Laker Country » local news

Five Arrested During Weekend Meth Lab Investigations

Laker Country — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 02:34:47 +0000

Five persons….including a teenage boy….were charged with manufacturing methamphetamine over the weekend as a result of two investigations by Deputies with the Russell County Sheriff’s Department. The first arrests took place around 8:00 p.m. Saturday at a residence located at 1759 Hwy. 1383. Arrested were Tony Pruitt, age 33….Jake McEndree, age 30….and 23 year old Michael Nichols, all of Russell Springs. Deputy Nick Bertram told WJRS NEWS all three men are charged with “manufacturing methamphetamine” and “trafficking in controlled substances 1^st degree”. They were lodged in the Russell County Jail. According to the police report, numerous precursors used in making meth were seized during the search along with 3 small packages of suspected meth, 2 one-step labs and scales.

Early Sunday morning, just after 1:00 a.m., Deputies charged 20 year old Anthony Cook and a 15 year old juvenile male, both of Russell Springs, with “manufacturing meth” after discovering a “lab” in a wooded area near Edmonds Lane off of Ky. 1545. Cook was lodged in the Russell County Jail. The teenager was lodged in the state’s juvenile detention center in Columbia.

Authorities say the four adults charged over the weekend remain lodged in the Russell County Jail under $50,000 cash bonds. The investigations and arrests were conducted by Sheriff’s Deputies Nick Bertram, Jeremy England, Lee Smith and Clete McAninch.

Weekend Motorscooter Crash Injures Ohio Man

Laker Country — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 02:18:23 +0000

An Ohio man was injured Friday afternoon during a motorscooter crash on Wolf Creek Road. State Trooper Bryan Shepard says Timothy Patrick, 50, of Cincinnati was operating a 2011 Honda motorscooter just before 5:00 p.m. when he failed to negotiate a curve, the scooter left the roadway and struck a ditch. Patrick was not wearing a helmet when the crash occured according to the police report. The Russell County EMS transported Patrick to the Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital in Somerset for treatment of non-life threatening injuries.

Two Arrested For Making Meth at Decatur Road Residence

Laker Country — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 12:43:26 +0000

A Russell County man has been arrested for the second time in as many months for allegedly “manufacturing methamphetamine”. Randy Copley, age 39, was arrested around 8:30 p.m. Thursday at his residence at 2024 Decatur Road and charged with “manufacturing meth” and “trafficking in a controlled substance 1^st degree”. Deputy Sheriff Lee Smith told WJRS NEWS that numerous precursors and a quantity of “finished product” was found inside Copley’s residence by Smith and fellow deputies Clete McAninch and Mark Cromwell.

Also arrested at the scene was Yevonda Polston, age 26, of Russell Springs. Deputy Smith says Polston was charged with “manufacturing meth” and was served with a “probation violation” warrant. According to Deputy Smith, Polston has previously been convicted of “trafficking in controlled substances” and with “being a persistent felony offender”.

Records show Randy Copley was previously charged with “manufacturing meth” back on July 17^th. He was “free on bond” from the July arrest when he was taken into custody last evening.

One Vehicle Wreck Injures Russell Springs Man

Laker Country — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 12:39:10 +0000

A Russell Springs man was injured during a single vehicle crash Thursday afternoon on East Ky. 80. According to Deputy Sheriff Lee Smith, 69 year old Maurice Atchley was traveling east on 80 in a 2002 model Ford pickup when the truck’s tires dropped off the right shoulder of the roadway causing Atchley to lose control of the vehicle, it left the roadway and then overturned. Atchley was transported by the Russell County EMS to the Russell County Hospital for treatment and observation. That accident occurred yesterday afternoon around 2:40 just east of the Russell Springs City Limits.

