Murder suspect sentenced to 40 years

Michael Musarra

by Matt Hughes

J-E News Editor

Nearly two years after a double homocide took place on Highland Avenue in Providence, the families of the victims finally have a conviction in the case. Michael A. Musarra, 45 of Providence, entered a guilty plea on Friday, September 27, 2013 and was sentenced   a week later.

The murders took place on Monday, November 7, 2011. Authorities reported at the time that Musarra shot his ex-girlfriend, 43-year-old Erika Hutchason, then stabbed 39-year-old Anthony Culp.

Hutchason, was taken to the Regional Medical Center in Madisonville, KY for treatment.  She was later life flighted to St. Mary’s in Evansville, IN but died from her injuries. 

Providence Council hears plea from Fire Chief

By CHARLIE HUST

Providence City Council meeting Monday night was routine with the passage of two ordinances along with a plea from Fire Department Chief Brad Curry for participation in an upcoming volunteer fireman recruitment drive.

Second reading of an ordinance regulating bucket brigades and charitable solicitations within the city limits was held and passed. The ordinance deals with general safety of such activities on the local roadways as well as dealing with numerous complaints about door-to-door solicitations on private property and business.

The measures ensures that all individuals, groups or organizations must file for a request 10 days prior to solicitation date in order to obtain a permit. All individuals will be required to wear some type of identification during the solicitation. For-profit solicitation will require a $5 fee.

The measured passed with a 4-0 vote (Councilwomen Shannon Layton and Dolores Overby were absent from the meeting).

Tri-County Alliance now recycling Webster County goods

Norman Winstead

by Matt Hughes

J-E News Editor

In May Governor Steve Beshear announced a $900,000 grant had been awarded to expand the Tri-County Alliance Recycling Center in Henderson. The near 3,000 square foot facility opened it’s doors over the summer and has since been working to streamline recycling in the tri-county area.

“Instead of our trash going from the compaction center, straight to the landfill, it will go to the recycling center in Henderson,” explained Webster County Judge Executive Jim Townsend. This, he said, was not only environmentally good, it would also save space in the county’s landfill.

When recyclables arrive at the facility it is loaded onto a converyor. Prisoners from the Henderson County jail pick off and sort the recyclables and get them to their proper destination inside the building.

Water rate increase on the way for Sebree customers

by Matt Hughes

J-E News Editor

Residents of Sebree will most likely be seeing a 17 % increase in their water rates at the end of November. At Monday night’s Sebree City Council meeting, council members voted unanimously to approve the first reading of an ordinance that would increase rates on the bills that will be mailed out on November 27, 2013.

“Nobody likes increases,” said Mayor Ozzie O’Nan. “I certainly don’t, but we’re just to where we have to do something.”

The increase comes as part of a mandate from the Kentucky Infrastructure Authority (KIA), who will loan the city a large part of the $1.835 million it needs to fund a water rehabilitation project.

“We’re getting a $950,000 Community Development block grant that will not have to be paid back,” said city attorney Dorin Luck. Then there is a construction loan from KIA of $885,000, $88,000 of which we wont have to pay back. $797,000 of that will be paid back in no longer than 30 years.”

SERVICE RESTORED:AT&T Outage in Western Kentucky; Towers "severely degraded"

UPDATE
by Matt Hughes

J-E News Editor

According to AT&T, the wireless outage in Western Kentucky has been repaired.
    "Wireless service has been restored in Western Kentucky after a cable cut earlier today impacted service for some AT&T customers," said Cathy Lewandowski, Sr. PR Manager, Corporate Communications for AT&T Tennessee/Kentucky.  "Technicians rerouted wireless traffic and service is currently running normally. We know customers count on their wireless services, and we apologize for this inconvenience. "
    Ms. Lewandowski did not respond when asked if there would be a credit or discount given to customers within the outage area.

Tourism Commission seat remains vacant

by Matt Hughes

J-E News Editor

According to Providence Mayor Eddie Gooch, once the Uptown Fall Festival is over this weekend, things will slow down for the Providence Tourism Commission. That will give the mayor and the city council some time to select a volunteer to fill vacant seats on the commission.

Plans set for Providence “Uptown Fall Festival”

by Matt Hughes

J-E News Editor

This Saturday, October 12, the Providence Tourism Commission will present the “Uptown Fall Festival”, which will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on October 12, 2013.

“There will be several food and other vendors,” said Carol Hill with the Tourism Commission. “We’ll also have live bands, the cruise-in car show from 10:00 a.m. til 2:00 p.m., a pumpkin decorating contest at 11:00 a.m. and a Halloween Costume Contest at 2:00 p.m.”