The Medical Leader

In a busy world, good health is often taken for granted. When a health issue does come up or an accident happens, the search is on for the very best health care provider. Area residents need look no further than Pikeville Medical Center.

PMC has evolved into a regional referral center, and has a $130 million expansion under way for a new medical office building and a 1000-plus space parking facility under construction.

The past year has been filled with accomplishments and recognition, including:

PMC was named National Hospital of the Year by The American Alliance of Healthcare Providers. PMC is the Nation's only repeat and consecutive winner.

The Joint Commission recently accredited the hospital, home health, and DME services for three more years. More than 2,000 standards of care to protect patients and the community were met in order to receive accreditation.

A heart surgical affiliation with Cleveland Clinic's Heart and Vascular Institute enhances opportunities to provide new treatments and therapies for patients and accelerates mutual accomplishments in leading cardiac surgery care. Cleveland Clinic provides management support and standardizes approaches, manages ancillary services, coordinates patient flow, monitors patient satisfaction and all related work.

PMC's Leonard Lawson Cancer Center won the Commission on Cancer's Outstanding Achievement Award, which is given to the top 7 percent of cancer programs in the nation.

PMC was awarded the Get with the Guidelines Gold Plus Award by the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association for maintaining strict adherence to nationally-accepted best practices for stroke care. This is their highest award offered for stroke care.

For the third consecutive year in a row, PMC was selected as a Hospital of Choice. Each year, about 400 hospitals are evaluated for consideration for this award, which is designed to find America's most customer-friendly health care facilities. Finalists included the UCLA Medical Center and the Ohio State University Medical Center. The award is based on standards of conduct, performance management and improvement, staff development and training, systems of communication, good citizenship and the education and promotional material made available to the public.

Three PMC physicians continue to be listed among the nation's Best Doctors. Dr. Bill Herbert Harris, a cardiologist, thoracic surgeon Dr. Dennis Havens and Dr. John R. Furcolow, who specializes in internal medicine. Doctors Havens and Furcolow have earned the Best Doctors in America title every year since 2005; this is the second year for Dr. Harris. The PMC doctors are among 19 cardiovascular disease specialists, 12 thoracic surgeons and 18 internal medicine specialists in Kentucky named Best Doctors. Five other local physicians affiliated with PMC made the list: gynecologists Dr. John R. Barton and Dr. John M. Obrien Jr., pediatric specialists Dr. John Timothy Bricker and Dr. Douglas Schneider and neurologist Dr. Kerri Remmel. The list represents the top 5 percent of doctors in the U.S., with more than 46,000 doctors practicing 400 specialties and subspecialties. Best Doctors, Inc., founded in 1989 by two Harvard Medical School affiliates, is the world's leading resource for patients, families and physicians seeking expert medical resources and guidance in treating illnesses and injuries.

U. S. News and World Report named PMC a Best Regional Hospital in three specialty areas: ear, nose and throat, gynecology and nephrology. Hard numbers back up the rankings – death rates, patient safety, procedure volume, and other data. The core mission of Best Hospitals is to help guide patients who need an especially high level of care because of a difficult surgery, a challenging condition, or added risk because of other health problems or age.

PMC was also named among the Top 100 Places to Work in Healthcare by Modern Healthcare magazine for the third time in a row. PMC was one of only three Kentucky healthcare facilities to make the list all three years, and the only Kentucky hospital to make the list. PMC was ranked number 5 nationally and was 1st in Kentucky in the large organization category, a jump forward from last year's 7th place national ranking. 32,000 health care organizations were eligible to enter the competition.

The Information Technology Department at PMC was recognized by Healthcare IT News as 7th in its “Where to Work: Best Hospital IT Departments.” PMC was among 179 hospitals involved in the four-month survey process. Only 75 hospitals qualified for the study, with PMC being one of 28 medium facilities evaluated.

Women Certified recognized PMC as one of the country's Top 100 Hospitals for Patient Experience based on female patient satisfaction. It was one of only three large Kentucky hospitals to receive the award. Because of its high consumer satisfaction scores, Women Certified also honored PMC with the Women's Choice Award.

During the 54th annual Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce banquet, before a group of 500 attendees, chamber president and CEO Brad Hall awarded PMC with the Chamber's Business of the Year Award. The award is for businesses that go above and beyond the normal means of doing business to improve the community, and is given to an economic driver with a stable workforce.

The Excellence through Insight Award was presented to PMC for rating #1 nationally for patient satisfaction in Inpatient Oncology and Inpatient Rehabilitation. In addition, Healthstream Research honored PMC for achieving a patient satisfaction rate of 95 percent. Healthstream Research contacts patients after their discharge and surveys them about the care they received during their hospital stay.

Until 2011, patients who had pacemakers were unable to have Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) tests. PMC installed a Medtronic Revo MRI Pacing System, a pacemaker that is conditionally MRI approved. An MRI is used to scan images of the brain, muscles, heart, and can detect some cancers. Having access to these tests can mean a quicker diagnosis, which is essential to having better treatment options and a positive outcome.

The College of American Pathology accredited PMC's laboratory again. The hospital earned this accreditation by meeting more than 3,000 standards, and has held the accreditation for more than 30 years. Only 7,000 laboratories worldwide have met this standard of excellence.

The American College of Radiology accredited the hospital as a center of excellence for its use of Magnetic Resonance Imaging. The accreditation acknowledges the hospital for being dedicated to a higher level of quality and compliance of policies, procedures and protocols in utilizing MRI to determine diagnosis of patients with injuries or other problems.

The Kentucky Health Information Exchange (KHIE) recognized PMC for its contribution to health information technology. It was the first Kentucky hospital to exchange health information electronically. With electronic clinical data, a patient will be able to transfer from one facility to another and the information on past health issues or tests can be quickly accessed without a long waiting period or duplicating tests. This will help when a patient is seen for the first time or in the event of an emergency. The award was presented by the Governor's Office of Health Information.

PMC implemented the McKesson Horizon Enterprise Visibility (HVE) patient tracking software system. Color coding for each room includes observation, outpatients, pending discharges, isolation patients and empty rooms available for new patients. The hospital staff can use the touch screens for real-time and at-a-glance information. It helps nursing, housekeeping, transport, case management, the clinical staff and the patients. The screens are located at convenient locations throughout the hospital.

PMC positioned itself to be the only hospital in the world to have two 320 CT scanners, the fastest, most accurate scanners available. The first scanner was installed in the Emergency Department to meet the urgent health care needs of seriously ill patients. Diagnosis times are dramatically reduced since the scanner can scan an entire organ, such as the heart or brain, in one single rotation or less than one second.

PMC is also adding a new 1.5T MRI system to the existing outpatient diagnostic center and expanding services in the Cardiac Catheterization department.

Veterans Day 2011 marked the dedication of PMC's Veterans and First Responders Trauma Center. The creation of the trauma center was a two-year effort. Dr. Danny Jazaveric heads up the team of surgeons, neurosurgeons, orthopedic surgeons, anesthesiologists and other skilled medical staff who will provide trauma care at the hospital 24 hours a day, seven days a week. There are more than 6,000 hospitals in the U.S. and fewer than 300 trauma centers.

