The Hopkinsville-Christian County Ambulance Board approved a tentative budget at its meeting this afternoon.

Deputy Chief Eric Bleidt says the 2.8 million dollar spending plan is fiscally sound and he believes it serves the best interest of Christian County tax payers. Deputy Chief Bleidt says there are line items in the budget to purchase medical equipment and another ambulance.

The tentative budget would also allow the hiring of six new employees, according to Bleidt.

Final approval of the budget could come at next month’s meeting. The board also approved a routine budget amendment to the current year spending plan to account for fuel costs and other minor items.

                                                            **

05/08/2012/am

Fort Campbell soldier Brent Burke will spend the rest of his life behind bars.

He was found guilty in military court on charges connected to the deaths of his estranged wife and her former mother-in-law.

Burke had been tried four times in civilian court, but each case ended in either a mistrial or hung jury. Tracy Burke and Karen Comer were found dead at a Hardin County home in 2007. The jury returned the verdict after just three hours of deliberations. He was sentenced to life without parole on the two premeditated murder counts.

                                   **

05/08/2012

Hopkinsville Police are investigating an alleged burglary that took place yesterday at an apartment located on Lewis Street.
20-year old Gregory Babb reported to police that someone used to force to gain entry into his apartment and removed over $2,100 worth of possessions from his residence.
A car radio system, a flat screen television, a Samsung surround sound system and a play station were among several items that were reported stolen.
A suspect description was not provided in the report, but police say the case remains open and officers are following up on all leads related to this case.
                                               **

Hopkinsville Police are investigating a vehicle burglary that allegedly took place sometime between Sunday and Monday.
38-year old Kevin Knight of Hillaire Drive reported to police that unknown persons broke into his vehicle and stole $5,300 worth of property including a Rolex watch and electronics.
Police say the vehicle’s left rear window was tampered with to allow the suspect to gain entry into the vehicle and steal the property that was found in plain view.
A suspect description was not provided in the report, but Hopkinsville Police wants to remind residents to lock their vehicles and to never leave valuable possessions in plain sight.
                                                           **

A Salvation Army Captain is expected to take over the reigns of the Hopkinsville branch of the organization next month.
Officials have appointed Mark Czanderna to replace Lieutenant David Costellow, who is being reassigned to Morgantown, West Virginia after several years of dedicated service in serving the less fortunate in Hopkinsville.
Lieutenant Costellow says he has spoken to Czanderna over the phone on several occasions and believes he is the right man for the position.
Lieutenant Costellow says he hopes his replacement will continue the numerous programs that he has started over the past couple of years.
Czanderna’s first day of employment at the Hopkinsville Salvation Army is expected to be Wednesday, June 20^th.
While his departure is bittersweet, Costellow says he is looking forward to creating new partnerships in Morgantown, West Virginia, especially with West Virginia University officials since the campus will be in close proximity of his new post.
Costellow’s last day of employment with the local chapter will be Sunday, June 17^th.
                                                           **