Whitley, Knox and Laurel unemployment rates increase in February

Unemployment rates increased in Whitley, Laurel, Knox, Bell and McCreary counties between January 2024 and February 2024, according to the Kentucky Center for Statistics (KYSTATS), an agency of the Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Cabinet.

Whitley County

Whitley County’s unemployment rate increased from 5.3 percent in January 2024 to 5.9 percent in February 2024. Whitley County’s February 2024 unemployment rate was 1.2 percent higher than the February 2023 unemployment rate.

Laurel County

Laurel County’s unemployment increased from 5.2 percent in January 2024 to 5.5 percent in February 2024. Laurel County’s February 2024 unemployment rate was 1.0 percent higher than the February 2023 unemployment rate.

Knox County

Knox County’s unemployment rate increased from 6.6 percent in January 2024 to 7.1 percent in February 2024. Knox County’s February 2024 unemployment rate was 1.3 percent higher than the February 2023 unemployment rate.

Bell County

Bell County’s unemployment rate increased from 6.4 percent in January 2024 to 6.6 percent in February 2024. Bell County’s February 2024 unemployment rate was 0.5 percent higher than the February 2023 unemployment rate.

McCreary County

McCreary County’s unemployment rate increased from 6.8 percent in January 2024 to 7.3 percent in February 2024. McCreary County’s February 2024 unemployment rate was 0.9 percent higher than the February 2023 unemployment rate.

Statewide unemployment

Kentucky’s unemployment rate increased from 4.8 percent in January 2024 to 5.1 percent in February 2024. Kentucky’s February 2024 unemployment rate was 0.4 percent higher than the February 2023 unemployment rate.

Unemployment rates rose in 112 counties between February 2023 and February 2024, fell in Bullitt, Elliott, Shelby and Spencer counties, and remained the same in Lewis, Meade, Nicholas and Washington counties, according to KYSTATS.

Woodford County recorded the lowest jobless rate in the commonwealth at 3.7 percent. It was followed by Washington County, 3.8 percent; Marion County, 4 percent; Fayette and Spencer counties, 4.1 percent each; Oldham, Scott and Shelby counties, 4.2 percent each; and Anderson and Nelson counties, 4.3 percent each.

Magoffin County recorded the state’s highest unemployment rate at 11.9 percent. It was followed by Breathitt County, 10.4 percent; Martin County, 10.1 percent; Elliott County, 10 percent; Carter County, 9.9 percent; Lewis County, 9.6 percent; Menifee County, 9.5 percent; Johnson and Knott counties, 8.6 percent each; and Leslie County, 8.3 percent.

Kentucky’s county unemployment rates and employment levels are not seasonally adjusted because of small sample sizes.

The comparable, unadjusted unemployment rate for the state was 5.1 percent for February 2024, and 4.2 percent for the nation.

Unemployment statistics are based on estimates and are compiled to measure trends rather than actually to count people working. Civilian labor force statistics include non-military workers and unemployed Kentuckians who are actively seeking work. They do not include unemployed Kentuckians who have not looked for employment within the past four weeks.

Whitley County has a civilian labor force of 13,583 people with 12,785 employed and 798 unemployed. Statewide, Kentucky has a civilian labor force of 2,023,633 people with 1,920,047 employed and 103,586 unemployed.

Learn more about Kentucky labor market information at https://kystats.ky.gov/KYLMI.

SKED reps to speak at Southern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce April membership luncheon

The Southern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce has announced a pair of special guests for its April membership luncheon, taking place Tuesday, April 9, beginning at 11:45 a.m. at the Corbin Center. (more…)

Legislation aimed at keeping vapes out of the hands of children sent to Gov. Beshear

The Kentucky House of Representative voted last week to send the Governor House Bill 11, legislation filed by Representative Rebecca Raymer that would keep vapes that have not been granted authorization by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) out of the Kentucky stores and out of the hands of Kentucky children. HB 11 would have no impact on FDA-authorized products or those that fall under the FDA’s safe harbor rules.

“I’m incredibly proud of my colleagues in the House and Senate for standing up for our children and consumers rather than allowing products that are banned in China despite the fact they’re made there,” Raymer said. “If a product can’t get authorized or doesn’t fall under the FDA’s safe harbor rules, we don’t know if the ingredients are safe, where they’re from, or what impact they will have on a user’s health. Other states have already taken this step, so we have an idea of how it would impact consumers and retailers. For example, in Alabama there are still more than 1,600 products available to adults.”