PMC has 280 physicians, many are specialists. It has the best possible technology and benchmarks its service against hospitals of comparable size and markets. The PMC story is one of continuous improvement and the pursuit of excellence.

BUNDLE OF JOY: Makena Jade Wolford, daughter of Brittany Justice and Jared Wolford of Phelps, was born at 8:50 a.m. on New Year's Day at Pikeville Medical Center.

PIKEVILLE – East Kentucky Broadcasting has honored the first New Year's baby delivered at Pikeville Medical Center for nearly 40 years.

PMC's Dr. Rick McClellan delivered Makena Jade Wolford, the daughter of Brittany Justice and Jared Wolford of Phelps, at 8:50 a.m. on New Year's Day.

Makena, the firstborn child of the couple, weighed seven pounds and 11 ounces and was 19-inches long.

As participants in EKB's long-standing “First Baby of the Year” promotion, PMC and Dr. McClellan have waived delivery charges not covered by the family's insurance plan.

“We are proud to have sponsored this special promotion for all these years,” EKB General Manager Keith Casebolt said. “Congratulations to the family on their new bundle of joy.”

In addition to gifts provided by EKB, the baby and family will receive a one-year scholarship to the University of Pikeville as well as other gifts.

Communities served by this newspaper in Floyd, Letcher and Pike counties in Kentucky and Mingo County, West Virginia have experienced many changes over the past year.

These stories top our list in 2011:

1. Pikeville takes over Expo Center

In 2011, Pikeville leaders worked hard to make the city a “destination location” as they followed through with plans to improve local parks, attract more businesses and lay the groundwork for upcoming developments.

The city's biggest move of the year came with the take-over of operations of the Eastern Kentucky Exposition Center. On Feb. 21, Mayor Frank Justice and Expo Center Board Chairperson Charles Baird signed a 99-year lease agreement.

Baird sought assistance from local government officials because the Expo Center was operating under a $600,000 deficit.

Months of negotiations followed between the city, the Expo Board and SMG Management Company, which manages the facility. The city commission approved a summary of the contract terms on March 28 and the deal was finalized in April.

The change of Expo Center ownership required the city to find alternative revenue sources to keep the facility operating with a sufficient budget. That need led to the dissolution of the once-jointly operated Pikeville-Pike County Tourism Commission and redirected a portion of taxes collected from hotels and restaurants in the city limits to benefit Pikeville's tourism efforts.

The East Kentucky Expo Center will mark its seventh anniversary on Oct. 3, 2012.

What they said…

Mayor Frank Justice: “It is our responsibility to ensure this facility is not shut down. To do so would be a great injustice for the city and the entire region.”

Commissioner Eugene Davis: “All over this country, they've built civic centers. They did not build them with the intention of making money. They built them with the intention of serving their citizens. We can do no less.”

Commissioner Jimmy Carter: “We can not afford to let it fail. It helps the city of Pikeville somewhat, but I think it probably helps the county and the region as much, if not more, than what it does for the city.-.. For years we didn't get anything. Now we've got something and we've got to take care of it.”

Commissioner Dallas Layne: “I'm certainly backing this thing all the way.”

Commissioner Barry Chaney: “Some people see this facility as a sinking ship, but looking over the past that it's been in business, what it's already meant to us, and looking forward to the future to see what it will mean even more to Pike County and the surrounding area, I see it as the queen of the fleet.”

2. Pikeville College is now a university

Pikeville College officials unveiled their plan to improve the facility during a 2010 groundbreaking for the new Kentucky School of Osteopathic Medicine's “Coal Building.”

That was just the beginning.

College administrators continued the expansion by authorizing the creation of a Master of Business Administration degree program during a Feb. 5 meeting, thereby turning the college into a university. Local residents helped the University of Pikeville pick its new name, which became effective July 1.

“Next, we'll be looking at the organization, mission and the needs of the region,” UPIKE President Paul Patton said. “Pikeville College has the potential to become the leading institution of postsecondary education in Central Appalachia within 10 years. There's much more work to do, but this is a positive move. The energy is high.”

UPIKE expanded its course offerings to include the addition of an RN-BSN completion program in August. Thereafter, the Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine announced the receipt of a $1 million, five-year Residency Training in Primary Care Program grant to plan, develop and implement a First Frontier Family Medicine Resident Training Program.

In December, UPIKE officials inked a statewide transfer contract with the Kentucky Community and Technical College System, making it easier for community college students to transfer credits. Patton announced weeks later that UPIKE wants to become the ninth university that receives financial support from the state. Last week, Governor Steve Beshear ordered a thorough review of the UPIKE proposal to determine whether providing state support would be feasible.

UPIKE enrolls about 1,100 full time students from 80 Kentucky counties, 35 states and 16 foreign countries.  

3. Growing, growing, growing-.

In 2011, Millions of dollars were poured into local communities for projects that will benefit the region for years to come.

New schools

The Pike County School District laid the groundwork to begin construction of new schools in 2010. In 2011, district leaders hosted groundbreaking ceremonies for those facilities.

Construction of the new $15 million Phelps Elementary School kicked off with a groundbreaking ceremony on May 19. The school is expected to be completed by August 2012.

The groundbreaking for the new $25 million Virgie school was held Oct. 5. It is also expected to be completed this year.

On Sept. 14, the board approved the consolidation of Runyon and Bevins elementary, moving the district one step closer to what Superintendent Roger Wagner said was the ultimate goal: having one school for all students.

In Letcher County, work continues on the school district's technology center, which will be located adjacent to Letcher County Central High School.

New roads

Road construction topped the list of infrastructure improvements that occurred in 2011.

On June 20, Gov. Steve Beshear helped local officials “symbolically break ground” on a $31 million Martin County project and two Pike County road projects, one that will connect residents living near Fishtrap Lake to the rest of the county and the construction of a bridge at Draffin to create a safer connection to U.S. 460.

Work continues on a $28 million mega-interchange that will connect U.S. 460 to U.S. 23. The two-year project is part of the U.S. 460 project, which has been ongoing for several years.

On July 19, the Pike County Fiscal Court authorized an agreement with Summit Engineering for the U.S. 460 Corridor Development Project Study, which details how road construction in the area will provide property for a “Coal Mountain” development.

In October, Pike County officials held a ribbon cutting ceremony for the Elk Creek Road project, which was made possible through a partnership between the county and the state of Virginia.

The King Coal Highway Project also continues in Mingo County. In November, the West Virginia Department of Highways hosted a public meeting on proposed changes in the road construction plans that would decrease the project cost from an estimated $198.8 million to $88 million.

New/expanding businesses

The city of Pikeville was a booming place for business in 2011.

On Nov. 14, the commission approved an agreement to pave the way for a new shopping complex near Thompson Road. After finishing site prep work near Thompson Road and making room for the new Texas Roadhouse on Justice Way, the city hired a consultant to lure nationally-recognized businesses into the shopping complex.

