Local News

A last-minute plea agreement negated the need for a trial by jury Dec. 10.

Mickey S. Tedder, 56, entered an Alford plea to one count each of complicity, trafficking in controlled substance (cocaine), possession of marijuana, use or possession of drug paraphernalia, second, and complicity trafficking of controlled substance (methamphetamine) in LaRue Circuit Court.

In an Alford Plea, the defendant does not admit the act, but admits that the prosecution likely could prove the charge.

LaRue Fiscal Court approved the acquisition of paper ballot voting machines from Harp Enterprises to be placed in each precinct in future elections.

Voters will mark their choices on paper ballots, much like taking a standardized test in school or filling out a lottery ticket. Then the ballots are place into a scanner where the votes will be recorded electronically and the ballot dropped into a bin.

“In the event of the balloting being questioned, we’ll have the actual documents to check,” Judge-Executive Tommy Turner said at Tuesday's meeting.

The trial for a Magnolia man accused of murder has been delayed as the Kentucky Supreme Court decides the constitutionality of the castle doctrine.

David S. McFarland, 45, faces charges of murdering 22-year-old Sabrina Shirley at his home in July 2007. Officers said he shot Shirley, his former stepdaughter, in the face as she stood on the porch of his home. McFarland told police she became violent prior to the shooting.

On Christmas Eve, the Santa’s Helper bus will make its 42nd annual run.

The project, started by Bobby Morrison, provides a happier holiday season for local low-income families – and others struggling to make ends meet. Although Bobby has been too ill to participate in the tradition for two years, it is carried on by his wife, Ann “Snookie” Morrison, and a handful of dedicated volunteers.

Friday, the bus was already full of toys – and several items of children’s clothing – that will be delivered at five locations Dec. 24.