Accident kills Lewis child

VANCEBURG - A 3-year-old Emerson boy was killed Thursday in an accident that also injured the boy’s mother and sister.

According to the Lewis County Sheriff’s Department, Casey Pollard was killed when the van he was riding in struck a tree after swerving to miss a deer. He was pronounced dead at the scene by Lewis County Coroner Tony Gaydos.

Police say Pollard’s mother, Bonnie Butler, was traveling north on Old Trace Road about 7:30 a.m. when she swerved and then overcorrected, slamming the passenger side of her 1995 Chevy Lumina into a tree. Butler and 4-year-old Latasha Pollard were also injured in the accident and were taken to St. Claire Medical Center in Morehead. Both were later discharged.

Camp Dix Fire and Rescue responded to the accident and had to extract Latasha Pollard and Butler from the van.

An investigation is ongoing by Deputy Dwayne Stone.



Union workers ratify contract

ASHLAND - AK Steel officials announced Thursday that members of United Steelworkers Local 8-523 overwhelmingly ratified a new three-year labor agreement at the company's Ashland coke plant.

The agreement, which takes effect immediately, covers about 240 hourly production and maintenance employees. It replaces an agreement that would have expired on Oct. 31 and will run through Oct. 31, 2011.

Steel officials said the new contract provides employees with competitive wages and benefits and includes wage increases and a signing bonus.

"We are pleased that members of USW Local 8-523 have ratified a new agreement well ahead of the scheduled expiration of the former agreement," said James L. Wainscott, chairman, president and CEO of AK Steel.

"This new contract continues to address AK Steel's need for competitive and flexible labor agreements,” he added.



Crestwood Court scene of fire

FLATWOODS - Firefighters with the Flatwoods Volunteer Fire Department were battling a house fire at press time Thursday night.

According to Greenup County dispatchers, the fire was reported shortly before 8 p.m. at 1129 Crestwood Court.

As of press time, there were no reported injuries.



Man indicted on drug charge

LONDON - A Grayson man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for allegedly manufacturing more than 100 marijuana plants.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Kentucky, James Herman Castle Jr., 58, was formally indicted on Wednesday.

He was arrested in July for growing more than 100 marijuana plants in Carter County and for being a felon in possession of a firearm after a joint investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Kentucky State Police and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. He faces a maximum of 40 years if convicted.

Castle’s next court appearence has not been set.

An indictment is a formal accusation and does not establish guilt.



RHS cheerleaders to have clinic

RUSSELL - The Russell High School cheerleaders will have their fall cheer clinic for girls in kindergarten through fifth grades from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Saturday at the school.

Participants will learn sideline cheers, floor cheers and stunts. They will cheer with the high school cheerleaders at the Russell-Boyd County varsity football game on Sept. 5.

Each participant will receive a T-shirt and snack. To register or for more information, call (606) 836-0339 or 836-8114.



Labor Day event set in Central Park

ASHLAND - Ashland’s Recreation Department will host a Labor Day celebration at 6 p.m. Monday. Relaxing in Ashland’s Central Park will include a free ice cream social, door prizes and live music.

Entertainment will include Stephen Salyers with Larry Deerfield, Gary Higginbotham, Fred Leone, Tom Stephens, Bob Shortridge, Eddie Riffe and Tony Maynard.



MSU student injured in fall

MOREHEAD - A Morehead State University student is recovering after falling from a banister on campus.

University police received a call at about 10 p.m. Wednesday that second-year student Ross Timothy Healy had fallen while sliding down a three-story banister at Adron Doran University Center.

University spokesman Jason Blanton said a witness reported Healy made it about halfway down, then fell about 26 feet to the ground.

Blanton said Healy was in fair condition Thursday morning at University of Kentucky Hospital, where he was being treated for “numerous injuries.”

Blanton said it was the first injury reported from sliding down the banister at the university center.



Gate City library branch turns 25

CATLETTSBURG - The Catlettsburg branch of the Boyd County Public Library will celebrate its 25th anniversary from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday.

“I have been at the branch since it opened, and it’s been a wonderful part of my life,” said Lisa Epling, branch manager.

“I like helping people by putting a good book in their hands, or information they really need. Many of the regular patrons are like family. I have watched kids grow up these past 25 years and I know I have been a little bit of an influence in their lives.”

Refreshments will be provided.



Flatwoods offices closed for holiday

FLATWOODS - City offices will be closed Monday in observance of Labor Day. They will reopen at 8 a.m. Tuesday. Garbage pickup will be a day late next week.