Several new businesses opened or expanded operations throughout the region in 2011. The list includes Texas Roadhouse and Cut-Thru Adventures in Pikeville, EQT's regional headquarters at the Scott Fork development site in Pike County, Tractor Supply and Paula's at the Southside Mall in Goody, The Man Shop in Williamson, and Norfolk Southern Railroad's new office building in Williamson. These businesses opened in Prestonsburg in Floyd County: JLS Enterprises, Attorneys Casey and Dustin Jones in Prestonsburg, Premier Events, Adventure Fun Dome, Butterflies and Notions, HLT Check Exchange, Amy Wallen Photography, Bones & Bows, LuLu's Boutique, Bluegrass Surgical Specialists, Meade's Auto World, Charity Thrift Store and Genesis Billing & Solutions.

In Letcher County, emergency responders dedicated the new Neon Fire Department during a Sept. 11 ceremony. The $1.4 million facility can accommodate 17 trucks and ambulances.

In September, Mark West Energy Appalachia was awarded up to $300,000 in tax incentives to expand its business and update equipment in Langley. The $13.9 million project is expected to create 40 jobs.

Ongoing construction

The $92 million redevelopment project in Martin in Floyd County marked a milestone in September, with a groundbreaking ceremony for the city's new fire department, which will be located on the redevelopment site.

The flood prevention project began in 2004 with plans to move 750,000 cubic yards of soil and rock for the site, which was completed in 2007 and has been empty for years.

U.S. Rep. Harold “Hal” Rogers, who attended the ceremony said, “Martin is about to be reborn.”

Construction continues on the judicial center and the Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine's Coal Building in Pike County, and construction will begin in 2012 on several other projects that began throughout the region in 2011.

In March, the Pike County Library District Board Chairperson Joe Justice announced plans for the construction of a $12 million library that will be located in the Booth-Harris Development site near Thompson Road. The three-story facility is expected to house a theater and auditorium, a genealogy section, meeting rooms and other amenities.

In April, a groundbreaking was held for a new $6 million Applied Technology Center at the Williamson campus of Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College.

April also marked the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Belfry Fire Department, which is nearing completion.

In May, Trans Gas Development and the Mingo County Redevelopment Authority broke ground for the Mingo County coal-to-liquids project. The plant, which will take four years to construct, will be located in Wharncliffe. It is expected to provide 300 jobs.

On Nov. 14, city officials provided the first glimpse of the new hotel, the Hilton Garden Inn, which will be located adjacent to the city parking garage in Pikeville. Construction of the 80,000-square-foot facility is expected to begin this year.

In Mingo County, runway and infrastructure work got underway in 2011 for the new Air Transportation Park, which is located on post-mined land near the center of Mingo County. The airport terminal is expected to be built in 2012.

4. National attention

In 2011, many local individuals, schools and organizations stepped into the national spotlight.

The biggest attention-getter in 2011 may have been Landau Eugene Murphy, Jr., who earned a $1 million prize by winning America's Got Talent. Pikeville Medical Center sponsored a Dec. 4 concert with Murphy at the Expo Center. The Logan, W.Va. native was homeless at the age of 16 and worked at a car wash before he became a national star during the sixth season of the NBC reality show. He wowed audiences with his Frank Sinatra-style singing.

In February, Pike Central High School students Jerica Lynn Blair and Nicole Pennington earned their “golden tickets” to Hollywood after auditioning for Fox talent show American Idol. Blair was featured on the Feb. 16 broadcast, when she pulled musician Steven Tyler on stage and sang to him during a group performance. Both teenagers said the American Idol experience was worth their efforts, even if they didn't bring home the top honor.

A national honor was bestowed on Southside Elementary, which earned the 2011 National Blue Ribbon School for overall academic excellence in the fall. School officials traveled to Washington, D.C. in November to pick up the award. In November, Southside and Blackberry Elementary were the only two Kentucky schools selected as 2011 National Title 1 Distinguished schools. School officials will travel to Seattle, Washington Jan. 21-24 to receive those awards.

Christ Central School student Emily Keaton, the 12-year-old daughter of Drs. Jill and Andy Keaton, returned for the third time to the Scripps National Spelling Bee, which was broadcast live on ESPN.

Keaton spelled her way to the semi-final round, where she was eliminated with the word “sciamachy.”

Emily's winning spirit must have influenced her brother, Christ Central School student Paul Keaton, who traveled to Nashville, Tenn. on Nov. 19 for the national Bible Bee. He earned second place, nationwide, in his age division and walked away with $10,000 in prize money.

Local communities also earned national recognition for adventure tourism opportunities. People traveled from several states and two countries to participate in the USA Canoe and Kayak National Wildwater Senior Team Trials in Elkhorn City. Ashland native Jack Ditty was the only Kentucky native to win a place in the world race, which will be held in France in June 2012.

Other notable 2011 honors included:

Shikha Sachdeva, a graduating senior at Pikeville High School, is one of approximately 560 semifinalists in the 2011 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program and is among 16,000 U.S. students named as semi-finalists in the National Merit Scholarship Program.

In September, a team of five Pikeville Fire Department officials completed the Scott Safety Fire Department Combat Challenge relay in less than two minutes, a score that qualified them to compete nationally.

The firefighters competed in the 20th Scott World Challenge in November in South Carolina and ranked among the top 40 departments nationally.

On Oct. 3, U.S. congressman Harold “Hal” Rogers (KY-05) earned the 2011 Pillar Award for Leadership at the Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminar's annual gala.

Representative Leslie Combs participated in the State Legislative Leaders Foundation's 2011 Program for Emerging Leaders, a prestigious but rigorous course that selects less than 100 people from across the country each year.

Pikeville Independent Schools earned the School Match “What Parents Want” award, ranking among 16 percent of more than 15,500 school districts in the country that earned the honor.

Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine ranked fourth nationally on the U.S. News & World Report's 10 least expensive private medical schools in the nation.

Pikeville was one of 151 American cities that earned the Playful City USA 2011 Community designation.

Pike County earned eight awards from the National Association of Counties in July for the Pike County Dive Team, flood recovery program and long-term recovery committee, hybrid school bus program, Kimper Community Center construction, the judicial center project, the natural-gas rock truck conversion project and the mobile health unit.

5. Chamber goes regional

On May 4, 2001, Pike County Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Brad Hall marked “an historic day” for the region during a press conference announcing the establishment of the Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce.

He said the establishment of the regional Chamber will “break down” county lines for the progression of the region. With eight local counties participating, the Chamber's motto became “The Power to be Heard.”

It's working.

With the backing of nearly 300,000 residents in those counties and the collaboration of local leaders, SEKC was able to secure a $750,000 Small Community Commercial Air Service Grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation in October.

Officials have worked toward bringing commercial airline service to the region for years, and the grant eases the county one step closer to that goal. Gulf Stream International, a Florida-based airline, offered a non-binding agreement of commitment to provide commercial air service. Officials are working to finalize the deal.

6. JWT expands to Pike

The city of Pikeville took a bold step in recruiting a theater into the city.

City Manager Donovan Blackburn in September reported that partnering with Jenny Wiley Theatre, “a gem of eastern Kentucky,” will help the city continue to grow into a “destination location.”

The expansion of JWT into Pikeville is part of a multi-year, multi-faceted plan to expand and improve the business, entertainment and arts and culture opportunities in Pikeville, Blackburn said.

