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DEC 28
_         PUZZLES         _
JAN 11
Irvine-Ravenna, Estill Co., KY
PROUDLY SERVING ESTILL COUNTY SINCE 1982
Volume 35 - Number 27 - Wednesday, January 4, 2017

Current Obituaries

Wednesday, January 11th Edition

  Friday, January 6, 2017

Bertha Wilson Combs, 75

    Bertha Wilson Combs, age 75, of Drowning Creek Road in Irvine, Kentucky, passed away Friday, January 6, 2017, at the Hospice Care Center in the St. Joseph Hospital in Lexington following a long illness. She was born July 26, 1941, in Wagersville, Kentucky, a daughter of the late Park and Stella Hurley Wolfinbarger. She was a retired custodian with Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. She moved back to Estill County in 2006 and was a member of the Victory Tabernacle Church of God.
    Mrs. Combs was preceded in death by three husbands: Chester Wilson, Winford Combs, and Hugh Kirby.
    She is survived by two daughters: Stella Stanelli, Ft. Meyers, Florida; and Brenda Howard, Richmond; a sister, Cleeta Faye Harrison, Lancaster; two brothers: Elijuh Wolfinbarger, Owen County; and James Wolfinbarger, Irvine; five grandchildren and several great grandchildren.
    Mrs. Combs was preceded in death by one daughter, Judy Ann Moore; and five siblings: Nannie Bea Rowe, Hubert, Park Jr., Robert J., and Clarence Wolfinbarger.
    Funeral services will be conducted Tuesday, January 10th at 11 a.m. at the Warren F. Toler Funeral Home Chapel by Bro. Geral Richardson with burial following in the Winston Cemetery. Friends may call between 6 and 9 p.m., Monday, January 9th at the funeral home.

Warren F. Toler Funeral Home

  Friday, January 6, 2017

James Edward Sparks, 84

James Edward Sparks

    James Edward Sparks, age 84, of Irvine, Kentucky, died Friday, January 6, 2017 at the UK Medical Center in Lexington.
    He was born September 14, 1932 in Irvine, Kentucky to the late Robert and Lillie Keith Sparks. James previously worked at Continental Metal Specialty and Robinson Tool & Die. He was also a United States Marine Corps veteran in the Korean War. Other than being an extremely hard worker, his passion was spending time with his grandchildren.
    Survivors include two sons: Jimbo Sparks and Lewis Sparks, both of Irvine; one daughter, Marilyn Tyree (Glynn) of Irvine; five grandchildren: Stacy Judd (Lucus) of Greensburg, Kentucky; Joshua McIntosh of Morehead; Patricia Dixon (Cecil), Sandy Sparks (Jarod Mays) and J.R. Sparks, all of Irvine; eight great grandchildren: Annalisa Trimble and Toni Marie Watkins, both of Greensburg, Kentucky; Makayla Trimble, David Dixon, Hayden McIntosh, Daniel Dixon, MaKenzie Smith and Maddox Mays, all of Irvine; two great, great grandchildren: Bayleigh Crowe of Berea and Dryden Smith of Richmond; and a daughter-in-law, Mary Parker of Irvine.
    In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife in 2010, Mary Alcorn Sparks.
    Memorial service will be Tuesday, January 17, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at New Beginning Fellowship in Irvine with Pastor Delvin Reece officiating. Visitation will be prior to the memorial from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., at the church.
    Arrangements under the direct care of Coffman Funeral Home & Crematory of Mount Sterling.

Coffman Funeral Home & Crematory

  Friday, December 30, 2016

Larry Joe Gabbard, 62

    Larry Joe Gabbard, age 62, husband of Peggy Gabbard, passed away on Friday, January 6, 2017, at his home.
    A native of Clark County, Kentucky, he was born on August 5, 1954, to the late Rex and Rachel Chaney Gabbard. He was a former employee of Sharpsburg Citizens Bank, a lifelong farmer and a member of Emanuel Baptist Church of Estill County.
    In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughter, Megan Turner (Will); two grandchildren, Adelaide and Rex Turner; a sister, Carolyn Fugate; a brother, Mike Gabbard (Lou Ann); and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.
    Services will be at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, January 10th at Scobee Funeral Home, 219 West Lexington Avenue, Winchestesr, by Bro. Sherl Thomas with burial in Winchester Cemetery. Visitation will be Monday, 5-8 p.m., at the funeral home.