Williams-Farmer Enter Race For Governor-Lt. Governor

Laker Country — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 00:50:58 +0000

Kentucky Republicans now have a high profile slate to challenge Governor Steve Beshear’s re-election bid next year. Senate President David Williams of Burkesville and Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer of Manchester announced their ticket during a press conference in Frankfort Wednesday morning. Williams says the state is adrift and a positive, pro-job agenda is needed to move the state forward. Farmer says Kentucky has been good to him, so he feels a strong obligation to give back, through public service. They are the second GOP slate to announce. Louisville businessman Phil Moffett and Danville State Representative Mike Harmon being the other. Governor Beshear on Wednesday afternoon said he and running mate Mayor Jerry Abramson of Louisville are looking forward to the 2011 campaign and will be ready to debate all issues facing the Commonwealth with whomever the Republican nominee may be following the May primary. Williams is married to District Judge Robyn Edmonds Williams of Russell Springs. Williams has served in the Kentucky Legislature since 1985 and has served as President of the State Senate since 2000.

Gov. Beshear Participates in Ribbon Cutting for Bruss Corporate Headquarter Expansion in Russell Springs

Laker Country — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 00:16:13 +0000

Gov. Steve Beshear speaking at Bruss North America in Russell Springs Wednesday afternoon. (photo by Kem Bell-WJRS)

Joined by company and community leaders, Governor Steve Beshear today participated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony to commence the expansion of Bruss North America’s corporate headquarters in Russell Springs. The German owned company, which specializes in the manufacturing of sealing systems for transmissions and engines, has invested $10 million and is currently in the process of adding more than 100 new jobs at the local plant.

“Bruss North America has been an outstanding corporate citizen for many years and we are delighted to be part of their corporate headquarters expansion in Russell Springs,” said Gov. Beshear. “The success and growth of our existing industries is a vital part of Kentucky’s economic growth and recovery. This expansion will have a tremendous impact on the entire region and is a positive sign that we are moving in the right direction.”

Bruss North America opened its corporate headquarters at 600 Progress Drive in Russell Springs in 2002. The expansion at Bruss has added 71,400 square feet of manufacturing space and 54,000 square feet of warehousing space.

“Bruss North America Inc. has a longstanding relationship with the Commonwealth of Kentucky, and since locating the North American headquarters in Russell Springs, we have received key incentives that have been invaluable to the ongoing success of our local facility,” said Robert Rapone, CEO of Bruss North America. “The current programs awarded to Bruss have shown Kentucky’s commitment to the preservation and continued success of businesses currently operating in the state. We would like to thank Gov. Beshear and the Cabinet for Economic Development for their continuous support and effort.”

The Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority (KEDFA) approved Bruss North America for a low-interest loan in the amount of $1.5 million to assist in the expansion. Bruss received a previous approval from KEDFA for tax incentives in the amount of $14,424,704 through the former Kentucky Rural Economic Development Act for their initial location to Kentucky.

“In these days of economic woes, it takes an exceptional company to maintain and even continue to grow and expand,” said Russell Springs Mayor Hollis DeHart. “Bruss North America happens to be one of those rare companies. In partnership with Gov. Beshear, the Cabinet for Economic Development and the Kentucky General Assembly, coupled with an excellent workforce, Bruss North America has become a permanent fixture in this community.”

Two Men Arrested, Meth Labs Seized Sunday Afternoon In Lakeway Drive Residence

Laker Country — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 00:32:25 +0000

RCSO Deputy Nick Bertram with some of the "meth lab" evidence seized Sunday afternoon from a residence on Lakeway Drive in Russell Springs.

Two men were arrested Sunday afternoon and charged with “making meth” at a residence on Lakeway Drive in Russell Springs. Sheriff Larry Bennett told WJRS NEWS that Reid Rippetoe, age 55, and Michael Kerr, age 40, both of Russell Springs, were taken into custody just after 2:00 p.m. at Rippetoe’s residence located at 664 Lakeway Drive and charged with “Manufacturing Methamphetamine”, a class “B” felony, punishable by 10-20 years imprisonment. Additionally, Michael Kerr was charged with “Tampering With Physical Evidence”. Both men were lodged in the Russell County Jail. According to Sheriff Bennett, a total of four “one step meth labs” were found inside the residence with one of the labs being active. Both men are convicted felons and will likely be charged with “Being Persistent Felony Offenders” when the case is presented to a Russell County Grand Jury. At the time of Sunday’s arrests, Michael Kerr was out of jail on bond in connection with a “manufacturing meth” charge from April of this year. Deputy Sheriff Nick Bertram headed up Sunday’s investigation and arrests. He was assisted by Deputies Lee Smith, Mark Cromwell and David Cain along with RSPD Officer Chasity Shirley.