The city agreed to provide $1.2 million for a feasibility study for the design, engineering and construction of a new Regional Professional Theater for JWT. Construction of the facility is expected to begin in 2012 on property located near the Pikeville Police Department. An architect has been hired for the project.

7. Helping others

From walking all night to defeat cancer, to parading a purple toilet across town, or hosting a spay and neuter clinic for hundreds of animals or fixing bag lunches for college students who can't afford to buy lunch, people in communities throughout the region opened their hearts and their wallets to help others in need in 2011.

Relay for Life events in Floyd, Pike, Letcher and Tug Valley raised $340,000 for the American Cancer Society.

Other ways that people pulled together to help good causes, include:

In April, Pike County Youth Leadership Council members hosted a “Rocking for the Cure” concert at Bob Amos Park to raise funds for the American Cancer Society.

In August, the Appalachian Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals hosted a free spay and neuter clinic in Pikeville. The organization partnered with the Woodstock Animal Foundation in Lexington to spay and neuter more than 200 animals.

In August, a group of former Phelps High School cheerleaders asked community residents and businesses to “Paint Pikeville Pink” to raise funds for the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. They raised more than $16,000 during the fundraiser, which featured a 5K race that attracted hundreds of people.

Coal miners and coal supporters raised more than $40,000 for the American Cancer Society and the Susan G. Komen Foundation in October.

In November, Big Sandy Community and Technical College's Alpha Nu Zeta Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa continued its annual Free Brown Bag Lunch project, providing students with free meals each week. Chapter members raised funds by selling a recipe, attached to a can of the main ingredient, and a list of facts about hunger in the community.

Working through the Pike County Extension Office, students across the county poured their hearts on canvas in the Healing Arts Project. The inspirational works of art were put on display in Pikeville Medical Center's 10th floor Rehabilitation Hospital.

The Jordan Light Foundation, named after 7-year-old Samuel Jordan Hughes who died in 2010 of a brain tumor, helped more than 50 local families facing medical crisis in 2011. In support of the organization, John and Jeanie Perry, owners of Giovannis in Martin, donated all of their profits from sales that occurred between 5 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. every third Tuesday; Walmart employee Tina Smith donated 25 hours of labor toward the cause; and Johnson County resident Clara Blair, one of Jordan's best friends, teamed up with her sister and cousins to sell lemonade. They raised $3,300 in three days.

Local residents gave 13,800 toy-filled gift boxes during Operation Christmas Child in November, which provides shoeboxes to children in more than 100 countries.

Hundreds of local children received Christmas gifts this December from Christmas with a Cop programs hosted by the Fraternal Order of Police, GW Young Lodge in Pikeville, the Post 9 Kentucky State Police Professional Association, Pikeville Police Department, Prestonsburg Police Department, Martin Police Department and the Mingo County Sheriff's Department. Pikeville Medical Center joined other local organizations that hosted Angel Tree gift programs for children in need. This type of generosity was seen throughout the region in December, with events like Marlow's annual Christmas Party, Christian Life Fellowship's Christmas Giveaway and Party for the Kids.

8. Eastern Kentucky quakes

The earthquake that shook Mineral, Virginia on Aug. 23 traveled more than 390 miles to eastern Kentucky, where residents reported feeling the shake and county buildings were reportedly damaged.

The U.S. Geological Survey reports that the 5.8 magnitude earthquake centered in Mineral, which is located approximately 38 miles from Richmond, Va., at approximately 1:51 p.m.

The earthquake measured four miles deep and shaking was felt all over the East Coast and in Washington, D.C., which lies approximately 84 miles from the Virginia town, the U.S. Geological Survey reported online.

The earthquake prompted the evacuation of several buildings on Main Street and in downtown Pikeville, as well as several public buildings and one hospital in Williamson, W.Va.

David Akers, administrative specialist III with the Kentucky Department of Emergency Management's Region 8 office in Hazard, said people reported feeling the earthquake in Magoffin, Martin, Johnson, Floyd, Letcher and Pike counties.

In December, Pike County Emergency Management announced the launching of the Wireless Emergency Notification System (WENS), which allows residents to receive text messages about disasters, hazmat warnings and other issues.

9. Welcome back, Governors

Voters overwhelmingly supported Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear and West Virginia Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin during the elections in October and November.

Tomblin served as the state's longest serving Senate president prior to his appointment to replace former Gov. Joe Manchin, who took a U.S. Congressional seat. The special election in October gave him the authority to complete the remaining 14 months of Manchin's term.

In November, Kentucky voters supported Beshear, who is now only the third governor to be sworn in to a second consecutive term. Gov. James Garrard earned the seat in 1796 and 1800 and Gov. Paul Patton earned the seat in 1995 and 2003.

10. New adventures throughout the region

The dream of having a one-stop physical fitness and recreational facility became a reality this year in Letcher County, with the construction of a new $7 million recreation center. The 2.5 story facility features a bowling alley, an indoor walking track, a three-quarter basketball court, an arcade, multi-purpose rooms for birthday parties and meetings, golf simulators and other amenities.

In Pike County, Hillbilly Christmas in July opened the state's first 100 percent accessible playground in September. Equipped with special surfacing and equipment, the playground may accommodate children and adults with all types of physical and developmental challenges. It took two years of planning and fundraising.

The project will continue in 2012 with the addition of more playground equipment, a memorial for playground namesake Randy Jones and other amenities.

The city of Pike-ville took a lesson from Hillbilly Christmas in July's effort to accommodate all types of people by announcing the planned development of a horse trail that's also accessible. In Dec., the city received a $60,000 grant for the multi-phased project, which is expected to cost $300,000 and be under development in 2012.

Pikeville also used its affiliation with the Expo Center to create a “Main Street Live!” atmosphere in the city's downtown region, with regular concerts, car shows and other events to attract tourists. The city also hired Cut Thru Adventures owner Sean Cochran as a full-time director of attractions and events, in an effort to expand the adventure tourism market at Bob Amos Park. In addition to kayaking and canoeing trips, Cut Thru Adventures is now overseeing a new paintball course that's located near the soccer complex.

A new adventure also came to Floyd County in September. The first-ever Hillbilly Drop Arm Drag Race attracted up to 6,000 people and 125 drivers from seven states to Prestonsburg. Hosted by the city and the Frame Twisterz Car Club, the event will return to the Combs Airport in 2012.

In November, the Big Sandy Area Development District announced that officials in Pike and Letcher counties have joined forces with several other eastern Kentucky counties to create a trail system similar to the Hatfield and McCoy Trail System in West Virginia.

“I'm not sure how many counties will sign on,” Big Sandy Area Development District Director Sandy Runyon said. “But we know that Pike, Floyd, Magoffin and Martin counties are interested and we expect that Johnson County will also be interested. Our goal is to have any kind of agreement they enter into to include all trails.”

The multi-county coalition will make the region more eligible to receive multi-county coal severance tax funds and grant funding for trail development projects.

The Friends of Pine Mountain also formed in 2011 to improve the Pine Mountain Trail, which spans approximately 120 miles from Breaks Interstate Park in Elkhorn City to the Cumberland Gap National Historic Park. The Birch Knob section of the trail spans approximately 25 miles from Elkhorn City in Pike County to U.S. 23 at Jenkins in Letcher County, where the Highlands portion of the trail begins.