Scobee Funeral Home

  Wednesday, January 4, 2017

Betty Lou Lane, 75

Betty Lou Lane

    Betty Lou Lane, age 75, of South Irvine Road in Irvine, Kentucky, passed away Wednesday, January 4, 2017, at the Marcum & Wallace Memorial Hospital.
    She was born December 3, 1941 in Estill County and was the daughter of the late Nathan and Viola Estes Gould. She was a retired school bus driver with the Estill County School System and a former 911 Dispatcher. She was of the Holiness Faith and had lived in Estill County all of her life.
    Mrs. Lane is survived by her husband, Elmer George Lane; two daughters: Sharon Richardson Taylor (Terry) and Tonya Richardson Floyd (Gayle), both of Estill County; two sons: Tracy McQueen Jr. (Maliea) and Jeff Gould (Robin), both of Estill County; one brother, Harold Gould (Dixie), Clark County; eight grandchildren and six great grandchildren.
    She was preceded in death by two brothers: Kelly Morefield and Elwood Gould.
    Funeral services were conducted Sunday, January 8th at 2 p.m. at the Warren F. Toler Funeral Home Chapel with burial at the Sunset Memorial Gardens. Friends called between 6 and 9 p.m., Saturday, January 7th at the funeral home.
    Pallbearers were Ben McQueen, John McQueen, Steven McQueen, Lucas Flynn, Dwayne Rose, Jon Lane and Jared Kiser.

Warren F. Toler Funeral Home

  Wednesday, January 4, 2017

Raymond Gene McKinney, 78

    Raymond Gene McKinney, age 78, of Reges Road in Irvine, Kentucky, passed away Wednesday, January 4, 2017, at Baptist Health Lexington following a long illness.
    He was born July 22, 1938 in Lee County and was the son of the late Buell and Nancy Marie Lynch McKinney. He was retired Tool & Die Journeyman with Bundy Tubing and was a former Deputy Sheriff and former volunteer with the Estill County Volunteer Fire Department. He was retired from the Estill County Fair Board where he served as President and Vice-President. He was a United States Army veteran. He was a member of the Ravenna Church of God and had lived in Estill County most of his life.
    Mr. McKinney is survived by his wife, Sue Johnson McKinney; one son, Samuel Gene McKinney (Esther), Estill County; three brothers: Ronnie McKinney (Betty), Georgetown; Buell McKinney Jr. (Kay) and John McKinney (Roxie), both of Estill County; and two grandchildren: Brianne McKinney (Zack) and Martin McKinney (Dakota); and two great grandchildren: Camille Spencer and Eli McKinney.
    He was preceded in death by three sisters; Marie Hopper, Lillie Mayes and Faye Wolfinbarger; and five brothers: Jesse Hopper, Edward Hopper, Jim McKinney, Beverly Paul McKinney and Dewey McKinney.
    Funeral services will be conducted Monday, January 9th at 1 p.m. at the Warren F. Toler Funeral Home Chapel by Bro. Rick Kirby with burial at the Boian Cemetery. Friends may call between 6 and 9 p.m., Sunday, January 8th at the funeral home.

Warren F. Toler Funeral Home

  Saturday, December 31, 2016

Robert Weir, 37

Robert Weir

    Robert Weir, age 37, of Irvine, Kentucky, passed away Saturday, December 31, 2016.
    He was a veteran of the United States Army.
    Mr. Weir is survived by his parents, Scott Weir of Irvine and Edna Anderson of Lancaster; his wife, Jeana Weir of Irvine; a son, Robert Weir Jr. of Irvine; a granddaughter, Honey Ray Abrams of Richmond; two brothers: Scott Weir of Richmond and Michael Weir of Irvine; and a sister, Monica Weir of Irvine.
    Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m., Tuesday, January 10, 2017 at the Grayson Funeral Home Chapel, 201 7th Avenue in Clay City, with Bro. David Alexander officiating. Friends may visit Tuesday, from 11 a.m. until time of the service at the funeral home.

Grayson Funeral Home

  Saturday, December 3, 2016

Donald "Donnie" Larry Irwin, 58

Donald "Donnie" Irwin

    Donald "Donnie" Larry Irwin, age 58, of Stanton, Kentucky, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, December 3, 2016 after a long illness.
    A native of San Diego, California, born April 13, 1958, he was the son of Don Irwin (HI) and Sonia "Sunny" Henning Means.
    Mr. Irwin was preceded in death by his sister, Melody Irwin Keeton; his ex-wife, Lisa Conley Irwin; and his stepfather, James (JC) Means.
    He is survived by his mother, Sonia "Sunny" Means of Stanton; his father, Don Irwin (Fran) of Hawaii; his daughters, Jessi Chasteen of Richmond and Lexi Spangler (Steven) of Stanton; his brother, Bobby Means (Tonya) of Stanton; his grandchildren, Kylie Chasteen, Rayleigh Larrison and Eli Spangler; a niece, Cassandra Means; and a great-nephew, Sawyer Strange.
    A Celebration of Life memorial service was held on Thursday, January 5, 2017 from 5-7 p.m. at Lewis-Abner Home for Funerals.