Rear-End Collision On Hwy. 80 Injures One

Laker Country — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 00:42:24 +0000

A rear-end collision late Wednesday afternoon in Russell Springs sent one woman to the Russell County Hospital. Russell Springs Police Officer Chasity Shirley told WJRS NEWS the incident occurred shortly before 5 o’clock on Highway 80 in front of the Charlene Harris Russell County Learning Center and involved a 2010 Chevy Equinox being driven by Tracy Emerson, age 40, of Windsor and a 1996 Chevy Cavalier operated by 23 year old Tina Collins of Dunnville. Officer Shirley says Collins was stopped on Hwy. 80, waiting to turn left into the entrance of the learning center, when her car was struck from behind by the Emerson vehicle. Collins was transported from the scene by the RCEMS to the emergency room at the local hospital for treatment of minor injuries. Emerson was not injured according to the police report.

Head-On Crash Result Of Domestic Violence

Laker Country — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 10:34:12 +0000

A head-on crash last night in the Fairview community was an act of “domestic violence” according to investigating officers. The ordeal began around 6:45 when the local 911 Dispatch received a call that a “red Suzuki car” was attempting to force another vehicle off of East Highway 80. While Deputies with the Russell County Sheriff’s Department were responding to that call, another 911 call was received stating the vehicles had been involved in a head-on collision in front of Wade’s Discount. Deputy Sheriff Jason Wariner told WJRS NEWS that Fernando Lopez, age 27, had attempted to force his ex-wife’s vehicle off the roadway between Mt. Eden Road and the 910 intersection. Dana Lopez had reportedly pulled off the roadway and her ex-husband drove on….but when she pulled her vehicle back onto Ky. 80 and was proceeding toward Russell Springs, Fernando Lopez then crashed his vehicle into hers head-on.

Dana Lopez was transported by ambulance while three children in her car were taken by family members to the Russell County Hospital for treatment of injuries sustained during the collision. Fernando Lopez was also treated at the local hospital and then lodged in the Russell County Jail on numerous charges including Assault 1^st Degree, Wanton Endangerment, No Operators License and No Insurance.

Grand Jury Indicts Seven, One Sealed

Laker Country — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 23:48:29 +0000

Seven persons were indicted by the Russell County Grand Jury during its regular monthly session on Tuesday. One of the indictments was “sealed” by a Circuit Judge’s order with the name of the individual charged and the charge(s) to be made public once that person is taken into custody. According to Circuit Court records, the following persons were charged by the Grand Jury:

Hunter Tarter, age 21 — Trafficking in Marijuana, 8 or more ounces but less than 5 pounds

Justin Walters, age 21 — Assault 1st Degree (two counts), DUI 3rd Offense, Driving on DUI Suspended License and Being a Persistent Felony Offender

David Scott Corbin, age 31 — Cultivating Marijuana 2nd Offense, Receiving Stolen Property Over $500, and with Being a Persistent Felony Offender

John D. Adams, age 28 — Burglary 3rd Degree, Theft By Unlawful Taking Under $500 and Criminal Mischief 2nd Degree

Crystal Faye Doak, age 31 — Forgery 2nd Degree (13 counts), Fraudulent Use of a Credit Card Under $500, Theft By Unlawful Taking Under $500 and with Being a Persistent Felony Offender

Roger D. Hall, age 43 — Fraud or False Statement in Obtaining Benefits Over $100

WJRS NEWS and lakercountry.com remind you that an “indictment” by a Grand Jury “does not imply guilt”. An “indictment” means “probable cause” was established for the charges and further court action is warranted in these matters.