Throughout the year, the group of hiking enthusiasts blazed the trail in hopes that Elkhorn City's portion of the trail will be linked to the Great Eastern Trail, which spans a whopping 2,000 miles from New York to the Florida-Alabama state line.

There is a possibility that the local connection will come through Virginia, and the Friends of Pine Mountain are working to ensure that does not happen.

In Floyd County, work continued in 2011 to open up horseback riding trails that span from the German Bridge area to Stonecrest.

WILLIAMSON, W.Va. – The Mingo County Redevelopment Authority Board of Directors announced the appointment of K. Steven Kominar as its executive director.

Kominar's appointment follows the untimely Nov. passing of the Authority's long-time Director, Mike Whitt.

The MCRA chose Kominar, based not only upon his loyal and impactful service as a board member since 2002, but also upon the experience he's gained as a state lawmaker, having served 17 years as a member of the West Virginia Legislature's House of Delegates, 20th District.

During his legislative tenure, Kominar held the positions of Assistant Majority Whip, Vice Chairman of the Committee on Judiciary, Chairman of the Committee on Insurance, and most recently, he chaired the Committee on Economic Development and Small Business, adding significantly to his keenness for creating diversification in Mingo County's rural economy.

Kominar brings to the Authority a commitment to promoting economic innovation and competitiveness, and to maintaining the smart growth and diversification initiatives that were successfully implemented by Whitt for 20 years.

In another executive matter, the Board of Directors elected to promote Leasha Johnson to the position of assistant executive director.

She had served as the administrative assistant to Whitt for nearly eight years, working directly and diligently to help bring to fruition the economic development initiatives that were envisioned and pursued by Whitt throughout his 20 year tenure.

MCRA Chairman Terry Sammons said that the Board's unanimous decision to name Kominar as director and to expand Johnson's role will allow the economic blueprint developed by former director Whitt to move forward.

Edith Hanners,
1928-2011

Edith Marie Hanners, a Registered Nurse known affectionately as “Edie” at PMC, died Oct. 27 at a Lexington hospital.

She was the longest-serving employee at PMC, providing 66 years of service.

Hanners first started working at PMC in 1945, and she worked for 50 years as a full time nurse before she “retired” in 1996 and took on a part-time role at the hospital.

Until a few weeks prior to her death, she worked one day per week, doing the payroll for the hospital's eighth floor and infusion department.

Allison Taylor Berger
2000-2011

Allison, the 10-year-old daughter of Pikeville Medical Center Clinical Pharmacist Steven Berger and Crystal Gay Berger, died on March 26 after a 20-month battle with cancer.

She was diagnosed with cancer in her spinal cord in August 2009. She underwent surgery, followed by months of radiation and chemotherapy treatments.

She lived in Jack's Creek in Floyd County with her family and attended St. Francis of Assisi School in Pike County.

The Floyd County Fiscal Court honored her “for all of her accomplishments and the joy she brought to so many people throughout her life” by naming a bridge on Jack's Creek in her memory.

The St. Francis of Assisi School started a pre-kindergarten program for 4-year-olds in her honor.

Betty J. Stuck,
1926-2011

Betty J. Stuck held a special place in the hearts of Pikeville Medical Center employees.

She died on March 12.

She started volunteering at the hospital in 1990. She assisted at the PMC Information Desk and helped with special projects in the PMC Volunteer office.

Betty earned the PMC Volunteer of the Year Award in 1998.

When she stopped volunteering because of medical reasons, Betty had provided 5,885 hours of service to PMC.

Jack Andrew Absher,
1922-2011

Prestonsburg businessman Jack Andrew Absher died August. 25.

He served in the U.S. Army during World War II and returned to Floyd County, where he established many businesses, many of which remain open.

From starting his own newspaper delivery business in Williamson, and later opening a nursing home, Absher was a prominent businessman and entrepreneur.

He started several eastern Kentucky businesses and restaurants like the management company that operates the Strand Theater in Prestonsburg and the Riverfill Theater in Pikeville.

Michael C. Webb
1965-2011

Michael C. Webb, captain of the Fleming-Neon Volunteer Fire Department, died of an apparent heart attack on April 27, just hours after responding to an ATV accident.

Webb, whose name is memorialized at the new Neon Fire Department, which opened on Sept. 11, worked for 27 years at the department, where he moved up in ranks as captain three years ago.

Webb also served as a second grade teacher at Fleming-Neon Elementary, a school bus driver and a coach for high school basketball.

Dr. Russell H. Davis,
1921-2011

Dr. Russell H. Davis died on Sept. 11.

Dr. Davis operated a private practice in Pikeville from 1951 to 1989, and served in leadership roles for many local, state and national medical associations.

During his time of service in the United States Army, Dr. Davis served as Chief of Urology at Murphy General Hospital in Boston, Mass., Chief of Urology and General Surgeon at Guam Medical Center in Port Agana Guam, Chief of Urology at Osaka General Hospital, Osaka, Japan, and Chief of Surgery at Evas Hospital, Pusan, Korea before being Honorably Discharged in July 1951.

Kenny Baker
1926-2011

Kenny Baker, a Letcher County native who influenced a generation of bluegrass music, died July 8 due to complications from a stroke.

Born in Burdine, located near Jenkins in Letcher County, Baker was a third generation fiddler and an eastern Kentucky coal miner.

He recorded more than 20 albums and popularized instrumentals like the “Jerusalem Ridge.” He became known for his “long-bow” and melodic style and he often called bluegrass “nothing but a hillbilly version of jazz.”

He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II.

He began his music career by touring with the United Service Organizations (U.S.O.) in the South Pacific during the war.

He was honored as a member of Bill Monroe's Bluegrass Hall of Fame in 2000.

He was also inducted into the International Bluegrass Music Association's Hall of Honor in 1999 and he earned the National Heritage Fellowship from the National Endowment of the Arts in 1993.

Maynard C. Hogg
1925-2011

Letcher County businessman Maynard Clifton Hogg died Dec. 20.

The former Letcher County Sheriff was well known for his contributions to organizations and people in the region. In 2010, he earned the Letcher County Chamber of Commerce's Business Achievement and Leadership Award.

The U.S. Navy veteran served during World War II and returned to eastern Kentucky where he spent years working various jobs before opening a gas station and a coal mining business that continues under the leadership of his children. Hogg was the founding “grandfather” of the Neon Volunteer Fire Department, which makes 6,000 emergency runs annually. He also served on numerous committees and boards, including the Lions Club, for which he has served for 56 years, and the Shriners.

“I'm thankful that I have been able,” Hogg said during the award ceremony. “If I've helped one child or if I've helped one thing in any way in my 85 years of life, I'm thanking the good Lord for it, for the means that he has made available for me.“

Mike Whitt,
1952-2011

Mike Whitt, the director of the Mingo County Redevelopment Authority, died Nov. 24.

Whitt worked in the coal mining industry for 11 years, taught school for five years, and served as a W.Va. delegate prior to taking on his role with the Redevelopment Authority.

In that position, he helped coordinate the Hatfield-McCoy Trail System and oversaw numerous projects that brought growth to Mingo County and southern West Virginia.