Vapes, technically classified as e-cigarettes, are devices that simulate smoking with the inhalation of evaporated liquids. They can contain harmful and potentially harmful ingredients, including nicotine, chemicals, and heavy metals like nickel, lead, and tin.

While these products were originally considered to provide promise for adult smokers trying to quit smoking, over time the introduction of flavoring and the heavy investment in product placement and marketing have made them attractive to minors. The transition has led anti-smoking groups and youth advocates to actively oppose them and the medical community to identify them as a public health concern.

“Every single day, teachers across the state have to take educational time to deal with illegally-possessed vapes. They’re finding them in desks, bookbags, lockers, and even hidden in ceilings,” Raymer added. “This started out because I was contacted by school officials in my district about how rampant vaping is in our schools. As I dove into this subject, I learned that most of what is confiscated is flavored and disposable vapes. Looking further, I found out that many of these vapes are not even authorized for sale.”

HB 11 also includes a provision that would require businesses to acknowledge whether they are involved in the retail sale of vapes when they file their business paperwork with the Secretary of State’s office.

Once legislation passes the legislature, a governor has ten days to review it and can sign it into law, veto it, or allow it to become law without his signature. For more information about HB 11 and other legislation before the 2024 Regular Session, visit www.legislature.ky.gov.

Whitley County Grand Jury hands down seven drug-related indictments

A London man is accused of trying to spit at a Corbin police officer, who was arresting him last month on a drug-related charge, according to his indictment.

W’Burg Independent celebrates Easter with egg hunt

Photos by TIMOTHY WYATT

Williamsburg Independent School held an Easter Egg Hunt for its preschool, kindergarten, first grade and second grade students last Friday afternoon. The hunt was held at staggered times for each grade level on the school’s football field, where hundreds of eggs were strewn about for students to find.

An Eggciting Time…

Numerous local youngsters turned out at Briar Creek Park in Williamsburg on Saturday for the annual Williamsburg Community Easter Egg Hunt. The Easter Bunny also attended the event.

Legislative Update: Lawmakers send budget, investment bill to governor

(From the office of 82nd District Rep. Nick Wilson)

After almost two years of work to craft a responsible spending plan that balances the state’s current needs and its long-term well-being, the Kentucky General Assembly is sending a two-year, $128.4 billion spending plan and a $2.7 billion one-time investment bill to Governor Andy Beshear.

The budget continues our commitment to education, infrastructure, public safety, and human services. The two-year spending plan includes record funding for K-12 public schools, and strategic investments in public safety, infrastructure, and health services. HB 6 also includes major investments in mental health and substance abuse recovery, and programs serving our most vulnerable.

Education: Education represents the largest portion of our budget and we made every attempt to get funding to the level closest to students. The education investments included in HB 6 represent the largest increase in funding since the passage of the Kentucky Education Reform Act (KERA). The final version of the bill includes a provision that encourages school districts to utilize additional SEEK resources to provide raises for certified and classified staff.

• An increase in SEEK funding by 3% in the first fiscal year, and 6% in the next fiscal year for a total of $612 more per pupil over the two-year period.

• Funding to cover 90% of transportation costs in FY 25, and fully fund the costs in FY 26

• Increased General Fund monies by $4.8 million in each fiscal year for a Pilot Teacher Recruitment Student Loan Forgiveness Program

• An additional $2.6 million over the biennium for the Teacher Scholarship Programs

• $7.3 million in additional funds in each fiscal year for a new Student Teacher Stipend Program

Child Care: Kentuckians need access to safe, quality, and reliable child care and we have been working for several years to address the state’s shortage in child care providers. The budget we passed includes a heavy focus on the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), a proven program that subsidizes child care costs for parents and guardians who are working and/or in school and meet other eligibility criteria:

• $2 million in each fiscal year for the Employee Child Care Assistance Partnership

• An additional $56 million funding over the biennium to maintain CCAP reimbursements to child care providers for families at the 80th percentile of the market rate survey

• $17.8 million more in FY 25 and $19.8 in FY 26 to support CCAP initiatives, including an income exclusion for eligibility determinations for child care providers; a six-month transition for families no longer eligible for CCAP, background check fees; and the establishment of an Innovations in Early Childhood Education Delivery Grant Program

