Vanceburg Police Chief Arrested, Maintains Innocence
Vanceburg Police Chief Arrested, Maintains Innocence Save Email Print
Posted: 6:31 PM Mar 16, 2008
 Last Updated: 3:45 AM Mar 17, 2008
 Reporter: Michael Wooten
Email Address: michael.wooten@wsaz.com
293 comments
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VANCEBURG, Ky. (WSAZ) -- Vanceburg Police Chief Joe Billman was arrested for allegedly driving drunk early Sunday morning, but he says he did nothing illegal.

Kentucky State Police gave Billman a PBT (Preliminary Breath Test) outside the Super Quik in Vanceburg around 2 a.m. Sunday.

The trooper said it showed alcohol was in Billman's system. As a result, Billman was arrested.

In a telephone interview with WSAZ, Billman acknowledged he drank about 6 beers Saturday evening, but it was over the course of 6 or 7 hours.

He said he was not legally drunk, and he provided WSAZ a copy of his blood and urine drug screen from Meadowview Regional Medical Center.

The test showed his blood alcohol content at 0.038. That's well below the illegal limit of 0.08. It also showed he had no drugs at all in his system.

Billman said he tried to convince the trooper to do a field sobriety test, because he said it would have cleared him on the scene. However, he said the trooper would only perform a PBT.

Billman said he spoke with Vanceburg Mayor Angela Patton, and he expects to remain as the city's police chief.

He also expects the charges to be dropped in the coming days.

We will continue to update WSAZ.com as we get more information.
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Posted by: nick on Mar 30, 2009 at 09:51 AM
is canada nice yes or no
Posted by: LC Citizen on Oct 20, 2008 at 10:45 AM
Let it go people....
Posted by: Anonymous on Oct 7, 2008 at 11:41 AM
LOOKS LIKE OLE JOE IS STILL AT IT. HE IS THE POSTER BOY FOR BAD COPS.
Posted by: lol on Jun 30, 2008 at 05:10 PM
well he dont only sell alcholo to minors he sell dope to them to i know one guy got caught and told Joe he better help him out or he would tell on him Joe got caught raising dope at the old shoe factory and got out of it How can we keep our kids safe from people like this they suppose to protect our kids not kill them
Posted by: surprise on Jun 25, 2008 at 12:14 PM
no big surprise its good to know the right people. maybe thats why noones called in on him suppling alcholol to minors. didnt he teach dare
Posted by: Haha on Jun 24, 2008 at 01:02 PM
wow wat a surprise like we all didnt know Joe would get out of this haha he always get out of everything My uncle only had 1 beer and Joe got him for DUI and the doctor told him to drink a beer once in a while because of his kinneys and wat did it get him a DUI charge so why does Joe get out of everything My best friend lost a kid from a drunking driver the driver was a big shot like Joe and he got out of it so please get these people off the street and protect the rest of our kids the big shots should have to pay just like the rest of the people SAVE OUR KIDS
Posted by: lol on Jun 20, 2008 at 09:08 PM
way to go Giter Done we all know Joe would get out of this cause he got out of everything he done He need to quit getting everything hand to him on a silver platter This is a shame he dont pay for nothing He might realize this stuff if his kids ever get kill or hurt by a drunk driver pray for our kids
Posted by: Giter Done on Jun 13, 2008 at 12:31 AM
You betcha next time the cops have you drunk driving tell them you want taken to a hospital for a test that is nearly an hour away, im sure they will git right on that. Billman set up? Oh yeah you bet! Tell that to the cops too, tell them you were set up like Joe and I bet they get right on that. Fact of the matter is everyone in town knows Joe, knows he is a drunk and likes to hang out around town doing it. Case dismissed but not NOT GUILTY. He should have been a man like Steve Apelgate and took his lumps like a man instead of hiding behinf his tarnished badge. He's a great role model for kids, be a cop and hide behind the law.
Posted by: LC Citizen on Jun 11, 2008 at 10:34 AM
CASE DISMISSED!... per the front page of the Lewis County Herald this week. He maintained his innocence and has now been vindicated. This incident should have never taken place. The instigators should have done more homework before setting Billman up...
Posted by: FlyOnTheWall on Jun 8, 2008 at 05:49 PM
I would have loved to have been there when they took him to jail and emptied his pockets. Asked him all his personal info. I hope to GOD they remembered to charge him the $20 booking fee because he was released without posting a bond according to the Lewis County jail web site. Now talk is all over town he did get off. Is this true? I WANT TO KNOW - who was his lawyer? This lawyer will never be able to have anything to do with a case brought on by Billman because of "conflict of interest" having once represented him. Anybody?? Someday a real rain will come and wash all the scum off the streets of Vanceburg.
Posted by: Tom Paine on Jun 8, 2008 at 04:21 PM
Billman went to Maysville and took a second test after he was booked and released. And as everyone knows Maysville is less than five minutes away from Vanceburg by jet aircraft. The article doesn't mention if he used a fixed wing or helicopter to get there so let's assume he went by car at the speed limit and took the usual 45 minute ride. From his arrest to the time of release had to be at least an hour. I would guess he had time to grab a bite to eat on the way there. So it's pretty easy to go from .08 to .03 in two or more hours. V-burg police don't want to stop all drinking and drug activity, there are too many mouths to feed. Jail/courts are the town's biggest industry. How would all those cops, jailers, court clerks and judges,and the good folks who run the monopolized treatment center have a job without the drugs and dope? For you supporters of JB that don't think he's as crooked as a dog's hind leg, I have a bridge in Portsmouth I can sell you cheap. It's time to clean house.
Posted by: Well Looky there. on May 22, 2008 at 09:27 AM
Did you know that for a trooper to leave his post and come to a different city he has to be called? Well, I think that now everybody in Lewis County knows that the trooper was called by another officer that does not like Billman. For you all saying that he was pulled over, he was not. He was standing in the Super Quick parking lot while the trooper was setting behind the store and when he saw Billman get out of his truck, he came around and asked to talk to Billman. Know the real story, and you might get yourself somewhere. I don't know what goes on in your mind, but Billman has lost things that he can never get back because of this trooper's unusual actions. Talk about the State Tournament, not very many people are able to recive that gift, but since the arrest Billman had to give up his position. So, for all the people that laugh and think that it's funny that he was arrested. Thanks. That really shows who is the bigger man. Now, I can laugh at you all saying that he was wrong. hahaha
Posted by: lol on May 15, 2008 at 02:54 PM
alot of people try to do something but vanceburg is so mess up you cant kick some people out if you not in with that bunch you just might as well forget it.
Posted by: Vanceburg Man on May 13, 2008 at 01:06 PM
If everybody feels he done something wrong then do something. Instead of talking about it here go to your town meetings. Get a petiton started and get rid of him if everbody would stick together you could get something done. Its not the officials fault its ours for not doing anything about it. Nobody ever pushes this stuff we just get on here and talk about it and this gets us nowhere.
Posted by: okay on May 8, 2008 at 07:10 PM
well I see Joe still gets out of everything when is vanceburg going to clean thier town up and protect people children they ask them to keep thier kids safe but they still let thier cops on the road drinking and driving Please protect all our kids and do something about Joe and the other town people who dont go by the law and dont let the cops by with stuff either Please keep our kids alive
Posted by: lol on May 8, 2008 at 06:59 PM
well I see Joe still gets out of everything Whens Vanceburg going to clean thier town up people are asking them to protect thier children but they will never clean that town up. People get out there and help fight for our kids lives get the drunken cops off the roads and saves our kids lives Please
Posted by: vanceburg lady on May 5, 2008 at 10:27 PM
to Anonymous we can tell who's has kids and who dont no Joe did not kill anyone but he could have you should never drive after drinking thats how people get hurt or kill he could have kill hisself Joe has done alot of wroung things and never had to pay the price for none of it and I just want people to see it is really dangereous to drink and drive so once again I will ask Please do not drink and drive and help protect our kids I love my kids and I want them to live
Posted by: Anonymous on May 2, 2008 at 04:23 PM
I agree with okay? He did make a mistake and I think that he is not guilty either. So, Suck it up and get over it. Okay, see talking about how he could have killed somebody's child. See, that is the thing he did not! Okay, so start seeing outside the box!
