Sat, May 17 2008
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Boyd can be proud of its public officials
Boyd County should be proud!
We’re writing to express thanks to the offices of the Boyd County Commonwealth’s Attorney and the Boyd County Sheriff’s Department.
We, the family of Travis Hall along with our many friends, express our gratitude for the wonderful care and support given to us during one of the most trying times in our lives.
It’s a great comfort to know that at such a tragic time, matters related to justice are being handled by such professionals as in Boyd County.
Thank you to Terry Keelin and his staff. Deputy Sheriff Jeff McMonigal worked vigorously searching and retrieving evidence. We’re indebted to him for his diligence.
The office of Commonwealth’s Attorney David Justice is truly loaded. Assistant District Attorney Scott Reese is one of the most competent and compassionate attorneys we’ve met. As we are all aware, even if the evidence is present, how it is presented can make the difference in the outcome and Scott was diligent in his presentation.
Mr. Reese was always sensitive to our family when presenting evidence and quick to ask for the same from others as well. Keith Parsons serves as the victim’s advocate and investigator for the commonwealth and was available to us at any time for questions or concerns about this case.
We also thank Boyd County EMS, Ironville and Cannonsburg fire departments, and the many others who responded on the day of the accident.
Boyd County is truly lucky to have the above named people assisting and representing them. People are sometimes quick to judge our elected officials by what they hear in the public, but until you are in the position our family is in and have daily involvement with them, it’s hard to know what to believe. Believe us, you’re extremely lucky.
Greg and Devonna Hall, Bryan and Ashley Hall, Lake Somerset, Mich.
Not enough help for those in need
April is National Autism Awareness Month, but I want to include all special needs children and adults in this opinion. Whether they have physical handicaps, Alzheimer’s or whatever the need, there just isn’t enough emphasis in our society today.
We have a 12-year-old daughter with autism, who turns 13 later this month. We are having a hard time finding day care for her this summer. Most day care centers only take those up to 12 years of age, and the adult day care (Active Day Care) begins at 18.
What are parents supposed to do? We have been told day care can take care of them after 12 if they have a doctor’s excuse, but we don’t know that for a fact. Hopefully, one can take her.
Many families are in predicaments such as ours. Whether it is with aging parents, special needs kids or physical handicaps, it makes no difference: There isn’t enough help on either the state or federal level.
Remember to say a prayer and lend a helping hand to a family in this kind of need. It’s tough not only to the disadvantaged person, but also their caregivers.
On another matter, remember Thursday, May 1, in National Day of Prayer. Please say a prayer for our nation at noon.
Ron Adkins, Flatwoods
Cabinet promoting motorcycle safety
Motorcycle fatalities have doubled since 2003, and Kentucky’s fatality rate is now second-highest in the nation. One of every nine U.S. road fatalities involves motorcycle riders.
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet is promoting motorcycle safety April 21-May 2. All travelers are encouraged to “share the road.”
With warmer weather here, more motorcycles are back on the roads. Drivers of all vehicles need to be extra cautious.
Research shows that approximately 80 percent of motorcycle crashes injure or kill a motorcycle rider, while only 20 percent of passenger car occupants are injured or killed.
Safe driving tips:
-- Remember to allow a motorcyclist the full lane width.
-- Always signal your intentions before changing lanes or merging with traffic.
-- Remember that motorcyclists are often hidden in a vehicle’s blind spot or missed in a quick look due to their smaller size. Always make a visual check for motorcycles by checking mirrors and blind spots before entering or leaving a lane of traffic.
-- Be aware that motorcycle signals usually are not self-canceling and riders sometimes forget to turn them off. Be sure the motorcycle is going to turn before you proceed.
-- Remember road conditions which are minor annoyances to passenger vehicles pose major hazards to motorcyclists, particularly potholes, gravel, wet or slippery surfaces, pavement seams, railroad crossings and grooved pavement.
-- Allow more following distance when following a motorcycle so the motorcyclist has enough time to maneuver or stop in an emergency. Don’t tailgate.
-- Follow the rules of the road, be alert to other vehicles, and always wear your seat belt or DOT-compliant helmets and protective gear.
Make this the first year in recent years when motorcycle fatalities do not increase. Do your part to share the road with everyone.
Joe Prather, secretary, Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, Frankfort
Boyd class plans 50-year reunion
The Boyd County High School class of 1958 will be celebrating its 50-year reunion Sept. 26-27.
We have been unable to locate these classmates: Rosa Cumpston, Margie Gray, Virginia Jones, Dock Ronk and Doris Vanhoose. If you have a current address or phone number for any of these classmates or know a family member we could contact, please call Harold Bush at (606) 325-9660.
Harold Bush, president, Class of 1958, Boyd County High School
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