• An additional $2.5 million in fiscal year to support the Early Childhood Development Scholarship Program

Health & Human Services: A substantial portion of our budget goes to providing for the state’s most vulnerable citizens. It was a critical priority for us to fund additional social worker positions, as well as to increase foster care per diem rates and maintain the increase in child care assistance funds. Health Services – which includes Medicaid funding – represents another big portion of our budget. With more than a third of Kentuckians receiving Medicaid, the state must commit billions to draw down federal funding. The budget includes:

• An additional $1.1 billion in funding for Medicaid benefits growth in FY 24, $1.2 billion in FY 25, and $2.1 billion in FY 26.

• An additional $726.8 million in FY 25 and $767.8 million in FY 26 for the continuation of KCHIP benefits and services.

• Increases for nursing home facility reimbursement rates with an additional investment of $455 million over the biennium.

• Funding for additional slots for the Michelle P, Supports for Community Living; and Home and Community Based waiver programs.

• Includes funding for a waiver for those with serious mental illness.

Public Safety: We’re investing in those who protect and serve our citizens. HB 6 includes significant resources for the Kentucky State Police (KSP), forensic crime laboratories, and the body armor grant program administered by the Attorney General’s Office. The budget we passed includes the following:

• $22.5 million in additional funds over the biennium to the KSP for pay increases for 1,013 troopers and commercial vehicle enforcement officers.

• Increases funding by $6 million in FY 25 and $16.6 million in FY 26 to support classes of 75 Trooper cadets in each fiscal year.

• Provides $2.6 million in FY 26 towards the purchase of a total of 50 marked and 50 unmarked KSP cruisers.

• Increases KSP funding by $6 million in FY 25 and $16.6 million in FY 26 to fund Trooper cadet classes of 75 in each year.

State Employees, Public Pensions, & Retiree Benefits: Decades of neglect have left the state’s personnel system uncompetitive with other public sector employers and made it difficult to attract talented individuals to serve Kentuckians through state agencies and programs. While efforts to improve the situation continue, lawmakers approved raises for the second consecutive budget. HB 6 includes funding for a 3% raise in each year. We also allocated more than $20 billion to shoring up our public pensions. We have made major reforms to ensure they are viable and have worked to ensure that those who make decisions have the right priorities in mind. Now more than ever, it is imperative that we keep a mindful eye on how our retirement dollars are managed.

In addition to the budget, we sent the Governor HB 1, which provides $2.7 billion over the next two years to fund projects within state government and in communities throughout the Commonwealth. With this funding, we are making targeted investments in road, rail, river, air, and water infrastructure and school facilities, public pensions, tourism, and community development.

The Governor has 10 days to consider these two bills and all others we sent him while the legislature recesses. We will return on April 12 and 15 to consider overriding any vetoes and finish any pending issues we still have on the agenda.

As always, I can be reached anytime through the toll-free message line in Frankfort at 1-800-372-7181. You can also contact me via e-mail at Nick.Wilson@lrc.ky.gov and keep track through the Kentucky legislature’s website at legislature.ky.gov.

Cleanup efforts continue after strong storms impact area Tuesday

A barn on Akins Lane was flattened in Tuesday’s storms

No injuries are being reported at this time, but several homes and buildings in the Bee Creek area of Whitley County were damaged Tuesday evening when tornadic-like winds knocked down dozens of large trees. (more…)

Wilson secures $20.4 million in one-time funding for Whitley, Laurel Counties as part of pending budget bill

Representative Nick Wilson announced Monday that Whitley and Laurel Counties will receive a total of $20.4 million in one-time funding under legislation approved by the Kentucky House and Senate and sent to Governor Andy Beshear for his consideration.

Projects include the following:

• $3 million in fiscal year 2024-2025 to the Kentucky Infrastructure Authority to be distributed to the City of Williamsburg for water and wastewater extensions to the Kentucky Splash Campground and surrounding areas.
• $3.5 million in fiscal year 2024-2025 to the Kentucky Infrastructure Authority to be distributed to the Corbin Utilities Commission for sewer line extension.
• $1.5 million in fiscal year 2024-2025 to the Department for Local Government to be distributed to the City of Williamsburg for the RV campground and water park.
• $3.5 million in fiscal year 2024-2025 to the Department for Local Government to be distributed to the City of Corbin for tourism initiative.
• $7.5 million in fiscal year 2024-2025 to the Department for Local Government to be distributed to the Whitley County Fiscal Court for corrections-related renovations.