Posted by: vanceburg lady on Apr 30, 2008 at 10:20 AM
way to go vanceburg mama yep we all know Joe get out of it he always does I know alot of stuff he got out of I just wish Vanceburg would do something about all the town workers and get the town clean up Our kids are growing up and I hate for my kids think thats the way everything should be We can tell our kids right from wroung but if the cops keep doing stuff like this they going to think thats the way it should be but my kids know drinking and driving kills and I sure dont want to see anymore kids kill from it so please Vanceburg straighten up before its one of your kids or other family memeber you lose Joe when are you going to straighten up you got kids to please start thinking about them
Posted by: Vanceburg mama on Apr 29, 2008 at 05:52 PM
OK we all know Joe has been in trouble before but we all also know that he will get out of it does anyone else remember the time Joe was drying out marajauana in the shoe factory come on he gets out of everything Joe has done worse then this so why should we expect anything different from him now. Lets just hope one day our town straightens up and realizes that everytone here is corrupt and its time that they do something about it sooner rather than later
Posted by: vanceburg lady on Apr 29, 2008 at 10:20 AM
well seem like everyone thinks poor old Joe Well Poor Old Joe done better than the rest of us at least he's getting pay to sit at home for drinking and getting pay for it and the rest of us has to work and get our money and pay for our family's funeral cause by a DUI I wish Joe would have thought before He done that I know he has kids dont he worry about them getting kill by a drunk and driver must dont cause he goes drinking with his kids well I hope he dont have to go through a death of a child cause by a drunk and driver I will never get over that kind of loss Please save our kids live and get people who drinks off our roads and if you got kids think about thier lives before you drink and drive May God Bless you all and watch over our kids
Posted by: NOlegallimit on Apr 26, 2008 at 09:06 AM
There is no such thing as a legal limit. At .080 you are presumed intoxicated. You can still be convicted of DUI after that. Most of you people hang out in bars etc. Three beers does not put you above the .080 limit. If an officer stops someone who is at an .070 ba then I guess they should let them go. Also KSP has their own lab for blood alcohol tests. They do not use a hospital for the results. Police officers do not need to hang out in bars anyway.
Posted by: Vanceburg Man on Apr 25, 2008 at 01:30 PM
My opinion is that there is a whole lot more problems going on in our town and our world. We need to quit thinking about everbody elses problems and start thinking about our own. Sure what happend was bad but let the courts decide whether its right or wrong. If people would put more effort in straightning there own lives up as they put into arguing about what Joe did and whether its right or wrong then our conty would be a better place to live. Belive me if I knew he was guilty I would be the first to say prosicute him. He is supposed to be a role model for our children. BUT everyone has there own personal life and what they do is their buisness not everbody elses. So before you judge people please ask yourself am I any better than that person to be putting them down when you yourself have probably done alot worse? You would probably be scared to death to lay your head down at night to sleep if you knew half the things that go on in our town, and this is what you want to bicker about?
Posted by: lol on Apr 24, 2008 at 06:10 PM
This is for citizen who left the comment should to me like you know all about the druggies well for lol is a church member and I dont like drinking and druggies because they end up killing my family in accidents cause by people like joe so I say protect our kids and keep them off the roads. May God will let you see the light and please pray for our kids the only people get mad about these comments is the people that do these stuff so please quit drinking and driving I want my kids to live.
Posted by: Citizen on Apr 23, 2008 at 08:23 PM
Just like we know all the "hang him" comments come from druggies, vandles or their offsprings.
Posted by: lol on Apr 23, 2008 at 10:31 AM
I just cant believe what I just heard Joe is on paid leave why should he get pay leave for drinking and driving would he still got pay if he had kill our love one instead of being charge get real mayor of vanceburg and protect our kids please save our kids lives and get these DUI off our streets will we all get pay to drink and drive.Have respects for our kids and save thier lives.Please I want my kids to live.
Posted by: lol on Apr 20, 2008 at 03:51 PM
I was reading these comments again and I was thinking about the one from okay we all know most of the comments is from his family just like the one okay wrote well okay if you had a family memeber get kill by a drunk and driver it would bother you too if Joe wasnt your family you would be upset to so please think about our lost loved one that got kill by a DUI He should had know better he need to pay for his wroung
Posted by: lol on Apr 14, 2008 at 07:03 PM
well we wont have to talk if there will be something done but everyone knows there wont be nothing done look at his mug shot you can tell he was on something I just want my kids to be safe and as long they let him by with this he will do it again please do something
Posted by: okay? on Apr 14, 2008 at 01:29 AM
Okay Billman made a mistake, but that does not mean that he is guilty. You all don't think outside of the box, one bit. I've heard many people talking about this subject at school. It upsets me because I know that he is not guilty. You all are foolish for setting on here and talking about him when it's been almost almost a month since this happend and you all are still on here talking about it. Very dissapointing.
Posted by: lol on Apr 13, 2008 at 11:06 AM
He's always cover things up and always got out of trouble. It proubly will end up throw out of court like it always is. Joe needs to pay for his mistake Be a man Joe and dont drink and drive no more I hate to see our kids kill by a drunk and driver. Joe if you are a man you will pay for your mistake,
Posted by: Anonymous on Apr 10, 2008 at 08:55 PM
Things have finally calmed for Joe, but the main question is now. When is the court date? It wouldn't be so hard to believe him if he hadn't been included with test results in the pasted trying to cover for a ksp. This is what makes people view him as they do.
Posted by: lol on Apr 10, 2008 at 04:32 PM
wow you can look at his mug shots and tell he was either drunk or high I Know that wont do anything to him cause he's the chief
Posted by: Anonymous on Apr 5, 2008 at 02:04 AM
his mug shots on the jails web site www.lewiscountydetention.com/
Posted by: OH BOY!! on Apr 1, 2008 at 01:29 AM
Come on BACK...to S.Shore KSP TROOPERS WE LOVE You ALL HERE!V-berg is a lost cause! maybe you can still save us!HURRY!The only thing that was'nt a drug called rock but really a rock has been stolen!The only ones that think they should keep it are the ones that tag their autos there and sell their dope to them! WE WILL BACK YOU 110% WE LOVE OUR LITTLE RIVER TOWN!
Posted by: lol on Mar 31, 2008 at 02:23 PM
I agree with Michelle and another thing if you going to let him keep beening the police chief give him a bike to ride so he may not kill or hurt someone plus they would save alot on gas I think they should put the cops back on there bikes instead of riding everywhere wasteing gas highest everything getting.but Joe will get out of everything like he always does.Please take care of our kids by these guys drinking and driving.
Posted by: LAWRENCE on Mar 30, 2008 at 04:58 PM
COME ON OVER TO IRONTON THEY CHARGE YOU WITH D. U. I. BUT NOW WHEN YOU GO TO COURT THEY THROW IT OUT? THIS IS ANOTHER RANDY WISE CASE F.U.N.N.Y.
Posted by: Michelle on Mar 30, 2008 at 05:24 AM
The point is not that he was drunk or not drunk the point is he was or had been drinking and driving.. and how many people have went to jail because of the smell of alcohol I know a couple and he is the cheif of police he should have Known better then to Drink and Drive it is against the law no matter what he blew he still had it in his system he is just as guilty as the ones that have went for just smelling like it. Maybe thats what vanceburg needs is some one in here to clean the town up its been like this for to long.....
