Tuesday’s Kentucky News – November 6th, 2013

KENTUCKY-LIQUOR LAW

Appeals court to weigh Ky.'s liquor sales law

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — A federal appeals court is set to consider the validity of a ruling striking down Kentucky's seven-decade old ban on grocery stores, gas stations and other retailers selling wine and liquor.

The U.S. 6th Circuit Court of Appeals has scheduled oral arguments for Nov. 19 in Cincinnati in an appeal brought by the state's Alcoholic Beverage Control Department.

At issue is U.S. District Judge John G. Heyburn II's ruling that the state's ban is unconstitutional because it violates the equal protection clause of the Constitution.

The ruling impacted only areas of Kentucky where sales of package wine and distilled spirits are currently permitted by law.

Heyburn ruled that the state legislature "wanted to limit liquor sales generally ... and it did so by arbitrarily distinguishing grocers from all other retailers."

JOBS FAIR

Yarmuth hosting jobs fair in Louisville

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Military veterans looking for work will have a chance to meet with dozens of businesses at a jobs fair in Louisville.

The event being hosted by U.S. Rep. John Yarmuth is set for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. EST Tuesday at Louisville Slugger Field.

More than 50 local businesses in need of employees will be represented at the fair.

Active-duty military members and people living in the 3rd Congressional District also are invited to attend.

The Small Business Administration will hold free workshops for veterans who are looking to become entrepreneurs. Officials from the Veterans Administration and VA Medical Center will be on hand to assist veterans in applying for health, disability and education benefits.

At last year's jobs fair, local employers scheduled more than 300 interviews with veterans they met at the event.

RAND PAUL-PLAGIARISM ALLEGATIONS

Paul seeks to dismiss criticism of plagiarism

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — For days now, Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul has sought to dismiss criticism over similarities between his speeches and entries in Wikipedia. He is accusing "footnote police" and "hacks and haters" for unfairly criticizing him.

There are reasons he's been speaking out: in the long run, allegations of plagiarism could be used against him in a presidential campaign. And, in the short term, assailing his critics could fire up his loyal backers — and donors.

It all began last week when MSNBC host Rachel Maddow suggested that the senator lifted passages about the 1997 science fiction film "Gattaca" from the movie's Wikipedia entry in a recent appearance in Virginia.

DEPUTY CHARGED-STEROIDS

Trial for ex-deputy set for December

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. (AP) — A former Taylor County sheriff's deputy charged with selling steroids has been set for trial in December.

The trial for 38-year-old William Allen Rice of Campbellsville, who was arrested in October on three counts of selling steroids to an undercover agent, is scheduled to take place in Bowling Green on Dec. 16.

FBI Special Agent Virginia McHenry wrote in an affidavit that Rice met with the informant three times — once in May and twice in August. McHenry says Rice sold Equipoise — which is commonly used on horses — for $150 and two other steroids in August.

Taylor County Sheriff Allen Newton said he fired Rice when he learned of the arrest.

Rice has pleaded not guilty.

PEDESTRIANS KILLED

Police seek truck involved in pedestrian deaths

EZEL, Ky. (AP) — Kentucky State Police are looking for information about a pickup truck involved in the hit-and-run deaths of two pedestrians in eastern Kentucky.

Police say the vehicle is believed to be a blue GMC Sierra 1500 model year 2002 to 2005 with an extended cab and short wheel base. Police said Monday the truck will have damage to the left front and that the driver side rear tire is believed to be smaller than the other tires.

Killed on Saturday evening were 41-year-old Elizabeth Thornsberry of Ezel and 48-year-old Tony Ross of Clearfield. They were standing in the westbound lane of Kentucky 1010 in Morgan County around 7 p.m. EDT when they were struck by a vehicle.

Information about the vehicle can be reported to police at (606) 784-4127.