Charlotte Sanders
1921-2011

Charlotte Hope Oliver Sanders died at the age of 90 on Nov. 26.

A lifelong resident of Williamson, W.Va., she was an award-winning journalist.

She was honored by the West Virginia State Senate for her outstanding achievements in the field of journalism.

She received state press association awards, was recognized as a Distinguished West Virginian, and in 1993 the Goldenseal Magazine, a publication of the West Virginia Department of Culture, recognized her as the longest-running newspaper reporter in the state.

BSCTC spring registration happening now

PRESTONSBURG -If your list of New Year goals includes a better job with benefits, an increase in wages, and a future with a great return on the investment, you may find these and many more opportunities with Big Sandy Community and Technical College.

The benefits of a higher education can be realized when you earn a certificate, a diploma, or an associates degree  at BSCTC. Make the dream a reality when you enroll for classes.

Spring semester registration is now underway and classes begin on Monday, Jan. 9.  For more information, contact 606-886-3863 or visit bigsandy.kctcs.edu, where course offerings, Workforce Solutions department listings and Kentucky Coal Academy courses are detailed.

The college's Ed2Go site offers several online courses, including Photoshop classes to help students learn how to edit photographs. For more information, call Brenda Miller at 606-889-4769.

Patton resigns

PIKEVILLE – Former Gov. Paul Patton, president of the University of Pikeville, submitted his resignation to the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education to Gov. Steve Beshear last week.

He provided the following statement:

“My advocacy for the inclusion of the University of Pikeville in the state system of universities is inconsistent with continued service on the Council.The fundamental question of whether there should be a state supported university in, and devoted to, serving the citizens of the Eastern and Southern Kentucky coal producing counties is a public policy issue to be determined by the General Assembly with advice from the Governor. The Council does not opine on issues of public policy; however, the details of this issue will most certainly involve the Council. Since Governor Beshear intends to use the CPE in the review of the study he is conducting from the Governor's office with the assistance of an independent consultant, it is obvious that a conflict of interest will exist at that time. I am confident the Council, under the leadership of President Bob King, will provide the Governor and the General Assembly with helpful and unbiased advice when asked. I am honored to have been appointed to the Council and believe that these past three plus years have been times of progress for postsecondary education in Kentucky.”

Middle Creek ceremony slated

PRESTONSBURG – The public is invited to watch a ceremony marking the sesquicentennial of the Battle of Middle Creek at 2 p.m. on Jan. 8 at the Middle Creek National Battlefield, located at the junction of Rt. 114 and Rt. 404 in Floyd County. At 5 p.m., the Friends of the May House and the Friends of Middle Creek will provide free tours of the May House in Prestonsburg.

The Battle of Middle Creek began on Jan. 10, 1862, when Union and Confederate forces met at the forks of Middle Creek to fight a battle that would establish Union dominance of the Big Sandy River and eventually propel the Union Commander, James A. Garfield, to the Presidency.

Five die during holiday

FRANKFORT – Preliminary statistics indicate that five people died in four separate crashes on Kentucky roadways during the New Years' holiday period beginning at 6 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 30, 2011, extending through Monday, Jan. 2, 2012, at 11:59 p.m.

All of the fatalities involved motor vehicles and two of the victims were not wearing seat belts.

County seeks historical info 

PIKEVILLE – The Pike County Judge-Executive's office is seeking historical photographs and information about county leaders for an ongoing heritage project.

The hallway outside of Judge-Executive Wayne T. Rutherford's office displays portraits of dozens of county judges, but not all Pike County judges are featured.

Rutherford and his media specialist Brandon Roberts hope to fill those gaps.

They are seeking pictures and information of county officials who served from 1821 to 1930. They are also seeking pictures and information on Ted Kennedy, who served from 1934 to 1941.

“A lot of families have these,” Rutherford said. “We can make copies of their pictures or, if they have more than one, donate one to county government so all elected officials can get the recognition they deserve and have their legacy preserved as much as possible.”

For more information, call 606-432-6247.

Drag race announced

PRESTONSBURG – The Frame Twisterz Car Club in Prestonsburg recently announced the 2012 dates for the Hillbilly Armdrop Drag races in Floyd County.

The club coordinated efforts with the city, the Bert T. Combs Airport board and other groups and businesses this fall to host the first-ever Hillbilly Arm Drop Drag Race, which attracted thousands of race enthusiasts.

Next year, the races will be co-hosted by Prestonsburg and Paintsville on May 4-5 and Sept. 1 at the Bert T. Combs Airport.

To keep up-to-date with information about the races, visit the club's Facebook page.

Coal company to supply water

RIDGELINE ROAD – The James River Coal Company, previously known as the McCoy Elkhorn Coal Corporation, is helping local families whose wells dried up because of mining that took place more than a decade ago.

James River Coal recently provided $10,000 to help the Pike County Fiscal Court purchase a water truck that will be used to transport water to residents with coal-mining related water issues on Ridgeline Road, Jonican, Upper Pompey and surrounding areas.

County officials commended the coal company for providing the funding, which will alleviate some issues surrounding the transport of water to those residents.

County smoking ban

PIKEVILLE – The Pike County Government is taking measures to remind people – both employees and citizens – that county buildings are smoke free.

An ordinance adopted on July 15, 2006, by the Pike County Fiscal Court eliminated smoking in the Pike County Courthouse and Hall of Justice “in order to protect the health and welfare of the employees and general public,” according to the ordinance.

The ordinance states enforcement of the no-smoking ban will be handled by the Pike County Sheriff's Office or its designees and violation of the ordinance is punishable by a fine of $50.

“Smoking in the courthouse or hall of justice is illegal per county ordinance,” Pike County Deputy Judge-Executive John Doug Hays said. “Sheriff's deputies, bailiffs and maintenance personnel will be conducting routine checks to ensure the smoking ban in being strictly enforced.”

Hays also stated anyone caught violating the smoking ban will be punished to the fullest extent of the law.

Pikeville student graduates

CAMPBELLSVILLE – James Ervin Brock of Pikeville recently graduated from Campbellsville University.

Brock earned a Master of Arts degree in special education at the university.

Turner supports education

ATLANTA, Ga. – Sen. Johnny Ray Turner, D-Prestonsburg, recently attended the Southern Regional Education Board Legislative Advisory Council winter meeting in Atlanta, Georgia.

A retired educator, Turner was appointed to serve on the council, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that works with 16 member states to improve public education. Turner, a member of the Senate Education Committee, said that the meetings not only provided him with the opportunity to share ideas with his counterparts in other states, but also the concerns and issues facing the Commonwealth. 

“During the upcoming legislative session, I will take what I learned from the meetings and discuss it with my colleagues in both the Senate and House in an effort to improve teaching, learning and achievement of Kentucky's future leaders,” he explained. 

Turner is seeking re-election in 2012.

- The Medical Leader does not endorse political candidates or legislation.

SEKC collaborates with association

PIKEVILLE – The Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce is now an official partner with the Kentucky Retail Federation of Frankfort.

Leaders at both organizations signed an agreement Dec. 9 to solidify the partnership.

