Kentucky State Police continue to investigate a deadly wreck that occurred early this morning in McCracken County.

According to state police, troopers were called to the scene of a collision that occurred on John Puryear Drive near the intersection of Old Husbands Road, shortly after 7 a.m.

Preliminary investigation reveals that about 1:30 a.m. 35-year old Shane Crooks of McCracken County was driving on John Puryear Drive when he left the right side of the roadway and lost control of his vehicle, causing his 2001 Oldsmobile to overturn multiple times.

Crooks’ passenger, 30-year old David Willhelm of McCracken County was not wearing his seatbelt and was ejected from the vehicle.
Police say Crooks remained inside of the overturned vehicle for approximately five hours before contacing police.
Crooks and Willhelm were both transported to Lourdes Hospital where Willhelm succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead.

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Advanced technology is changing the way soldiers fight in combat and conduct missions.

Fort Campbell’s 1^st Brigade Combat Team will be conducting a live-fire exercise tomorrow showcasing advanced weaponry that’s used in combat.

According to post officials, the ability to integrate weapons systems and combat resources during combat operations is integral to soldiers on the front lines.

The live fire exercise is reportedly designed to maintain the unit’s readiness and prepare soldiers for future operations.

Soldiers will also be performing a launch and recovery mission of unmanned aerial vehicles during the training which is expected to last all day.
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An addition to the Christian County Animal Shelter won’t happen as soon as had been hoped after bids for the project came in much higher than what was expected.

Christian Fiscal Court voted unanimously to decline all bids at this morning’s meeting, with Judge-Executive Steve Tribble saying the lowest bid totaled about $225,000 including necessary cages.

Judge Tribble says that cost is just too high for a 1,550 square foot addition.

The addition is still needed, but Judge Tribble says the county just couldn’t go forward with a plan that would spend the taxpayer’s money in a less than prudent way.

Judge Tribble says he has asked for an extension on how long the county can keep the grant money without utilizing it, which he has been told should not be a problem.

In other action, magistrates approved a resolution similar to the one passed in Todd County last week asking the state to keep the Medical Examiner’s Office in Madisonville open to prevent coroners and police in western Kentucky from having to drive to Louisville every time an autopsy is needed.

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02/28/2012/am

More is now known about Monday night’s incident in Muhlenberg County, where police were forced to shoot and kill a suspect in self-defense.

A news release from Kentucky State Police says the Muhlenberg County Sheriff’s Office responded to 308 Warford St. near Drakesboro around 8:22pm to the report of a domestic dispute.

Sheriff Curtis McGehee and Deputies Terry Vick and Troy Gibson made contact with 40-year old Hargis Gibson of Drakesboro, who allegedly pulled a handgun and fired a round into the ceiling.

Gibson then allegedly pointed the gun at Sheriff McGehee, at which time all three officers fired their weapons at the suspect. Gibson died on the scene, with the sheriff and his deputies going uninjured.

Both deputies have been placed on paid, administrative leave—which is normal for such events. The investigation continues by Kentucky State Police Detective Lloyd Ray.

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02/28/2012/am

The field running for State Representative in Todd and Logan counties is quickly diminishing.

Democrat retired Logan County attorney Tom Noe has withdrawn from the race, meaning incumbent Representative Martha Jane King will run in the primary unopposed.

Noe had filed for the seat when the new re-districting legislation was in effect and when Representative King was a candidate for a new state senatorial district. When the Supreme Court ordered lawmakers back to their old boundaries, Representative King filed for her old seat in the house and Noe chose not to run against her.

The only Republican who has withdrawn is Logan County Magistrate Jo Orange, who keeps her seat on Fiscal Court.

Representative King will now face the winner of the Republican primary between Chris Hightower and Kent Wilson for the 16^th District seat.

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02/28/2012/am