Kentucky News Now – September 21st 2015

GAY MARRIAGE-KENTUCKY-POLITICS

Gay marriage fight shifts as politicians spy an opportunity

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — Politicians who may have thought they wouldn't have to say much at all about gay marriage once the U.S. Supreme Court effectively legalized it are being called on to say whether they support Kim Davis.

The Rowan County clerk, who has become a darling of many conservatives despite being a Democrat, cited "God's authority" and religious liberty in choosing jail time over issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples. Some social conservatives consider her a hero and see a chance to shift the gay marriage debate from one about civil liberties to one about religious liberty.

A judge ultimately freed Davis on the condition she not interfere with her deputies issuing the licenses, but social conservatives at every level, including some presidential candidates, have tried to capitalize on her recent celebrity.

DISASTER RELIEF

Relief following July storms available in expanded area

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — Small businesses and most private nonprofit organizations in Bell County are now eligible to apply for U.S. Small Business Administration economic injury disaster loans following storms and flooding that occurred July 11 to July 20.

The SBA also says Leslie County has been added to the disaster declaration, meaning it is eligible for both physical and economic injury disaster loans.

To apply online, visit https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela . The deadline for physical property damage is Oct. 12. Economic injury applications are due May 12.

CATLETTSBURG JOBS

Company opesn new Catlettsburg facility, adds 80 jobs

CATTLESBURG, Ky. (AP) — EN Engineering LLC has opened a new facility in Catlettsburg, creating 80 new jobs there and investing $2.8 million.

The state has given preliminary approval for tax incentives for the project of up to $1 million.

Gov. Steve Beshear's office said in a news release the company provides engineering, consulting and other services to energy and industrial clients. EN Engineering employs more than 100 people in Kentucky and is expanding to serve the Kentucky, Ohio and West Virginia tri-state region.

The Chicago-based company has 13 offices throughout the U.S. with more than 800 employees. The expanded Catlettsburg facility is 24,000 square feet.

EMBEZZLEMENT SUSPECT-HIKER

Man facing $8.7M embezzlement case hid on Appalachian Trail

CINCINNATI (AP) — Facing accusations that he had embezzled nearly $9 million from his Ohio-based employer, a Kentucky accountant apparently decided to go for a walk in the woods.

Fifty-three-year-old James Hammes (HAM'-uhs) is scheduled for trial next month in U.S. District Court in Cincinnati on 2009 charges including wire fraud and money laundering. The FBI arrested him this May at a bed-and-breakfast in Damascus, Virginia. It's along the Appalachian Trail, where the white-collar crime suspect is believed to have transformed himself into "Bismarck," a bearded, avid hiker.

The FBI cites ongoing investigation and won't discuss details. Court documents indicate there have been plea negotiations.

Guidebook writer David Miller says as Bismarck, Hammes had high visibility on the Appalachian Trail. He speculates it gave him a sense of community while on the lam.

PUBLIC LANDS DAY

Daniel Boone Forest waiving some fees this coming weekend

WINCHESTER, Ky. (AP) — Fees will be waived at several recreation areas in the Daniel Boone National Forest this weekend to celebrate National Public Lands Day.

Officials there say no recreation fee pass is required for overnight campers in the Red River Gorge backcountry, Barren Fork Horse Camp in McCreary County or Bee Rock Campground along the Rockcastle River of Laurel and Pulaski counties on Friday and Saturday.

Also, these locations require no recreation fee pass on Saturday: Cave Run Lake and Laurel River Lake, all boat ramps outside of developed campgrounds; Natural Arch Scenic Area and Appletree Shooting Range in McCreary County; Redbird Crest Trail in Clay and Leslie counties; and White Sulphur ATV Trail in Bath County.

Started in 1994, National Public Lands Day celebrates volunteer service and recreation on public land.

BRIDGE REPAIRS

Kentucky highway to close for 2 months during bridge repairs

FLEMINGSBURG, Ky. (AP) — Officials are closing a portion of a northeastern Kentucky highway for bridge repairs.

Kentucky 560, also known as Metcalf Mill Road, in Fleming County will be closed for about two months beginning Monday.

Transportation officials say the bridge over Johnson Creek near the Mason County line has deteriorated concrete beams that must be removed and rebuilt. The Transportation Cabinet has awarded a $621,512 contract to The Walker Company to do the work.

They will start removing the bridge on Monday and the road will be closed at the construction site.

All through traffic will be detoured along Kentucky 165 and US 68.

The road is expected to reopen by early November.