for a teacher's stipend to help students be confident, encourage them, and impress upon them to develop a love for reading. 

Floyd/Pike ASAP, directed by Rachel Willoughby of the Mountain Regional Prevention Center in Prestonsburg, is made up of representatives from various agencies in Floyd and Pike counties.

The group meets monthly to promote programs and initiatives that help curb substance abuse problems in the region.

For more information, call Willoughby at 606-889-0328.

PIKEVILLE – Pikeville Medical Center patients who have Medicaid do not have to worry about changing policies to ensure coverage at the hospital.

Pikeville Medical Center and its employed physicians recently signed contract agreements with all three of Medicare's managed care providers: Wellcare, Kentucky Spirit and Coventry Cares.

Gov. Steve Beshear announced that the state would expand managed care in the Medicaid program in July in an effort to save $1.3 billion.

In October, Beshear announced that the state received federal approval to transition more than 500,000 Kentucky Medicaid recipients to the managed care program.

PMC employees were notified Dec. 22 that agreements were signed with Wellcare and Kentucky Spirit.

On Dec. 30, an agreement was signed with Coventry Cares.

FLASHBACK: In 2011, Pikeville College adopted a new name and underwent many changes. The former Pikeville College School of Osteopathic Medicine is now the Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine, and a new facility is being built to accommodate the expansion. UPIKE also earned the NAIA championship title in men's basketball, the university experienced record enrollment and new programs such as the Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) program and the RN to BSN program were introduced.

PIKEVILLE – Leaders at the University of Pikeville are working to make the private institution part of the state's public university system.

“The University of Pikeville has been in discussions with leadership in Frankfort about the possibility of UPIKE joining the state university system,” President Paul E. Patton said in a press release. “This could be the most important development in the region since the Mountain Parkway was established nearly 50 years ago.”

Patton, who has served as chairman of the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education since 2009 and helped implement major educational reforms during his stint as governor from 1995 to 2003, believes turning UPIKE into a state institution would improve the entire state.

“If Kentucky is going to be what we all want it to be then the economic and educational level of eastern Kentucky must be brought up to the rest of the commonwealth,” he said. “The only way that can happen is if we have a state-supported, economical, high-quality university located in the coal-producing part of the state.”

While serving with the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education, Patton helped develop the “Stronger by Degrees” strategic plan, a comprehensible plan to improve the state's standard of living through postsecondary education.

Key goals in the plan include decreasing financial barriers to college access and completion and increasing the number of Kentuckians entering college.

Tuition at UPIKE is currently more than $16,000 per year, significantly higher than the tuition rates at other public universities.

“[Becoming] a public, regional university would substantially reduce the costs for our students,” Patton said. “Too many of our young people do not return when we send them away to get an education. As a consequence, we continue to lose many of our best and brightest – the future leaders, entrepreneurs and innovators who could help grow the economy in eastern Kentucky and Kentucky.”

Patton has not disclosed what “leadership in Frankfort” has been involved in the UPIKE discussions, but he does have support from State Representative Greg Stumbo, who serves as Speaker of the House.

“I am aware of the discussions regarding moving the University of Pikeville into the state system,” Stumbo said. “I have always advocated the need for a four-year state university in the deep mountains to educate our children and pull ourselves out of a cycle of poverty.  I would hope all of our universities would recognize this great need and join with us to form a plan that would benefit every Kentuckian in the long run.”

Kerri Richardson, communications director for Gov. Steve Beshear, confirmed in a Dec. 23 e-mail that he is considering the option.

“The idea of the University of Pikeville joining the state university system has been brought to the Governor, and he is considering the best approach to evaluating the advisability and feasibility of that idea,” she wrote.

The decision to make UPIKE a public university lies ultimately in the hands of state legislators, who convene in regular session in January.

“Should this go through, we would like to see the university become a part of the state system effective July 1, 2012, which would be a very aggressive timetable,” Patton said. “The state would then establish a university and appoint a board of trustees. Subject to the approval of the University of Pikeville's Board of Trustees, all of the school's assets and liabilities, with the exception of the endowment, would be transferred to the new entity.”