Posted by: Anonymous on Mar 29, 2008 at 01:49 PM
thats a real good argument over spelling great job !!! God knows you have never miss spelled nothing in your perfect life
Posted by: Anonymous on Mar 28, 2008 at 03:08 PM
I was looking through old pictures and I found a newspaper cliping that my mother had cut out when Billman became the police chief. He stated "It is an honor for me to become the new chief, consitering that I'm following my father's footsteps." What do you think about that? You all talking about he should go to jail and rot. Well, to think that he said something like that because he had became the person that protects you and your family. That is pretty darn sad. :[
Posted by: Anonymous on Mar 28, 2008 at 03:00 PM
To Anonymous on Mar 28, 2008 at 08:00 AM That is crazy. No, Joe does not get on here and read this. He thinks that it is all bull. You spelling is horrible. "probley" haha. Try Probably. :]]
Posted by: anonymous on Mar 28, 2008 at 01:39 PM
i think that nobody fed the trooper information i think that instead of being at the vfw, or at coyotes i think he was just actually doing his job!!!!
Posted by: citizen on Mar 28, 2008 at 12:13 PM
I still say there's more to this story than meets the eye. I'm not a family member or an officer of law, but I do know that they usually don't go after each other. One officer, arresting another officer, who isn't even drunk seems strange to me. Will be interesting to see who fed the trooper the information.
Posted by: citizen on Mar 28, 2008 at 08:52 AM
Joe's family hasn't had to deal with the death of a family member caused by a drunk driver, it's true, but can you read? He WASN'T DRUNK!!!!!!! No one would be defending him if he was drunk. He was .03 and up to .08 is legal. And no, I'm not a family member. I'm not even a friend. I'm just a person that can read.
Posted by: Anonymous on Mar 28, 2008 at 08:00 AM
the good comments not from the family are probley from him. LOL
Posted by: Anonymous on Mar 27, 2008 at 10:00 PM
To lol: Not all good comments dome from his family. I'm in it but, there is people on here that I don't know. can you explain that one?
Posted by: LOL on Mar 26, 2008 at 10:44 PM
well what you know most of the good comments about Joe comes from his family. That family sure has never had to deal with a death cause by a drunk and driver. If they keep that up they made never know it made be one of thier family that had got kill by a drunk and driver even thro he only had a couple of beers and then they be wanting that person in the pen I dont care if its only a half of a beer you still shouldnt drink and drive.
Posted by: Jessie on Mar 26, 2008 at 08:48 PM
The legal limit is .8 and Joe was at .003. that is the bottom line. when a state Cop arrests a chief of police-makes you wonder what is going on and who is who in Lewis Co.to even get this done. No billman is no better than anyone else-but at the same time-if the law says 55 is speed limit and you go 45 and they arrest you-you have broken no law whether arrested or not. the law is the law. I dont know whqt he might have had to drink, but if he registers in the legal limits, which he did~then the only crime here is taking an innocent man to jail..especially one cop after another? What is the real story here?
Posted by: okay? on Mar 26, 2008 at 07:08 PM
to BillB on Mar 25, 2008 at 04:48 PM I sure will. I think that the people on here need to drop the fact that they think that he broke the law. I do know the full story having Joe as my father and knowing all that happend because hearing him tell family. Simply sounds like to me that it was a set up deal. What trooper if you are looking for drunk drivers goes behind a store and waits until someone is already out of their truck and then asks them to talk to them. Tell me what you think about that?
Posted by: HAHA on Mar 26, 2008 at 06:49 PM
way to go Linda
Posted by: karen on Mar 26, 2008 at 04:13 PM
If he is guilty of drunk driving then he should be punished, he is no better thean anyone else. It is a crime no matter who it is!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: donnie on Mar 26, 2008 at 02:22 PM
I guess you people think it's ok to get 'faced and drive around town late at night. i guess the parties at my house this weekend. well get drunk and drive our ATV's around like true redneck idiots. if the cops can drink and drive, then so can we.
Posted by: Linda on Mar 26, 2008 at 02:19 PM
What is it about DARE officers? The DARE officer one town over from me just got fired for illegal activity. I think the police just think they are above the law. Isnt this the same county where the sherriff said the Flannery family were "parasites on society" or something like that? Well does he feel the same way about this drunk? hmmmmmmm?
Posted by: anonymous on Mar 26, 2008 at 01:20 PM
again for you people on here asking what law did he brake , he chose to drink and drive ,or maybe in the little corrupt town of vanceburg that is only crime if you aren"t of higher authority!!!!
Posted by: Anonymous on Mar 26, 2008 at 12:41 PM
A Person said As an officer I would never do to Chief Billman what the State Trooper did to him thats because if you did it to Billman he would fire you. Thats the same reason no one will put there real names in the blank where it ask because everytime we went to vanceburg we ould be pulled over and leaving with a big fat ticket just for telling the truth.
Posted by: officer on Mar 26, 2008 at 09:15 AM
No officer that I know of would go after another officer the way this guy did. I honestly have to consider his motives. I wonder how his fellow officers feel about him now. I'd also be curious who informed him about Chief Billman. Apparently he trusted the wrong people. (Chief Billman's test results don't lie.) The trooper who put his reputation on the line because of bogus information probably regrets it now. I also think the person or persons who provided the information are probably worried too, because it will all come out in due time. Then and only then, will they feel the ramifications of what they've set in motion.
Posted by: officer on Mar 26, 2008 at 09:03 AM
As an officer I would never do to Chief Billman what the State Trooper did to him. He broke no law. I wouldn't even do it to a regular citizen.
Posted by: citizen on Mar 26, 2008 at 08:59 AM
No wonder people think we are so stupid in Lewis County. How many times do you have to be told that it's not illegal to have a drink, or even several drinks and drive. It's only illegal if you are over the legal limit. Chief Billman wasn't even close. Also to the person who thought he REFUSED the breathalyzer...WRONG.....it was the trooper who looked at the LOW reading on his PBT that opted to take him to the hospital for blood & urine tests. Also Chief Billman knows that refusal would cost him his license...how smart would that be? You people are so stupid.
Posted by: Concerned Citizen on Mar 26, 2008 at 08:18 AM
I believe ALL law enforcement officers should be held to the highest standards they enforce. The legal limit for blood alcohol for persons with a Commercial Driver's License is .02.
Posted by: the bottom line on Mar 26, 2008 at 05:29 AM
theres 230 comments on something that should of had about 10 or so. Joe was drinking and he is(or was when i went to school)a D.A.R.E. teacher i feel that as a teacher he needed to set a example and failed. Now for if he was legally drunk or not there will always be the people who will say he was drunk because of his power job and he was arrested. There has been rumors for years of favoritism to off duty officals. I for one dont know what happen and very few people do and there stories seem to refect there personal feeling toward Joe. Now with that said i believe that having theys charges dropped before having a court date will only add fuel to the fire. I would like to see Joe go to court and prove to us in Lewis County just like everyone else has to his innocents. He needs to tell and the KSP trooper needs to tell there sides. Joe has always been a people person who mingled with the crowd and tryed to show he was no more"above the law"then others now he needs to prove it like everyone
Posted by: UNKOWN? on Mar 26, 2008 at 12:53 AM
Thanks for the DARE lesson!! Boys and girls always remember when drinking a six pack and driving, always refuse a breath test so you can be transported to a facility where just maybe, they will take there time to get your blood. Hopfully by then you can prove the officer wrong YOU WASN'T DRUNK THAT IS JUST THE WAY WE ROLL IN VBURG!! WHAT WAS HE THINKING FOR PULLING OVER SUCH AN INNOCINT PERSON? Vanceburg is where its at a well known hick town for cheap women and home of the largest AA meeting around. If we are not known for our hollywood lights and large population. Maybe just maybe great rumors like buzzed crooked cops and a town well known for incest families will put us on the map. Although if I were Joe and Steve I would have to get drunk to pass the day by in this screwed up town anyway.. No one is to blame except ourselves for voting these kinds of people. We should be known as the city of SEX, DRUGS, and ROCK n ROLL!! We should put that on those Entering Vanceburg signs.
