Kentucky News Now – February 24th 2014

BODIES FOUND

Bodies found inside submerged car

(Information in the following story is from: WKYT-TV, http://www.wkyt.com)

Williamsburg, Ky. (AP) — Authorities say three bodies were found inside a car submerged in a Whitley County creek.

According to WKYT-TV , 39-year-old Shannon L. Kier, his wife, 29-year-old Susan Kay Kier, and their son, 2-year-old Lee Isaac Patrick Kier were pronounced dead around 10:30 Saturday morning.

Whitley County Coroner Andy Croley said the bodies were found in the flooded Jellico Creek, which flows into the Cumberland River.

Officials say deputies were searching for the family from Jacksboro, Tenn., after a relative called police Friday night and reported them missing.

Authorities say a relative discovered the vehicle after the creek waters receded.

INNOVATIVE EDUCATION

Trigg County offering innovative education

(Information in the following story is from: Kentucky New Era, http://www.kentuckynewera.com)

CADIZ, Ky. (AP) — Some high school students in western Kentucky are learning in new ways after the state Department of Education named Trigg County a district of innovation.

The designation exempts a district from certain regulations and allows it to redesign how students are educated.

In Trigg County, that means students can test out of traditional language arts or math classes and instead take courses that focus on group problem-solving skills and incorporate technology.

Trigg County Superintendent Travis Hamby told the Kentucky New Era that ninth-graders are piloting the initiative. He said plans call for expanding it to the sophomore class next year.

Trigg County is one of seven school district across the state approved for the innovation designation.

FELON'S NEW START

Convicted felon welcomes new start at law office

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. (AP) — Robert Spiers says his new life began after his Nov. 8, 2001, arrest for robbing a south-central Kentucky bank.

The Bowling Green man, who served 12 years in prison after robbing a total of three banks, has been a paralegal at Coffman Law Office since September.

He is enrolled in Western Kentucky University's pre-law program majoring in history and religious studies. He also is in the paralegal program.

Attorney Brad Coffman says he has found Spiers and other employees who have had brushes with the law to be "confident, productive and extremely loyal."

Coffman mentors Spiers just as other attorneys have mentored him over the years.

E KENTUCKY-AUSTIN PEAY

Eastern Kentucky tops Austin Peay 96-75

CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Glenn Cosey scored 27 points and Tarius Johnson added a career-high 24 as Eastern Kentucky overcame nearly a decade of futility at Austin Peay, defeating the Governors 96-75 on the road for the first time in nine years Saturday night.

Eastern Kentucky drained 17 3-pointers with Cosey hitting 8 of 12 — tying the arena record for an opponent — and Johnson 4 of 5.

The Colonels (19-9, 9-5 Ohio Valley Conference) clinched a spot in the OVC tourney when Eastern Illinois lost on Thursday, and now hold a one-game edge for the final first-round bye on Tennessee Tech with two to play.

The first half was a battle but EKU ended on an 8-0 run — with 3s by Cosey and Johnson — to lead 40-34 at halftime.

Travis Betran scored 23 for the Governors (11-17, 5-9), who had not lost to Eastern Kentucky in Clarksville since January, 2005.