Patton said he appreciates leaders who “recognize the need in our region and are willing to participate in the dialogue and open debate” about UPIKE becoming a state institution.

“Should the legislature decide otherwise, we would continue to deliver the high quality, comprehensive education for which this institution has been known for the past 123 years,” he said.

On Dec. 22, a day after major Kentucky media reported UPIKE's efforts to convert to a state-supported university, the Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Cabinet issued a press release stating that more than 63 percent of public high school classes of 2010 enrolled in college, the highest percentage on record.

The Kentucky High School Feedback Report referenced in the press release, which included individual reports for 228 public high schools, showed that fewer high school students in Pike, Floyd and Letcher counties sought bachelor's degrees, as compared to the state average.

This is a question that has become a subject of discussion among the policy makers in the Commonwealth.

To me, the answer is obvious. Yes.

The gold standard of education today is the bachelor's degree. The percentage of adults age 24 to 44 with a bachelor's degree in the 12 major coal-producing counties in eastern Kentucky is 9.1 percent. In the rest of the Commonwealth it is almost double that, 17.1 percent.

If Kentucky is to realize its maximum potential, the educational level of eastern Kentucky must be brought up to that of the rest of Kentucky and the educational attainment of Kentucky as a whole must be brought up to that of the nation.

An increase in educational attainment of this magnitude can only be accomplished by having an affordable, high quality, comprehensive state supported university in the coalfields dedicated to eradicating this educational deficiency.

Proximity Promotes Participation!

Look at the education of the population in the rural counties which have had state-supported universities for the past 80 years or more, and then look at Pike County.

Calloway County has Murray State University and 24.0 percent of the adult population between 24 and 44 have a bachelor's degree.

Warren County, with Western, 24.7 percent, Madison County, Eastern, 21.8 percent, and Rowan County, Morehead, 21.9 percent.

But Pike County, with the University of Pikeville, is only 9.9 percent.

These counties have also evolved from agricultural economies to diverse economies. East Tennessee has East Tennessee State University in Johnson City, Tennessee, and it does not have our problems.

Western North Carolina has Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina, and it does not have our problems.

Northern West Virginia has a coal economy and West Virginia University and it does not have our problems.

And if we had an 80-year-old state supported university like the rest of the state, we wouldn't have our problems.

I am gratified that major state leaders see the need and are willing to consider the University of Pikeville as the vehicle to achieve this end.

Any proposal will be subject to the approval of the Board of Trustees of the University of Pikeville; however, I believe the board will agree to the transfer of all the assets and liabilities of the university (excepting the endowment) to a state university on an equal status with the six existing comprehensive universities and with comparable funding, considering difference in size.

The replacement value of those assets will be nearly $200 million.

State support will cut our tuition ($16,250) by more than half and substantially increase the number of students achieving a bachelor's degree.

All of Kentucky will benefit from the increase in intellectual capital.

Our medical school has proven that if we educate students from the mountains, in the mountains, they will stay in the mountains to serve our people.

The quality of healthcare in eastern Kentucky is already significantly improved because of the presence of hundreds of doctors educated at the Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine, which is a part of the University of Pikeville and would be a part of this public university.

This same debate was conducted in Kentucky 40 years ago when Louisville and Northern Kentucky were not served by a state-supported university.

Can anyone today imagine Louisville or northern Kentucky not having a major state supported university?

Can anyone deny that such an institution would help eastern Kentucky and thereby the entire state?

As State Representative Greg Stumbo has said, “This is a no-brainer!”

I ask all concerned to rise above their individual perspective and loyalty to particular institutions and look at what is best for the entire Commonwealth.

This action would be the most important improvement in eastern Kentucky since the construction of the Bert T. Combs Mountain Parkway.

Governor [Bert T.] Combs saw the need and acted decisively, beginning planning even before he was sworn into office.

That is the kind of action we are hoping for. The need is obvious.