Posted by: Rumar on Mar 25, 2008 at 10:46 PM
to: citizens on Mar 24, 2008 at 09:43 AM Thanks. There are many people that will say that Dad should not have put me in this position. I am sure that he did not think about it. He knew what he had drank and that was that. To the rest: some say that Joe should step down? Why is that? He might have broke a law in YOUR MIND. But, Legally what law did he break?
Posted by: Judy B on Mar 25, 2008 at 10:17 PM
Well in my opinion I think that we should consider Joe Paul or Tom Flannigan as the new chief of police.. Lazy indeed most police officers are in Vanceburg...but what role exactly does Joe Billman play? I never see him out only on weekends in Ohio. I did even know he was chief of police still! As a idividual he is an awsome person but I feel that maybe he should take a step back and relize he needs to change or step down from office. Drunk Driving is a serious crime. He should use a taxi or Gary's Lemo Service free peep show in the back!!! HaHa!! I think that all the officials of Vanceburg have their dirty little secrets. Some just need to be more careful because this is going to cause some rude awakings for most of them..
Posted by: Jolisa on Mar 25, 2008 at 08:01 PM
Just because Joe Billman is a police officer does not mean that he thinks he is above the law. So everyone saying that please hush your mouths. He is a human just like the rest of us and he can live his life the way he wishes. But, there is one problem everyone is in his buisness. He did not break the law and if he had he would step up and say he did. Please learn the laws before you get on here and voice your opions. To Former Vanceburg Resident on mar 25, 2008 at 12:38 I am not a drinker, I just know the law. So don't assume everyone leaving comments drink. He did nothing wrong so he should not have to ask for forgiveness.
Posted by: anonymous on Mar 25, 2008 at 06:44 PM
are you the chief of police like andy taylor or are you like otis cambell the town drunk of vanceburg? don"t get mad just curious?????
Posted by: we'll see on Mar 25, 2008 at 06:11 PM
Well everyone we'll see if Joe will get out of this one I bet he does I know they say he wasnt drunk but thats not the thing He was drinking and driving he could have easy made a mistake and kill our kids or even his own. Please Joe admit it was wroung dont you care about people kids if you dont at least care about your own I sure dont want to go to another funeral cause by a drunk and driver I love my kids
Posted by: BillB on Mar 25, 2008 at 04:48 PM
To Okay? 3/24at 10:15 pm: If you can get someone to tell you what law Joe broke please tell me. No one else will. They just want say he did. Any of you please tell me what law he broke. And don't start you should drink and drive which I agree with but it is not illegal unless you are drunk.If you don't like the law try to get it changed.
Posted by: citizen on Mar 25, 2008 at 02:22 PM
I am so sick of hearing how corrupt my town and county are. Our Circuit & District Judges are not from Lewis Co., so do you actually mean that their counties are corrupt. I have worked as a public servant for many years & have enjoyed doing so. However, one aspect that I find hurtful is the fact that as a public servant people feel that they can say anything to you or about you.
Posted by: Former Vanceburg Resident on Mar 25, 2008 at 12:38 PM
You can tell the drinkers in this mix. They all say "he wasn't drunk" or "he didn't do anything wrong". Drinking and driving is wrong. Was he legally drunk, probably not. However, there is a much larger picture here. What does this say about the D.A.R.E. program? What public message is being sent to our young citizens? Would Mr. Billman himself or, under his instruction, his officers, NOT ticket or arrest someone driving under the influence of crack or heroin; because they had only used a LITTLE and were not legally stoned? I personally think Mr. Billman believes he is above the law, not just this time, but with many other dubious instances in his colorful past. He knows what I am making reference to. I think it would behoove Mr. Billman to take some lessons from Steve Applegate. Admit what he did was not proper, ask for forgiveness from his fellow Vanceburgians, try to set a good example in the future, and move on. Finally, I must admit, I admire the KSP officer for having the audacity to stop the Vanceburg, Police Chief. In our little community, too many times, offenders are let go to offend again due to the “good old boy syndrome”. Kudos KSP.
Posted by: anonymous on Mar 25, 2008 at 12:27 PM
how did he brake the law? he chose to drink and drive plain and simple it doesn"t matter how little he drunk,he is the law he should know better maybe it is people like you on here defending him that makes him think that he is above the law!
Posted by: Officer Billman's student on Mar 25, 2008 at 11:16 AM
I was a student of officer billman's. He was a good teacher and all the students liked him. We were allowed to ask him questions about himself and he was totally honest with us. I left class knowing that drugs,alcohol, and smoking were bad for me and I always felt like he was my friend.
Posted by: D.A.R.E. student on Mar 25, 2008 at 11:11 AM
Chief Billman taught me in DARE. He was very honest with us when we asked him questions like do you drink or do you smoke. He always told us that we shouldn't do that and the reasons why. He was a good teacher and always told us to mind our parents and that if we ever felt like we needed anything even if it was just to talk to someone that he was always available to us.
Posted by: A friend of Joe's on Mar 25, 2008 at 10:37 AM
I bet the person or persons that initiated this incident are now shaking in their shoes. When it all comes out, and I believe it will.....we'll see if justice is served. Heads are going to roll.
Posted by: Jolisa on Mar 25, 2008 at 10:19 AM
It has been over a week since this happened to Joe Billman. Could you leave it alone. Everyone keeps saying the same stuff. It does not matter what you guys think. The law is the law, so go on with your lives and leave him alone.
Posted by: citizen on Mar 25, 2008 at 09:06 AM
I'm addressing this to the person who made the comment about Chief Billman's father. Both Freida & Earl Billman would be and should be proud of thier son and the way he's handled himself during this incident. I think they would be extremely hurt to hear the comments made by citizens from a community that they both served and loved.
Posted by: Are you people stupid? on Mar 25, 2008 at 09:02 AM
Are you people really that stupid? According to THE LAW, YOUR LAWS, THE LAW OF THE LAND........ .08 is the legal limit! This is the standard that you are considered intoxicated. Anyone else out there who blew an .03 would be sent on their way home. It is not illegal to drink, say have a glass of wine with your dinner, and then drive home. It's only illegal if you're over the legal limit, which Mr. Billman wasn't. Doesn't anyone find it odd that this trooper is making up the law as he goes? Remember also this is the same guy who told Chief Billman that his own test was illegal. After calling his superior the trooper was informed that as long as anyone agrees to submit to the STATE test that they are also allowed their OWN test. Sounds like this State Trooper needs to learn the law he supposedly upholds.
Posted by: Anonymous on Mar 24, 2008 at 10:20 PM
I have lived in Vanceburg all my life and it is about time that someone finally steps up to take action against the city officials in our town.Police chief billman is our childrens D.A.R.E. leader do you you this kind of man teaching your cild how to stay off of drugs or alchol. Things have been looked over before when it has came to Mr. Billman hasn't it? I think the trooper made a good call.
Posted by: okay? on Mar 24, 2008 at 10:15 PM
To all that say that Joseph Billman broke the law. Can someone tell me what exact law Billman broke? Exactly. That is what I thought.
Posted by: citizen on Mar 24, 2008 at 09:53 PM
We all have made mistakes in our lifes. There is no one that is perfect, but we must strive to be. How do we know that Joe hasn't asked for forgiveness. There is only one real judge and we will all stand before him one day. He knows all about us and every thing that we do, whether it be good or bad. Nothing will we ever be able to hide from him. He hears, sees and knows everything about us. He'll forgive us if we only ask him and put our trust and faith in him. If you don't know this one Im talking about today, It is JESUS CHRIST OUR LORD who can do all things, and there is nothing impossible with him.