Lewis-Abner Home for Funerals

Former Obituaries

Wednesday, January 4th Edition

  Saturday, December 31, 2016

Larry Townsend, 67

Larry Townsend

    Larry Townsend, age 67, of Furnace Junction, Ravenna, Kentucky, passed away Saturday, December 31, 2016 at his home.
    He was born July 21, 1949 to the late Robert and Ina Sexton Townsend. He was an employee of Townsend Tree Service.
    Survivors include, wife, Della Louise Chaney Townend; sisters, Eva Faye Owens (Jim), Pamela Dunn (Rick), Vickie Chambers (Gerald), Glenda Lane (Buddy), and Linda Stidman; brothers, Orville Townsend, David Townsend (Jean), and Jackie Townsend; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
    Services will be held on Tuesday, January 3rd at 11:00 a.m. at Davis & Davis Funeral Home, 777 West College Avenue, Stanton, by Bro. Terry Barnes and Bro. Kenny Wasson. Visitation was on Monday, 6-9 p.m., at the funeral home. Burial will be in West Bend Cemetery with Eddie Chaney, Lonnie Crabtree, Bobby Rogers, Toby Royce, Jason Chaney, and Gene Chaney serving as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers serving will be Darrell Wasson, Ricky Wasson, Gus Pence, James Thacker, nieces, nephews, friends at Townsend Tree Service, and friends at BP Station.

Davis & Davis Funeral Home

  Friday, December 30, 2016

Virginia Shanks, 52

Virginia Shanks

    Virginia Shanks, age 52, wife of Richard Shanks, passed away Friday, December 30, 2016 at Clark Regional Medical Center in Winchester, Kentucky.
    Virginia was born on February 9, 1964 in Estill County to the late Grover Crawford and Christine Tipton Crawford. She was an employee of Dollar General and a member of Lighthouse Church of God in Winchester.
    In addition to her husband, Virginia is survived by one daughter, Pamela Brooks (Jeff Jordan) of Winchester; one son, Matthew Crawford (Nekara) of Winchester; five grandchildren, David Neal, Christian Brooks, Jacob Brooks, Leon Crawford, Gabriel Crawford; two brothers, Roy Crawford, Gene Crawford; she also leaves behind several nieces and nephews.
    Funeral services to honor the life of Virginia will be conducted at 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, January 4, 2017 at Lighthouse Church of God, 127 East Hickman Street, Winchester, with Pastor Ryan Dotson officiating. Burial will follow in Athens-Boonesboro Cemetery in Lexington. Visitation will be held 5-7 p.m. on Tuesday, January 3, 2017 at Lighthouse Church of God.
    Scobee Funeral Home of Winchester is in charge of arrangements.

Scobee Funeral Home



Estill County News

  Friday, January 6, 2017

Death Investigation in Estill County

     The Kentucky State Police, Richmond Post is investigating an Estill County shooting that occurred just after midnight last night, and is now conducting a death investigation.
     The initial investigation indicates that an Ohio man was fatally shot by a relative during an altercation at a residence on Morse Way, in Rural Estill County. Joseph A. Hartley, 20 years old of Fairborn, OH, was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Estill County Coroner.
     As a result of the ongoing investigation, charges have not been filed and KSP is not looking for any suspects.
     The ongoing investigation is being conducted by KSP Post 7 Detective Rob Morris.

  Thursday, January 5, 2017

Missing Person Investigation in Madison Co.

Charles J. Clay

Charles J. Clay

     The Kentucky State Police, Richmond Post is asking for the public’s assistance in finding a missing Madison County resident.
     KSP Post 7 was called yesterday afternoon by the family members of Charles ‘Curtis’ J. Clay, 42 years old of Richmond, and informed that they had not heard from him since the middle of November. The ongoing investigation indicates that Curtis Clay was last seen at a pawn shop in Lexington on Friday, December 16, 2016. Mr. Clay is 5’10” tall, 170 pounds, with brown hair and eyes.
     Anyone with information about the whereabouts of Charles ‘Curtis’ Clay are asked to call local law enforcement or KSP Post 7 at 859-623-2404.
     The ongoing investigation is being conducted by KSP Post 7 Trooper Ken Bradley.