The vehicle is available.

The General Assembly will have the final word.

All of Kentucky will benefit.

FRANKFORT – Governor Steve Beshear announced this week that a study of the advisability and feasibility of adding the University of Pikeville to the state university system will begin immediately. 

“The University of Pikeville meets a regional need for quality education in Appalachia, and the school's growth illustrates its potential as an economic driver in the area,” said Gov. Beshear.  ”Universities are economic drivers in their regions, producing well-educated and trained students who are prepared to enter the workforce.”

Many students attend schools based on proximity to their homes, said Gov. Beshear, and many will remain in the region after graduation.  The schools tend to attract highly educated employees, while also developing new research and partnerships with government and private businesses.

“However, a thorough review of the advisability and feasibility of including this institution in the state university system is prudent and necessary as we consider this proposal,” added Gov. Beshear.

The Governor's Office will issue a request for proposals this week to hire a consultant to conduct the study. The review will address a broad array of issues including:
the educational need in the eastern Kentucky region;
the capacity of existing institutions to meet that need;
the economic impact to the region of making the University of Pikeville a state institution;
a review of the financial resources needed to assure success of the University of Pikeville as a state institution;
the impact of the proposal on the existing system of state universities;  
whether the proposal would advance the goals of the Postsecondary Education Improvement Act of 1997;
identification of transitional issues that should be considered including changes in policy, financial administration, personnel issues,  ethics and open meetings and records compliance, procurement issues, academic standards, accreditation, facilities and other related issues.

The state conducted similar reviews before expanding the university system to include the University of Louisville in 1970.  The study is expected to take six to eight weeks.

Robert King, President of the Council on Postsecondary Education (CPE) submitted a letter to the Governor this week identifying issues that should be reviewed and offering assistance in the review process.  President King recommended that the review be conducted by an independent party because of a potential perception of a conflict of interest, as former Governor Paul Patton, the President of the University of Pikeville, serves on the CPE.  As a result, the Governor's Office will select the consultant but will utilize the CPE in the review process. 

The University of Pikeville enrolls about 1,100 full time students from 80 Kentucky counties, 35 states and 16 foreign countries.  Founded in 1889 by Presbyterians, the University of Pikeville offers a broad liberal arts and sciences education.

The University of Pikeville is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award associate, baccalaureate and doctoral degrees.

“On behalf of the staff, administration and board of directors of Pikeville Medical Center, we strongly support the University of Pikeville's efforts to become a state supported school. I specifically want to congratulate President Paul Patton and Vice President James Hurley, as they have led UPIKE to unprecedented growth. This bold move is just one more example of their visionary thinking. They are laying the groundwork to make this a very viable proposal, and I have every confidence that President Patton and Vice President Hurley are the best two people to get this job done. When UPIKE becomes a state supported university, it will increase the student population, bring new business to our community, and our economy will enjoy record growth. Pikeville Medical Center already enjoys a positive working partnership with the University of Pikeville, and we anticipate many more years of working together for the betterment of our region. Congratulations to the university, its students, staff and administration on taking this next step on the journey of excellence.”

- Walter E. May, President/CEO
Pikeville Medical Center

SOMERSET – U.S. Representative Harold “Hal” Rogers (KY-05) announced his support today of a proposal for the University of Pikeville to be added to Kentucky's public higher-education system. Rogers commends the institution's President, Paul Patton for his foresight and continued leadership in education for the people of southern and eastern Kentucky.

“Southern and eastern Kentuckians have battled generations of poverty and record-low rates of educational attainment. The adoption of the University of Pikeville into the state's higher-education system is an opportunity to turn the tide, not only in education, but also the region's economy. More low and middle-class students in the southeastern part of the state would have new opportunities to launch their dreams and overcome geographic and financial obstacles. I commend Kentucky's “Education Governor” and UPIKE President Paul Patton for leading the way once more in opening critical doors of opportunity for the Commonwealth. UPIKE has an outstanding campus with constant development and its plant would easily support a state university.”