Posted by: Anonymous on Mar 24, 2008 at 04:25 PM
Drinking and driving, do not go together, no matter how many, that is what we try to teach our children, what message is this giving our children, people saying if he drove and was under the limit it is ok, i just dont get it, if you drink get someone to drive you, i think that KSP needs to look into the Sheriff Department, not just the Vanceburg Police.
Posted by: Concerned Resident on Mar 24, 2008 at 02:14 PM
I can't believe so many people think theres nothing wrong with what happened. Its about time we stand up and try to clean our little town up. Is this the kind of place you want to bring your children and grand children up in? Just about all you hear anymore is drinking, driving, and drugs. What a sad thing for then to hear and see. No matter who we are what our name is if we do wrong we should have to pay the price not let one person get by with it, and another can do the same thing and have to pay for the wrong they have done.Like one comment I read earlier. We can't do wrong and get by with it. Yes, maybe down here, but one day we won't. There won't be no respect of persons with the Lord. Its time to speak up for all those that belive this was wrong send in a comment and let then know how you feel. If your child got killed by someone drinking and driving would you want then be put right back on the road again? I don't think so. Keep up the good work KSP. Great Job!!!
Posted by: discouraged on Mar 24, 2008 at 01:40 PM
I for one am very disillusioned & disappointed at the response of some of the people of Lewis County toward Chief Billman. This is one of your own.... held up for everyone to take a swipe at. If the man was guilty I could understand Lewis Co. & Vanceburg being ashamed & embarrassed, but I cannot understand the mindset of a people who want to foster the already preconceived notion that you are a crooked county with crooked officials.
Posted by: Friend of Joe's on Mar 24, 2008 at 01:25 PM
Chief Joe Billman is not "above the law", nor is he BENEATH IT.
Posted by: fed up on Mar 24, 2008 at 12:14 PM
To the person who is upset about one of the Electric Plant Board Members being at the Middle School, don't know what this has to do with Chief Billman, but here goes...... These board members do NOT receive a salary, or any type of pay for their services. They meet one time a month, but hold down regular jobs. This is how totally uninformed people are, but they're always the most vocal. Get your facts straight before you open your mouth.
Posted by: citizen on Mar 24, 2008 at 11:39 AM
To Officers Wife. You are correct, nowhere will you find results of a BA. This is because the trooper after having Chief Billman blow into his PBT and getting the very low reading of .03 did not feel the necessity of a BA, but opted rather to take him for blood & urine testing. If you are truly an officer's wife then you understand how very UNUSUAL this trooper's procedures/actions were. No way would your husband charge and arrest another officer who blew a .03 when the legal limit is .08. If you think he would, you better ask again. Only another officer can fully understand how truly devastating this action is to a fellow officers career.
Posted by: citizen on Mar 24, 2008 at 11:28 AM
In response to Who's the Boss: The answer to that question is the LAW, and it will be followed by the elected officials in Vanceburg. Rest assured that their actions will not be fueled by comments like yours, and I'll go a step further by stating that I hope the Mayor & Council seriously consider legal action of their own towards the source that set this whole incident in motion. Whether you like it or you don't, Chief Billman, according to law, was NOT INTOXICATED, and in my mind, that makes this a defamation of character case on one of the City's employees and our City itself.
Posted by: citizen on Mar 24, 2008 at 10:22 AM
This incident has been far-reaching. It didn't just affect the Chief. I'm sure the Mayor, Council and the Citizens of Vanceburg have had to listen to comments about their Chief and their community. I think we need to look at the trooper who decided to do this to our community. I'm absolutely against drunk driving, but for the trooper who would arrest someone as high profile as a Chief of Police who wasn't even half of what is considered the legal limit, I think YOU should be held accountable for putting not only the Chief, but a whole community through this.
Posted by: citizen on Mar 24, 2008 at 10:13 AM
The people who are applauding the system that charged Chief Billman with DUI, will be the same people who say it's corrupt when he's found "not guilty." Seems you want it both ways. He's high profile and people will always enjoy tearing these people down. Hold your head up Joe. You did nothing wrong!
Posted by: citizen on Mar 24, 2008 at 10:09 AM
As a resident of Lewis Co. I have heard the accusations, innuendos, and gossip about Joe Billman for a long, long, time. I have never understood what the fascination with him is, other than the fact that he's a police officer that acts like a regular citizen. He gets out and mingles with the citizens of this community and for that he gets slammed. You might not think it's "right" to go to a bar, and you're entitled to your opinion, but you're opinion is not the "law." The fact remains that he was no where near the legal limit of being intoxicated and should've been treated like every other citizen in this country. I feel that most of the negative comments are coming from a certain element, and as long as it was a law enforcement official, they'd think he was guilty, and funny.
Posted by: citizen on Mar 24, 2008 at 09:52 AM
Wow....it's amazing how much "pull" you think Chief Billman has! Do you really think that the same state trooper that pulled Chief Billman over is going to allow Chief Billman's buddies to drive him slowly to the hospital? What purpose would that serve except to make the trooper look bad. Also, I guess since you don't believe the test results that were ran on Chief Billman at the same hospital, at the same time as the troopers, then you must also believe he has the nurse, lab, and entire staff in his hip pocket. Get Real.
Posted by: citizens on Mar 24, 2008 at 09:43 AM
I know Chief Billman and his family. I see his 13 yr. old daughter on a daily basis at school. She's a beautiful, intelligent, mannerly little girl, who I am sure is very hurt by all of this. I hope she realizes that her father did nothing wrong. There will be those who argue that he shouldn't have put her in this position, but when a man has the amount of alcohol in his system that is almost equivalent to rinsing with mouthwash and charged with DUI, it's ridiculous. In my opinion it sounds like that though he had a drink that he was being responsible. However, I wonder about the motives of a trooper that would put innocent people through this unnecessarily. To all of Joe's kids.....Hold your heads up.
Posted by: citizen on Mar 24, 2008 at 09:35 AM
WAKE UP PEOPLE!!!!!!! According to the law, Chief Billman did NOTHING wrong. No police oficer, no matter who it is, will win in this type of situation. The court of public opinion will not allow it. No wonder they feel like they have to watch each other's backs. If it was anyone else other than a police officer everyone would think it was horrible.
Posted by: kjrb on Mar 23, 2008 at 06:37 PM
I think that it is funny that you all have nothing better to do than sit around on this website and talk about a father, son, uncle, brother, cousin. You all never think about the good that Mr. Billman does. People talk on here as he is such a horrible person and you obiously don't know the real man. You see him and you know his name, but you don't KNOW him. I am sure that he would love to know who some of you are. Most people on here would not have enough guts to say some of the stuff that you are saying on here to his face. LEGALLY he did not nothing wrong. IN YOUR MIND he may have done something wrong. The law is the law and it is not what you think. Also, your grammer and spelling is horrible. -peace. :]
Posted by: CITIZEN on Mar 23, 2008 at 01:24 PM
Instead of sitting at McDonalds and Superquick talking to woman and going out getting drunk maybe the cops in this town should concentrate on actually doing something right in this town instead of setting a really bad example to our community
Posted by: BillB on Mar 23, 2008 at 06:37 AM
Some of you have time understanding that it is not again the law to drive after drinking. It is again the law to drink while driving or to be drunk and drive. If you don't like this law try to get it changed.
Posted by: Anonymous on Mar 23, 2008 at 03:36 AM
it looks like this would be a elected office why isnt it ? the sheriff is why not this office?
Posted by: Citizen! on Mar 22, 2008 at 07:26 PM
I knew this was your father, but it don't matter if the President was your father. It is a shame for what he did and he knows it, but he don't care. It don't matter if he was under the limit, he had been driving when he shouldn't have been. But like I said before, it don't matter because he will get out of this mess and continue to do the same thing. The only problem is, the next time he does it, it could cost someone their life because of your father.........Just because people get on this site and voice their opinions about this situation does mean they don't have a life, they are just concerned about theirselves and their families. I thought people had a freedom to speech, but by your laws, I guess they don't.