  Wednesday, January 4, 2017

Prepare for Winter Driving

     With the possibility of wintery weather moving into the state tomorrow, the Kentucky State Police (KSP) is cautioning motorists to be prepared for hazardous driving conditions.
    “Winter driving can present formidable challenges including sleet, snow, slick roads, freezing temperatures and reduced visibility,” says KSP spokesman Tpr. Josh Brashears. “It can be a deadly combination if you’re not prepared.”
     KSP reported that slippery roads were the contributing factor in 13,908 crashes and 70 fatalities in 2015.
     Brashears says the agency relies heavily on its social media platforms to get pertinent information to citizens when winter weather hits the Commonwealth.
     “We have had great success using Twitter, Facebook and the KSP Mobile App* to share winter weather updates,” notes Brashears. “We encourage drivers to download the app so they will have real time traffic updates when planning winter travel.”
     To meet the challenges of the upcoming winter driving season, KSP reminds drivers to plan ahead, make sure all passengers are properly restrained, drive defensively and ensure their vehicle is properly maintained to handle the effects of cold temperatures.
     Other safe winter travel tips include:
    •  Check road and weather conditions before you leave by visiting www.goky.ky.gov, an online traffic, roadway information and weather portal operated by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. It’s user friendly and offers real-time information that is updated every two minutes. (Refrain from calling KSP posts or 911 for road or weather conditions due to high call volume.)
    •  Reduce speed in wintery conditions.
    •  Leave early – allow more travel time; expect delays.
    •  Increase distance between vehicles – the ability to stop is significantly affected on snow covered or icy roadways.
    •  Clear all windows on your vehicle prior to travel – having unobstructed vision is vital to avoid running off of the road or having a collision.
    •  Ensure your windshield washer fluid is full and that you use an anti-ice solution.
    •  Turn on your vehicle’s headlamps. Remove any dirt, mud or snow.
    •  Use caution on bridges and overpasses as they are susceptible to freezing before roadways.
    •  Avoid using cruise control which can cause a vehicle’s wheels to continue turning on a slippery surface when speed needs to be decreased.
    •  Ensure your vehicle has a full tank of gas in the event you are stranded for an extended period of time.
    •  Charge your cellular phone prior to departure.
    •  Always dress warmly and keep a blanket in the vehicle.
    •  Carry a winter survival kit that includes items such as blankets, a first-aid kit, a can and waterproof matches (to melt snow for water), windshield scraper, booster cables, road maps, tool kit, bag of sand or cat litter (to pour on ice or snow for added traction), collapsible shovel, flashlight and extra batteries.
    KSP is also requesting travelers to observe for stranded motorists. If you see or suspect that someone is stranded, contact KSP at 1-800-222-5555. If you get stranded, staying in your vehicle is often the safest choice, says Brashears, who offers these added tips:

    •  Tie a brightly colored cloth to the antenna as a signal to rescuers.
    •  Move anything you need from the trunk into the passenger area.
    •  Wrap your entire body, including your head, in blankets, or extra clothing.
    •  Stay awake. You will be less vulnerable to cold-related health problems.
    •  Run the motor (and heater) for about 10 minutes per hour, opening one window slightly to let air in. Make sure that snow is not blocking the exhaust pipe-this will reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
    •  As you sit, keep moving your arms and legs to improve your circulation and stay warmer.
    •  Do not eat un-melted snow. It will lower your body temperature.
    “We ask everyone to please remember to be patient,” says Brashears. “Bad weather often produces an unusually high volume of requests for service. Plus, the capabilities of first responders are limited, which increases response time.”
    *The KSP Mobile App provides quick, direct access to KSP including weather, road and traffic information as well as text, voice and photo tip capabilities to report criminal behavior. The app is available for iPhone, iPad and Android applications and can be easily downloaded free of charge through Apple and Google Play stores.

  Wednesday, January 4, 2017

Officer Involved Shooting in Garrard County

     The Kentucky State Police is investigating an officer involved shooting that occurred at approximately 3:50 pm this afternoon, in the parking lot of a Garrard County gas station at the intersection of US-27 and Owsley Drive.
    The initial investigation indicates that a Lincoln County Deputy observed a vehicle believed to be occupied by a suspect of an ongoing Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office investigation. The deputy followed the vehicle north on US-27 from Lincoln County into Garrard County, and pulled behind the vehicle in the Sunoco gas station parking lot. As the deputy approached the passenger side of the vehicle, Welby O. Mullins, 64 years old of Hustonville, exited the vehicle with a handgun, at which time gunshots were exchanged between the suspect and deputy.
    As a result of the shooting, the Lincoln County Deputy was airlifted to the University of Kentucky Hospital with non-life threatening injuries, where he is being treated for a gunshot wound to his arm. Welby Mullins sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Garrard County Coroner.
    The ongoing investigation is being conducted by KSP Post 7 and the Critical Incident Response Branch.