“This one-time funding will make a huge difference for our community,” Wilson said. “The investment lays a foundation for tourism and future economic development. I look forward to the completion of these projects and the benefits that it will bring for our local community.”

Wilson was able to secure the funding as part of House Bill 1, legislation that provides $2.7 billion over the next two years to fund projects within state government and in communities throughout the Commonwealth.

Additional information on what each of the above projects entail will be forthcoming once the proposed budget receives final approval.

Safer Kentucky Act awaiting Governor’s signature

With only a little more than a week left in this year’s legislative session, the Kentucky General Assembly has sent House Bill 5, also known as the “Safer Kentucky Act,” to the desk of Governor Andy Beshear.

This bill, sponsored by Representative Jared Bauman of Louisville, is a result of nearly a year’s worth of discussions with constituents and stakeholders. Whitley County’s own Representative Nick Wilson has spoken at-length about these efforts in recent months, specifically as it pertains to how the bill approaches punishments for fentanyl-related drug offenses, which he had a good deal of input on. Generally speaking, the measure is designed to tackle crime at many levels and modernize criminal statutes, some of which were written almost 50 years ago.

The Safer Kentucky Act includes:

• Targeting Violent Persistent Felony Offenders, or the “Three Strikes Law,” requiring life without probation or parole for those convicted of their third violent felony.
• Enhancing the Penalty for Fentanyl Delivery Causing Overdose Death. Death by delivery constitutes manslaughter in the first degree for an individual who knowingly sells fentanyl or a fentanyl derivative to another person and leads to death. Distribution of fentanyl or fentanyl derivatives that results in death would be considered manslaughter in the second degree. Amends the “Good Samaritan” statute to provide criminal immunity from a manslaughter charge for someone who is trying to seek help in an overdose situation.
• Increasing the Penalty for Smuggling Contraband into a Detention Facility. Increases the felony class for smuggling contraband substances within a jail, prison, or other type of detention center to a Class C felony. Substances such as fentanyl, carfentanil, and fentanyl derivatives.
• Regulating Bail Funding Organizations, or “Madelynn’s Law,” preventing charitable organizations from furnishing bail of $5,000 or more. Makes it unlawful to furnish bail regardless of the amount for a violent offense or for a person being held under a civil court order or warrant pursuant to Casey’s Law. Requires photo identification for any person who posts bail on behalf of a charitable bail organization. Requires a charitable bail organization to maintain and make an annual report to the legislature and make it publicly available on the organization’s website. The provision is named in remembrance of Madelynn Troutt, a 17-year-old girl killed in a head on collision with a man just hours after he was released from jail on bail posted by a nonprofit bail fund. The man was speeding down the wrong side of the road in a stolen vehicle.
• Cracking Down on a Fleeing the Police, or “Jake’s Law,” increasing the penalty for fleeing or evading the police in the first degree to a Class C felony. Prevents the defendant from being released on probation, shock probation, conditional discharge, or parole until he or she has served a minimum of 50% of their sentence. The provision is named in honor of the life of Jake Luxemburger, a 10-year-old boy who was killed instantly in a collision with a man with a lengthy criminal record, who led the police on a chase while driving a stolen vehicle.
• Strengthening Shopkeeper’s Privilege. Allows employees and business owners to use a reasonable amount of force necessary to protect themselves, to prohibit the escape of a person detained for theft, or to prevent the loss of goods for sale. Provides criminal immunity for the worker and business owner.
• Increasing Penalties for Attempted Murder. Increases the penalties for those who are convicted of attempted murder to require them to serve a minimum of 85% of their sentence before they are eligible for early release. Adds attempted murder to the violent offense statute.
• Requiring Parents to Attend Juvenile Court Hearings. If a violation occurs, a person shall be fined up to $500 or ordered to participate in up to 40 hours of community service.
• Supporting Successful Re-Entry for Those Leaving Incarceration. Requires the Transportation Cabinet, when funds are available, to issue a personal identification card or operator’s license for an eligible felony offender released after serving his or her sentence. Currently, the Transportation Cabinet only does this for those released from state facilities. Requires regular evaluations of state programs designed to support re-entry and reduce recidivism.