Posted by: Jolisa on Mar 21, 2008 at 09:29 PM
Well guess what if you did not know I am his daughter. THANKS!!!!!
Posted by: Anonymous on Mar 20, 2008 at 09:40 PM
"he expects to remain as the city's police chief."who is the boss?
Posted by: Lewis County on Mar 20, 2008 at 08:05 PM
I'm extremely shocked by some the people of our community is coming forward about Joe in a good way. I understand about his children doing so, but the adults it's mind blowing that people can be so blinded or don't want to throw stones. Eventually he will have to learn in order to be a pillar of the community that he needs to change some of his behaviors. It's totally up to him on how he decides to continue with his lifestyle and things seem to be getting worse as time passes for him. I really didn't know his age until the press was released and by this time if he doesn't see the light that people will critize him more so and than give him a good praise it's human nature to always to call out the bad in a person. Hopefully after this ordeal and I believe he will keep his job and the ksp will be transported to another county. I don't know how many chances he is willing to take and if nothing at all think about who he is hurting more so than himself please think of your children.
Posted by: Anonymous on Mar 20, 2008 at 06:10 PM
my son matt haddox has passed away june 1 2007 let me tell you about this town it is so awful that it wont even investigate my sons death please if any one knows anything about my son please comment back...miss haddox a desperate mother thank you
Posted by: Vanceburg resident on Mar 20, 2008 at 03:42 PM
I agree will a mother as well posting. Vanceburg needs more cops like Tom as a police officer. I have never seen him hang out at the VFW. Who runs the DARE program anyway, Tom used to and I know that he doesnt drink or party. Like the Mother as well quoted "this should have taught him a lesson" but like others we know that it won't. It's behavior like Joe's is the reason most of the residents are leaving this county. They are just tired of the "good old boy mentality".
Posted by: CITIZEN VANCEBURG on Mar 20, 2008 at 11:14 AM
ITS ABOUT TIME HE GETS CAUGHT INSTEAD OF GETTING OFF AND THE MAYOR NEEDS TO MAKE SURE SOMETHINGS DONE ABOUT IT HES SUPPOSE TO BE AN EXAMPLE. WELL I DEFINETLEY DONT WANT MY KIDS FOLLOWING THAT EXAMPLE
Posted by: A Mother As Well on Mar 20, 2008 at 09:17 AM
To the Mother that wrote, If you knew Joe at all, you would know that he is a bad person. How would you have liked it if you and your child were out driving that night and Joe hit and killed you and your child? I feel that the KSP do a good job and put their lives on the line, but the city police in Vanceburg never put their neck on the line. I agree that they are under staffed, but I don't agree they are under paid. Obviously, they get paid good to do nothing at work all day and then go out and drink every night. I agree that we need more cops in Vanceburg, especially like Tom. He is the only responsible cop in Vanceburg. It seems that the KSP need to meet with the city police and teach them a thing or two about pulling people over. If Joe had any respect for himself as well as others, this should have taught him a lesson, but it won't. He will be out again when all this mess is dismissed.
Posted by: Citizen! on Mar 20, 2008 at 09:04 AM
Someone said that Joe left Coyotes at 1:45 and they close at 1:00, how are they getting to stay open after hours? Oh, that's right, it is because we have drunks as our cops in Lewis County. I think that it would be a good idea to close Coyotes and the VFW. I feel that both places just stir up problems in Lewis County. I wish that the state police would sit outside the VFW every night they are open. That is where most people in Lewis County go that have no life anyway. They should be more concerned staying home with their families instead of getting arrested. I personally wish there would be some way to shut the VFW down. If there was a way to get it shut down, then I would be up for the idea.I have friends that go to the VFW, but if they are going to drink and drive, then I hope they all get pulled over. They are just putting people's lives at stake, but they don't care. People in Lewis County only care about theirselves and not their friends or family.
Posted by: lewis.co on Mar 20, 2008 at 01:33 AM
Lyndela,sounds like a rich snob with a lot of ignorance going on.and tea club ha,ha.
Posted by: Mother on Mar 20, 2008 at 12:30 AM
I get tired of people complaining about the Deputies of Lewis County, when they put their lives on the line and work 60-80 hours a week to solve all the cases and only get paid for 40 hours. They are out day and night to protect the citizens of Lewis County, they are under staffed and under paid. Most of the circuit court cases are carried by the LEWIS COUNTY SHERIFF DEPT. Just like KSP they have very few troopers to work three to four counties. Lewis County is four hundred and eighty four square miles with only one or two officers working most days, because that is all the county can afford. As for Mr. Billman maybe he did make a mistake and used poor judgement,that don't make him a bad person. And the trooper just did his job based on what he saw at that time. despite what the results showed 2 hours later. Everyone should work together to make LEWIS COUNTY a better place to live, and raise our CHILDREN. THANK YOU.
Posted by: Anonymous on Mar 19, 2008 at 11:38 PM
I've also known Joe Billman for many years and know about his past history. I also know that he has been spending a good majority of his time at the bar since his divorce. Right or wrong, he was drinking and driving. There is no way of getting around that fact. If the people of Vanceburg and LC really think he did wrong, then do something about it. The problem with this county is that the citizens have been sitting back for years and LETTING bad things happen. So, yeah everyone agrees that its all corrupt, well then fix it! Instead of sitting on here and blowing the gossip out of proportion, get involved in your government and fix it. Why don't we start by NOT putting corrupt politicians in office or in this case pressuring the Mayor into finding a solution for the very corrupt police department! I moved out of this county because I was tired of no one speaking up for what is right. Maybe people will start caring...
Posted by: ?? on Mar 19, 2008 at 10:01 PM
MONEY TALKS!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: officers wife on Mar 19, 2008 at 09:31 PM
I have read this article several times. At no point do I see what the BA was when Mr. Billman was arrested. What I see is the results that Mr. Billman has provided. KSP has two hours after arresting someone to have blood/urine test ran. Mr. Billman's BA may have been coming down and within that two hour time span came down to the .038. I am an officers wife. I respect the officers that put on a gun and badge and go to work every day. When my husband leaves, I hope he returns. Its not a guarantee. KSP put their lives on the line daily. Not only do they answer numerous ridiculous complaints but when they do happen to make an arrest, people complain. Mr. Billman admitted that he had been drinking. I don't care if it was one beer. Being an officer he knows the dangers of drinking and driving. He should have respected the law enough not to get behind the wheel. Maybe that was the problem. He doesn't respect the law. A great example for the youth of Lewis Co!!!
Posted by: Anonymous on Mar 19, 2008 at 08:47 PM
After 20 years of harassing me, I can finally laugh at you. I will do it loudly every time I see you. Good Job Bill!
Posted by: Aces R High on Mar 19, 2008 at 08:29 PM
Wow... I am amazed by the amount of ignorance seeping out of the comment left by "Lyndela from New York." I happen to be from New York myself and I have to say, idiots like yourself are half the reason I left. You give a bad name to people like myself, hard workers with a lot of knowledge and good to offer to society. I'd like to tell you what to do with those print-outs, but then my comment wouldn't get posted. Unless you have something to contribute, I suggest you keep your pathetic comments to yourself. Stupidity comes in many forms I guess.
Posted by: NO the facts on Mar 19, 2008 at 07:09 PM
One does not have to blow a .08 to be lawfully arrested for DUI and convicted. The problem I have with the troopers case is, Why wasnt a field soberity test given? I have been a police officer for 17yrs, and I was trained that your arrest should be based upon the following: 1. Reason to stop the vehicle(law broken)2. Officers observation of driver condition. 3. Field Soberity test. (Unless the driver is to intoxicated to do test, Safely)These 3 things is all a officers needs to do. In WV. A DUI arrest should never be based upon PBT only.(May be different in KY.)A officer doesn't even have to give a driver the Intoxilyzer test, if he can prove the driver failed field soberity, and the stop was legal. This may be how the officers are trained in Ky., so if it is, the officer in my opinion has a weak case. But I do commend him in his effort to stop drunk drivers!!! or even Buzzed drivers. The good things is, a drunk was taken off the road, and I bet the officer arrested wont do it again.