  Sunday, January 1, 2017

Fatal Collision in Jackson County

    – The Kentucky State Police, Richmond Post is investigating a fatal collision that occurred early this morning on US 421 at the intersection of KY 3447 in Jackson County.
    “The initial investigation indicates that a 2004 Chevy Blazer, operated by Sarabeth Shields, 34 years old of McKee, KY, was traveling south on US 421. Shields lost control of her vehicle, and crossed the centerline, colliding with a 1997 Chevy Lumina that was traveling north on US 421, operated by Josephine Sparks, 54 years old of Berea KY.
     “As a result of the collision, Randall L. Sparks, 51 years old of Berea, and Lloyd W. Sparks, 58 years old of Berea, both passengers in the Chevy Lumina were pronounced deceased at the scene by the Jackson County Coroner. Sarabeth Shields, Josephine Sparks, and a juvenile were transported to the University of Kentucky Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
    “The ongoing investigation is being conducted by KSP Trooper Scott Townsley.

  Friday, December 16, 2016

KSP Cram the Cruiser Campaign Collects Record Amount of Food for Needy Families

    The Kentucky State Police announced today that its seventh annual Cram the Cruiser food drive gathered nearly 170 tons (339,656 lbs.) of food to help Kentucky families struggling financially during the holiday season.
    “Due to the generosity of numerous individuals, businesses, schools, social clubs, scout troops and civic organizations across the state, we have surpassed last year’s campaign by more than 46 tons,” said KSP Commissioner Rick Sanders. “This spirit of giving is a genuine public service that will make a real difference to many families facing difficult times.”
    KSP initiated the Cram the Cruiser program in 2010 to assist needy families in its local post and region areas. Since then, the agency has contributed over one million pounds of food to shelters, food banks and churches throughout the Commonwealth.
    “The Kentucky State Police continues to maintain the traditions of service the agency was founded on more than 65-years ago,” adds Sanders. “Helping those in need is a fundamental part of our mission and we are grateful to be able to coordinate this effort and the benefits it provides to the communities which support our troopers and officers throughout the year.”
    Over the years, the campaign has developed into a friendly competition among Kentucky State Police posts and Commercial Vehicle Enforcement regions. This year, KSP Post 7 in Richmond took top honors with a total of 80,872 pounds of food collected.
    Capt. Chris Steward, commander of the post, praised local citizens and businesses for their support of the project. “We can’t thank them enough,” he said. “Their generosity is both impressive and humbling.”
    Steward also recognized the hard work of Tpr. Robert Purdy, public affairs officer for the post, who spearheaded the effort, which increased the post’s collections by more than 52,661 pounds from last year’s results.
    Photos from Cram the Cruiser events can be viewed on the KSP flickr page at: https://www.flickr.com/photos/kentuckystatepolice/albums/72157673533117413.

  Friday, December 16, 2016

Boyle County Man Charged with Murder following KSP Investigation

    A Boyle County man has been charged with the murder of his daughter, following an investigation by the Kentucky State Police, Richmond Post.
    The investigation began on Sunday, November 20, 2016, when KSP Post 7 was contacted by Boyle County DCBS, indicating that a six week old child was admitted to Ephraim McDowell Hospital with life-threatening injuries. The child was transferred to Kentucky Children’s Hospital in Lexington, where she succumbed to her injuries on Tuesday, November 22nd. An autopsy was performed the same day by the State Medical Examiner’s office, in which the preliminary diagnoses indicated that the child died from multiple internal injuries.
    Following the initial investigation, Jeffery Spielman, 45 years old of Danville, was arrested and charged with Menacing, Resisting Arrest, Assault 4th Degree Domestic Violence, and Wanton Endangerment 2nd Degree, and was lodged in the Boyle County Detention Center. Spielman bonded out of jail on Thursday, December 8th, and was arrested again on Monday, December 12th for an EPO Violation.
    As a result of the ongoing investigation Spielman was charged with Murder today, following the indictment by the Boyle County Grand Jury. He remains in the Boyle County Detention Center.
    The ongoing investigation is being conducted by KSP Detective Tye Chavies.



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