With the agreement, SEKC members will earn free benefits from the KRF, which is known as the “Voice of Retailers.” The nonprofit organization works to improve the retail business climate in the state.

Deskins receives training

FRANKFORT – Pike County Circuit Clerk David Deskins was among dozens of circuit clerks in the state to attend the 2011 Circuit Clerks Fall College, the Administrative Office of the Courts reported on Dec. 22.

The AOC provided the education program with the theme of “Building Excellence in Changing Times.”

Attendees participated in in-depth sessions on processing case appeals, handling and disposing of evidence, driver licensing and other matters.

Hwy 1103 is 'Banjo Picker's Highway'

LINE FORK – At the request of Alice Campbell and the Campbell's Branch Community Center, the Letcher County Fiscal Court recently authorized renaming Hwy. 1103 in Line Fork as the “Banjo Picker's Highway” to honor Lee Sexton and Fred Campbell.

Both Line Fork natives are bluegrass musicians who have been featured in movies, music videos and documentaries about eastern Kentucky's musical history.

They have also created bluegrass albums that have been sold world wide.

Sexton, 83, plays the banjo in the “drop thumb” style.

Campbell, 58, started playing square dances with Sexton when he was 13 years old at the old Carrcasone School. He, too, plays the banjo and he uses the traditional and modern style.

SKCTC offering funeral science

WHITESBURG – Southeast Community and Technical College, with colleges in Whitesburg, Cumberland, Harlan, Middlesboro and Pineville, is adding a funeral science program to its course offerings.

The two-year program will be the first funeral science program offered as part of a mortuary sciences curriculum in Kentucky.

The Southeast Education Foundation, Inc. will act as the college's purchasing agent to purchase and renovate a 17,500 square foot space in downtown Cumberland, and the program will benefit students in Whitesburg.

In a recently-passed resolution, the Letcher County Fiscal Court “wholeheartedly endorses” the project and recommended that $1 million in multi-county coal severance funds be used for the project.

2012 dog licenses now available

LYKINS CREEK – Dog licenses for 2012 are now available through the Pike County Animal Shelter. They are $3. Questions can be directed to the animal shelter by calling 606-432-6293.

Kentucky State Park resorts open

FRANKFORT – All Kentucky State Park resorts will remain open through the winter months in 2012, the Department of Parks announced.

That means all lodge rooms and cottages will be open and available for use, seven days a week during January and February.

There will be some adjustments for the hours of operation for some restaurants.

Visit parks.ky.gov.

Governor signs horizontal well act

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin, has signed the Horizontal Well Act, relating to Marcellus Shale.

The Horizontal Well Act provides distinct permitting and regulatory rules governing the drilling of horizontal wells in the state.

The regulatory certainty created by passage of this legislation will allow the natural gas industry to continue to invest in West Virginia and create jobs for our citizens.

The Act also provides the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection with sufficient funding and regulatory authority to protect the environment and our precious water resources. Going forward, this legislation requires operators drilling horizontal wells to provide additional advance notice to surface owners prior to commencing drilling activities.

Kenneth Arnold Robinson, 72, of Pikeville, died Dec. 21. Survivors: wife Pamela Carolyn Williams Robinson; daughters Sherri Robinson of Ohio, Angela Clevinger of Pikeville, Shana Belcher of Virginia; other family members. Funeral: Dec. 24 at J.W. Call and Son Funeral Home. Burial: Johnson Memorial Park at Ivel

Bobby Thompson, 66, of Pikeville, died Dec. 29. Survivors: wife Imojean Thacker Thompson; children: Miles J. Thompson of Florida, Lisa J. Thompson of Pikeville; other family members. Funeral: Jan. 2 at J. W. Funeral Home Chapel. Burial: Justice Family Cemetery, Ivy Fork Rd.

Barry Keith Bartley, 47, of Pikeville, died Dec. 26. Survivors: wife Evelyn Bartley; stepsons Jerry and Evan Newsome; daughter Jana Hall of Virgie; other family members. Funeral: Dec. 29 at Roberts Funeral Home. Burial: Bartley Family Cemetery

Thelma Joyce Thacker, 76, of Pikeville, died Dec. 23. Survivors: daughter Brenda Branham of Stamping Ground; other family members. Funeral: Dec. 29 at Thacker Memorial Funeral Home. Burial: Annie E. Young Cemetery. Memorial donations: Thacker Memorial Funeral Home

Della Belcher, 78, of Pikeville, died Dec. 28. Survivors: son Roger Belcher of Pikeville; other family members. Funeral: Dec. 29 at Thacker Memorial Funeral Home. Burial: Wilson Cemetery at Draffin

Ella Elizabeth Harris, 77, of Fords Branch, widow of Howard Harris, died Jan. 3. Survivors: several siblings; other family members. Funeral: Jan. 6 at 11 a.m. at Elizabeth Old Regular Baptist Church. Burial: Warren G. Adkins Cemetery under direction of Lucas and Son Funeral Home

Novella McKinney Epling, 72, of Pikeville, widow of Donald Epling, died Dec. 31. Survivors: stepfather Gene Ford; children Tami Colley of Elkhorn City, Timothy Epling of Erlanger, Alisa Howell of Teaberry; other family members. Private funeral under direction of Lucas and Son Funeral Home.

Garland Keathley, 71, of Harold, died Jan. 1. He was a U.S. Army veteran. Survivors: wife Nancy Gail Adams Keathley; children Cassandra G. Keathley Akers, Raquel Keathley Lawson, Yolanda Rose Keathley Hall, Tomeca Fawn Keathley Tackett, Heather Keathley Miller, Garland D. Keathley, Jonathan Brock Keathley.

Anthony Darrell Little, 64, of Virgie, died Dec. 27. Survivors: wife Joann Newsome Little; daughter Angela Little Phillips of Caney Hwy; other family members. Funeral: Dec. 30 at Lucas & Son Funeral Home. Burial: Annie E. Young Mausoleum

Dora Elizabeth (Orndorff) Stanley, 86, of Varney, died Dec. 26. Survivors: children Mrshall Stanley of Harold, Mable Wood, Marie Smith, both of Varney, Joyce Gillespie of Pikeville; other family members. Funeral: Dec. 30 at Heenon Church of Christ. Burial: Maynard Stanley Cemetery under direction of Lucas & Son Funeral Home.