Posted by: Lyndela from New York on Mar 19, 2008 at 04:59 PM
I must start out by telling you that this has been very entertaining reading. I just happened upon this article through a google search. I must know more about your culture. Is this the way they teach you to write in your schools? Most of these comments use little or no capitalization or punctuation and the grammar is so much different than we were taught up here. Do very many people wear shoes? I see on TV that the basketball team in Kentucky wears shoes so I suppose some do. Do your public officials drink their beer with moonshine, or are they really just calling the moonshine beer for the press. I know that everyone there can't be as backwoods as these comments sound because you have the internet there. Do you have a computer in the billiards parlor where a quarter will let it be used for a certain length of time? I have printed your comments and shared with my tea club for a delightful time. Please keep posting, for you seem to be a very interesting people.
Posted by: saw it with my own eyes on Mar 19, 2008 at 04:28 PM
To Druken monkey can you advice why you would be leaving a bar that closes at 1a.m. at 1:45 A.M. and then claim that Joe left after that, look like he also broke the law by allowing the bar to be opened an hour after closing time and billman himself said he had went to the VFW to have a drink with his daughter so saying I seen him there is not slander. And to the person who said that billman is availiable 24/7 how can this be true when he is drinking at the local bars all week-end and sometimes during the week. no it is not illegal to drink but when you are the chief of police ytou are supossed to be above the law not out drinking and driving where everyone can see. And i think he should have been suspended until the states test results come back he is setting a bad example, but he always has so that is nothing new.
Posted by: whatever on Mar 19, 2008 at 04:11 PM
so you mean with the weekend coming up I can go drink 6 beers and drive as long as I drink them over a 6 or 7 hour period, you know this pits me in the mind of when Bill Clinton said he did not inhale ha ha...I hope KSP is out looking for everyone cause you know someone somewhere is gonna say I drank this over a 6 to 7 hour period you think they will throw it out or throw the book at YOU?? hmmm should be intresting to see.
Posted by: concerned on Mar 19, 2008 at 03:42 PM
Billman and Applegate should both be men and step down, at least take a leave without pay for awhile, I say 2 thumbs up to the state troopers for doing their job.Maybe they should sit outside cyotes and VFW and get more of Lewis Co officals or any of the other drunk drivers, if you're going to drink stay the hell off the roads, or at least get a driver. drunks like Billman and Applegate wont get hurt or killed they will end up hurting innocent people.Maybe these men should have thought of their own families would they want someone to have to explain to their children that daddy chose beer over them i think not
Posted by: Anonymous on Mar 19, 2008 at 03:38 PM
THE HERALD ISA JOKE OTHER THEN COURT NEWS ITS NOT WORTH GETTING
Posted by: Anonymous on Mar 19, 2008 at 03:06 PM
my brother Clifford Matthew Haddox died june 1 2007 in the town of vanceburg ky any one that knows any information at all about this please come forward
Posted by: Anonymous on Mar 19, 2008 at 02:21 PM
Jason i looked up Trooper Eugene Robinson who made the arrest he graduated in 2005 after 22 weeks of training info was found at http://www.kentuckystatepolice.org/2005/press/pr03_25_05.htm
Posted by: Ashley. To everyone on Mar 19, 2008 at 02:20 PM
I only live in Lewis Co. for a short time but i noticed most of the law was backwards. When I went to LCHS everyone would talk about the parties they were going to have, and to the few that I went to most everyone stayed if they were drinking. I dont know if you have heard of MADD or not, it's an organization for mothers against drunk driving, they have worked for many years to get people to stop drinking and driving. It does kill people it doesnt matter how many you have had it's still driving under the influence. Alochol inpares your judgement of right or wrong. The school and police are always telling they younger generation to be safe, not to drink and drive, even one is as they call it "Buzzed Driving" and Buzzed driving is still wrong. There would be more people in the world if everone would just take their own advise. Just because he is the sheriff doesnt mean he's above the law.To everone, take ur own advice and be responisble. If the law dont obay the law why should we?
Posted by: reader on Mar 19, 2008 at 02:11 PM
to rumar i don"t have any problem i am just voicing my comments like everybody else on here i think it is great that you stand up for your dad i would want my children to stand up for me too but not if i am in the wrong it doesn"t matter how little he had in his system with him being an officer of the law i am sure he has seen that the smallest amount of alcohal could lead to the biggest fatalities....he should go by the law even if he is the law!
Posted by: db on Mar 19, 2008 at 02:08 PM
i cant believe the herald runned it. it was just because of pressure from people talking about it. because i know of people getting DUI's before and they never runned it because they where related to the papers owner.i dont even buy it anymore its garbage.and as far as the "running your mouth"thats classy.You know as well at the paper doesnt run half the news just like when curnal browns grandson brong a gun to the welfare office i dont remember that in there untill it went to trial. also did the herald run that Dr. Fortune J. Williams was going to have a 2nd trial for prescribing pain-killers from his Garrison office i dont remember that unless they put it in this week about 2 weeks late.
Posted by: anon on Mar 19, 2008 at 02:05 PM
I have issues with Billman and I don't really like him as a person, but in this case I think someone called in a complaint in order to get the spotlight off our shady judge executive. It certainly seems to be working. Lewis County is ridiculous with the whole "good ol boy" system.
Posted by: Resident on Mar 19, 2008 at 01:54 PM
I agree that the law is the law, but Joe should hold himself to a higher standard. He is the chief of police and a D.A.R.E. officer. He may have been under the legal limit, but should not have been driving and setting a bad example for our youth.
Posted by: BillB on Mar 19, 2008 at 12:00 PM
To Anonymous March 19th at 12:04 am.: Please tell me one more time why he should have to spend time in jail when he didn't break the law.
Posted by: LC Resident on Mar 19, 2008 at 10:07 AM
You should have checked out the Herald this week before running your mouth. There is a "full" article on the "front" page of the paper regarding this situation, along with a seperate article regarding Steve Applegate's incident.
Posted by: Jason on Mar 19, 2008 at 10:00 AM
This is nothing more than some little snot nosed,punk trooper rolling into town fresh out of the academy thinking he's god! Why are laws placed and limits set if the ksp are just gonna do what they want? A .08 limit is in my opinion very low because it takes little more than 2 beers in the right timeframe to put you over it. But arresting someone with a .03 content just cause he is the cheif of police is nothing more than a power trip for this little power crazed rookie! Billman broke NO law! Pure and simple.Just because he is a cheif of police doesent mean he isnt allowed to drink a beer or two does it?It still is legal in the U.S. As for Steve Applegate,he was twice the legal limit to be driving and speeding 18 mph over the limit with no tags or insurance.There is no comparison to Applegate and Billman.Applegate should step up and face the guilt because he is guilty! Billman is not! I hope when the courts see that Billman is innocent they take that little idiot troopers badge!
Posted by: Toni on Mar 19, 2008 at 09:31 AM
I agree with Jolisa. The world would be a much better place if people would keep their noses in their own business, instead of passing judegement on others.
Posted by: Citizen with grandchildren on Mar 19, 2008 at 08:48 AM
Yes I do read the labels on my medicine. over the counter and prescriptions. I do not take anything that will make me drowsy if Im going to drive. I also ask the doctor about side effects before taking and before driving. I still say there is no excuse for drinking and driving. Drinking may be legal but drinking and driving is not. Thank You Very Much.!!!
Posted by: db on Mar 19, 2008 at 06:16 AM
I would bet that the Lewis County Paper will not carry this story or at least try to get out of it by posting a 3 or 4 liner on the last page.Thanks WSAZ for reporting the news and not something dumb like what Vanceburg offical had dinner with a vanceburg lawyer.