• Creating a Kentucky Statute for Carjacking. Establishes the crime of carjacking in the Commonwealth. Makes carjacking a Class B felony. Clarifies that the provision does not apply to legitimate repossession.
• Increasing Penalties for Vandalism. Changes the felony amount of vandalism damage to $500. Allows for charges to be a Class B misdemeanor if the defendant, prior to trial, effects repair or replacement of the damaged property, completes community service or makes complete reimbursement in the amount of the damages.
• Removing Early Release for Criminals Using Guns in Crimes. Prevents a person from being eligible for probation, parole, conditional discharge, conditional release, or any other form of release prior to the completion of their sentence if the crime is committed in the following three circumstances: Possessed a firearm while being a convicted felon, possessed a firearm that was knowingly stolen, possessed a firearm while on probation, parole, or early release after conviction of a violent offense.
• Improving Protocol for Involuntary Commitment for the Mentally Ill. Eases requirements to enable mentally ill accused criminals to receive treatment.
• Modifying Rules on Auction of Confiscated Murder Weapons. Allows ordinary citizens (without federal firearms license) to bid at Kentucky State Police (KSP) auctions with the provision that any murder weapon they purchase will be destroyed by KSP. Prevents the use of any taxpayer funds in bidding on confiscated murder weapons.
• Combating Street Camping to Improve Rights of Property Owners. Imposes a ban on street camping on public streets, sidewalks, paths, or public areas normally used by pedestrians and/or vehicles, private property, homes, or businesses in any way. Allows for an exemption to the offense of unlawful camping in order to protect someone who sleeps temporarily in their lawfully parked vehicle. Provides that property owners shall not be held criminally liable for any actions taken to defend themselves from the aggressive actions of a person refusing to vacate an illegal street camp, and any such aggression by the camper can be prosecuted as assault. Authorizes local control by allowing local governments to designate indoor or outdoor areas separate from public areas for camping. They must provide for basic sanitation needs.
• Enhancing the Penalty for the Murder of a First Responder. Allows a prosecutor to seek the death penalty or life in prison if there is evidence to show that a first responder was intentionally killed while in lawful performance of their duties. Requires offender to pay compensation to family of the victim.
• Hardening Sentences for Adults Using Juveniles as Criminal Accomplices. Provides that any person over the age of 18 years of age who engages in a criminal conspiracy with a minor shall be charged one level higher than the level provided for the offense.
• Cracking Down on Drive-By Shooters. Increases the penalty for wanton endangerment in the first degree to a Class C felony, if the person discharges a firearm in the commission of the offense. Adds this provision to the violent offense statute.
• Protecting Places of Business from Threats of Mass Violence. Broadening the terroristic threatening statute to include the workplace.
• Addressing Threats or Plans of Violence Intended to Target Schools. Requires a school employee who knows or has reasonable cause to believe that a person has made threats or plans of violence which are intended to target a school or students or who knows that a firearm is present on school property to immediately report the matter to any law enforcement agency created by the local board of education and local or state law enforcement.
• Updating Witness Intimidation Statute. Adding harassing communications to the witness intimidation statute. Harassing communications such as telephone, mail, or any form of electronic or written communication in a manner which causes annoyance or alarm and serves no purpose of legitimate communication.
• Reducing Recidivism. Requiring those granted parole to participate in group violence intervention.
• Improving Protections for Victims of Domestic and Dating Violence. Increasing penalties for people who repeatedly violate orders of protection to a Class D felony when they occur within five years and are done intentionally and in person.
• Putting the Brakes on Rampant Theft. Allows for offenses from different counties to be combined and prosecuted in any of those counties.
• Enhancing the Violent Offender Statute. Updating the violent offender statute to include the following: Burglary in the first degree if someone other than the criminal is present in the building, robbery in the second degree, arson in the first degree, strangulation in the first degree, carjacking, and wanton endangerment in the first degree which involves the discharge of a firearm. Enhancing the parole eligibility requirements for violent offenders to ensure that they serve at least 85% of their sentence before being eligible for probation or parole. Provides that a violent offender shall only receive credit on their sentence for the time spent in custody prior to the commencement of the sentence.

For more information on the measure, visit legislature.ky.gov.