Texie Matney Justice Blankenship, 89, of Bean Station, Tenn., formerly of Stopover, died Dec. 25. Survivors: children: Clyde Blankenship of Sauk Village, Earl Blankenship of Danridge, Tenn., Ruby Allred of Chicago, Ill., Glendine Blankenship of Bean Station, Tenn., Carol Blankenship of Knox Creek, Amaryllis Revord of Aurora, Ill., Elvis Blankenship of Meador, W.Va., Linda Parton of Seymour, Tenn., Donna Cecconi of Crete, Ill. Regina Nowosad, of San Diego, Cal., and Brook Allred of Bolingbrook, Ill; other family members. Funeral: Dec. 31 at R. S. Jones & Son Funeral Home. Burial: Justice Cemetery, Stopover

Paul Bennett “Benny” Tackett, 71, of Canada, died Jan. 2. Survivors: wife Carol S. Tackett; sons Geoff Tackett, Anthony Tackett, all of Canada; other family members. Funeral: Jan. 6 at noon at R.E. Rogers Funeral Home. Burial: Benton Smith Cemetery, Canada

Alvin W. Leonard, 86, of Williamson, West Virginia, died Dec. 30. He was a U.S. Navy veteran. Survivors: wife Willa Ann (Dabney) Leonard; children Felicia Yarbough of Georgia, Alisa Leonard, Durwin (Lena) Leonard, both of West Virginia, Alvin Leonard Jr. of Maryland, Keith (Pat) Turner of Ohio; other family members. Funeral: Jan. 2 at Logan Street First Baptist Church, Williamson, West Virginia. Burial: Mt. View Memory Gardens, Maher, West Virginia under direction of R.E. Rogers Funeral Home

Opal Marie Harris, 45, of Forrest Hills, died Jan. 3. Survivors: sons Matt Harris of Ragland and Adam Harris of Delbarton; other family members. The body has been cremated and no services were held. Arrangements under the direction of Hatfield Funeral Home of Toler

Christopher Michael Lyons, 36, of Pikeville, died Dec. 31. Survivors: parents Mike and Glenda Lyons of Pikeville; sons Michael C. Lay of Shepherdsville, Taylor Estep of Floyd County; other family members. Funeral: Jan. 2 at Community Funeral Home. Burial: Howard and Lyons Cemetery, Pikeville

Robert Junior Morrison, 88, widower of Crystal M. Miller Morrison, died Jan. 1. Survivors: children Bruce W. Richardson, Robert K. Morrison, both of Kansas, Deborah Guinn of Michigan, Ruth Bogar of Sidney; other family members. Funeral: Jan. 4 at Community Funeral Home. Burial: Apple Orchard Cemetery, Varney

Helen M. Flanery, 84, of Hebron, formerly of Martin, widow of Isaac “Ike” Flanery, died Dec. 31. Funeral: Jan. 3 at Hall Funeral Home. Burial: Dingus Cemetery, Martin

Donald Lee Chaffin Jr., 49, of Alaska, died Dec. 26. Survivors: father: Don Chaffin Sr. of Alaska; siblings: Michael Chaffin, Kathy Williams. Funeral: Dec. 31 at Hall Funeral Home Chapel. Burial: Hale Family Cemetery, Martin

Dr. Jack Justin Turner, PhD., 74, of Tennessee, formerly of Langley, died Dec. 29. Survivors: parents: Virgil and Virginia Casey Turner; wife: Judith Gibson Turner. Funeral: Jan. 2 at Hall Funeral Home in Martin. Burial: Davidson Memorial Gardens at Ivel

Alma M. Keathley, 69, of Grethel, died Dec. 29. Survivors: husband Burford Keathley; children James Keathley, Laura J. Blankenship, Oma K. Akers, all of Galveston; other family members. Funeral: Jan. 1 at Little Dove Old Regular Baptist Church, Harold. Burial: Keathley Cemetery, Harold

Herbert Gary Wright, 61, of Prestonsburg, died Dec. 30. Survivors: wife Bertha Burchett Wright; sons Kevin R. Wright, Brian K. Wright, both of Prestonsburg; other family members. Funeral: Jan. 3 at Nelson Frazier Funeral Home. Burial: family cemetery, Emma

PRESTONSBURG – Floyd County leaders are teaming up with the city of Prestonsburg to build a state-of-the-art community center.

Prestonsburg Mayor Jerry Fannin recently reported that officials hope to construct the center on approximately 30 acres of property owned by the county along U.S. 23, across the road from Drains Unlimited.

Fannin and other leaders are planning tours of other recreational facilities, like those that recently opened in Letcher and Knox counties, to get ideas about what the Prestonsburg facility will be like.

He said officials are focusing on creating a place that can help people improve their health and wellness by providing things like an Olympic-size swimming pool, an archery shooting range, walking tracks and other amenities.

Jeff Speaks, owner of JBS Communications and a consultant for the project, reported that he is currently exploring financing options for the community center, which may cost between $10 and $25 million.

Preliminary architectural work has been completed, he reported, but plans won't be finalized until additional details are outlined.

The facility will “have a pretty good-size footprint” of between 25,000- and 40,000-square feet, he reported.

Speaks reported that a Knoxville, Tenn., organization will help lay out a business plan to determine whether the community center can be built and whether the facility can sustain itself in future years.

“We have a lot of different concepts right now,” he said. “It's a great concept, as far as what the mayor and Judge [Executive R.D. "Doc" Marshall] have discussed about looking at it from a regional perspective. This isn't a city of Prestonsburg or a Floyd County project. It's something that will benefit the entire region. That was one of the key components on selecting the potential site, one that's very easily accessible and can be seen right off of U.S. 23.”

To secure funding, a nonprofit entity would have to be set up and would eventually operate the facility, Speaks explained.

PIKEVILLE – Pike County Judge-Executive Wayne T. Rutherford reported via press release recently that businesses from throughout the world are eyeing Pikeville for potential development.

Representatives from Korean company Nevico (Natural Energy Vehicle Infrastructure) met with Rutherford, Rep. W. Keith Hall and Pike County Energy and Community Development Director Charles Carlton about the possibilities of utilizing natural gas for vehicles.

Since Pike County produces 53 percent of all natural gas in Kentucky and is the top coal-producing county in the state, Nevico came to Pike County wanting to do business.

“We are blessed to have all this energy,” Rutherford said. “Pike County contributes to the quality of life all over, not just here in central Appalachia. Our export market is strong and we help power America. Our main objective is to create jobs in Pike County based around our energy resources and the mining of coal and production of natural gas and remain environmentally friendly.”

Carlton says the attention being garnered by the county from business locally, nationally and globally has kept him on his toes.

“I stay busy with all the visitors we get from around the country and around the world,” he said.

“In just two weeks we have had visitors from Guam, South America, Nevada and Korea. We are evaluating each presentation we get to see if it is cohesive with our comprehensive energy plan.”

Jason Cho, CEO and President of Nevico, plans to appear before the energy committee of the Kentucky General Assembly in January 2012. Hall is chair of that committee.

SOMERSET – Letcher, Knott, Magoffin and Martin counties are among 11 counties that are kicking off a new philanthropy initiative through the Center for Rural Development.

Representatives from those eastern Kentucky counties joined more than 100 other community leaders from 35 counties at an information workshop in Somerset on the newly-developed Appalachian Rural Development Philanthropy Initiative.

They discussed how Appalachian counties can start and utilize community foundations as a means to stop the out migration of the region's wealth.

The workshop session, in Washington, D.C., came one week after U.S. Congressman Harold “Hal” Rogers Kentucky, Gov. Steve Beshear, and other state and federal leaders announced $1 million in ARC (Appalachian Regional Commission) grant funding had been awarded to four organizations -including The Center- to assist in the development of ARDPI over the next two years.

ARDPI program work will include regional planning, training for communities, development of an on-the-ground consultant program, and the use of mini-grants to assist communities in planning for securing and leveraging local resources.

Counties participating in the initiative must fit the ARC's classification as a “distressed” county.

Contact Les Fugate at 606-677-6000 for details or visit centertech.com.