Posted by: Anonymous on Mar 19, 2008 at 06:08 AM
i hate when people talk about spelling stuff wrong because they dont have a better argument.chances are they spell checked every word so they wouldnt look dumb for missspelling something thereself. lol its like saying you have never done it...well let me tell ya everyone does.
Posted by: Anonymous on Mar 19, 2008 at 03:35 AM
we have nothing better to do then write comments about Billman looks like you dont neather or you wouldnt be reading this now !!! lol
Posted by: Jolisa on Mar 19, 2008 at 12:34 AM
I'm glad you guys like to sit on here and argue about Joe Billman. Do you have a life? He did nothing wrong so stay out of his life and worry about your own.
Posted by: Anonymous on Mar 19, 2008 at 12:04 AM
HE SHOULD HAVE TO SPEND HIS TIME IN JAIL JUST LIKE ALL THE OTHER MEN AND WOMEN. HE NEVER DREAMED HE WOULD GET TOOK TO JAIL. HE COULD HAVE WRECKED AND KILLED SOMEONE OR HIS SELF JUST LIKE ANYONE ELSE. SO WHATS THE DIFFERENCE?
Posted by: Tollesboro on Mar 18, 2008 at 10:32 PM
Should have VOTED JEFF HIMES as lewis co. Sheriff that would have weeded the Biggest baddest WOLF out of his office.
Posted by: Drunkin Monkey on Mar 18, 2008 at 10:28 PM
To The concerned Resident As far as you putting other people down about how they SPELL, well i can spell okay just some people cant help that they went to LEWIS CO. SCHOOLS. and look at the local Sheriffs department For example T.P. of the Sheriffs office cant read or write and when he conducts a traffic stop he has to have someone fill out the paper work. and for your self giving the number to the adult education center well looks like you have gone there your self to know the number as well as you do. and for the person that saw Mr. Billman the night it happend well i also saw him with my own eyes and he was at coyotes that night and was not telling a fib. i left there at 1:45AM myself Joe stayed and talked with his son and MR STAMPER so get your story right because that could be called SLANDER!!!!
Posted by: Anonymous on Mar 18, 2008 at 10:09 PM
seems to be one deputy doing his job as i set in court today. It seemed he was the only officer that had cases.Its that way every week. Good job deputy. We need more like you.
Posted by: al on Mar 18, 2008 at 10:05 PM
I have known Chief Billman for many years. He is a very hard worker, dedicated to his position as Chief of Police. He often goes above and beyond the call of duty to help the residents of Vanceburg as well as Lewis Co as a whole. I have also worked with him professionally at various times, and he is available for his job anytime needed, 24/7. How many of us can say that?How many of us are perfect? and re: children, I have children, and would NEVER hesitate to leave them under his care. There's no evidence that he broke any law.
Posted by: jennifer on Mar 18, 2008 at 08:27 PM
and like I said earlier 2 hours is not long enough to bring your BAC down from a .08 to a .02. I know this because I was just tested on it in a healthy living class. And just because you FEEL like there was a good reason to arrest him doesn't mean that there WAS a good reason to arrest him.
Posted by: danner on Mar 18, 2008 at 06:53 PM
help
Posted by: Concerned Resident on Mar 18, 2008 at 06:49 PM
To the majority of the Lewis County Residents: Please contact the Adult Education Center, located in Vanceburg at 606-796-0924 and learn proper grammar before casting your opinion on this matter. Stop showing your ignorance and making us all look illiterate. "Education Pays" that is why most of you collecting a state check. Thank you.
Posted by: danner on Mar 18, 2008 at 06:37 PM
another thing that irks me about vanceburg is all the utility paying customers are paying for one of the plant boards foremans to be at the middle school's baseball team everyday they have practice. something needs to be done about that.
Posted by: danner on Mar 18, 2008 at 06:31 PM
another thing that irks me about vanceburg is we pay our utility bills and we are paying the salary of one of the plant boards foreman's to be out at the middle school with the baseball team everyday they have practice when they should be on the job working. i think something needs to be done about the situation.
Posted by: About time on Mar 18, 2008 at 05:52 PM
Seems to me that someone is tired of the good ole boy politics of lewis co 2 within 1 week wonder whos next this may be a sign that things might get better the corrupt agencies need to realize their days are numbered people are feed up you can only kick and keep a dog down for so long then he will turn on you so kudos to the ksp and keep it up root them all out u got them wondering now so finish the job clean it up and restore the peoples faith in the justice system then maybe we'll help to weed out the other problems wouldn't it be nice to get some of the drugs out of the area and we will help if we know all crooks will be treated the same
Posted by: BillB on Mar 18, 2008 at 05:21 PM
To Citizen with grandchildren: You may be right but the law is the law.
Posted by: Concerned Citizen on Mar 18, 2008 at 05:17 PM
Congratulations to KSP...JOB WELL DONE! There is no excuse for behaviour such as this and I have been told by reliable sources that his test, which a copy you say was given to WSAZ, was performed several long hours after the initial incident took place...plenty of time for his blood level to begin to level out. The chief will more than likely be allowed to keep his job and will probably not even be held accountable in our courts. Lewis County has deteriorated over the years and should be ashamed of the drugs and alcohol that are so much a part of our neighborhood now. Lewis County sheriff and Vanceburg city police ought to take lessons from KSP and start holding their own "click" just as accountable as every other citizen. Let Mr. Billman and Mr. Applegate, our judge executive, who is facing the same charges, stand up and be held as accountable as some of my friends have been. Pull their license, and let them do time in jail. It's only fair. Drink responsibly and don't drive!!!!
Posted by: saw it with my own eyes on Mar 18, 2008 at 04:38 PM
in the maysville artical billman says he left cyotes and went to get a gallon of milk before going home, well there is something wrong with that story first thing is cyotes closes at 1 a.m. and the arrest happened at 2 a.m. and everyone knows the bar is less than a 2 miniute drive to super quick. i think Mr. Billman forgot to mention his visit to the local VFW, i was at the VFW and left right in front of Mr. Billman and i saw the KSP sitting in the pull off beside the high school lane and that is where he followed Billman from to super quick. And before someone says it no I was not drinking i was the sober driver. I do drink occasionaly but I have never and will never drink and drive, I can only imagine how I would feel if a drunk driver hit and killed someone I love so I would never take the chance of putting someone thru that. I do not think this was a set up Mr. billman drinks and drives alot and if you keep it up you are going to eventually get caught.
Posted by: jennifer on Mar 18, 2008 at 03:57 PM
To Citizen with grandchildren... I understand your concern but you've probably never read the labels on some of the medicine you take. It makes you drowsy and sluggish and can make you a heck of a lot more "drunkish" (for a lack of better terms) than a teaspoon of alcohol. As a matter of fact anyone who is reading this has probably taken a medicine with codeine or sedative that is going to make them have the same side affects as alcohol and still drive a car! So before you go criticizing one for having a few drinks that is actually legal look in your own medicine cabinet!
Posted by: reader on Mar 18, 2008 at 03:47 PM
to jennifer 1:50 he had alcohol in his system end of story he should not have drove if he had just had one beer do you think that if an average joe would get pulled over that they would have their choice of what kind of breathalyzer that they want performed i assure not do you drive while you drink because you sound like somebody that approves of this and this is a free country i have the right to speak my mind and how do you know that he is innocent was you there?
Posted by: Rumar on Mar 18, 2008 at 03:42 PM
To "reader" Joe is my father and He did not fail any of the tests. I don't see what your problem is. You just believe what you want to.. and not the truth.
Posted by: Lauren on Mar 18, 2008 at 03:37 PM
To Citizen with grandchildren on Mar 18, 2008 at 03:06 PM What you think should be and what actually exists are two different things. Guess what you can't charge people for breaking imaginary laws just because YOU think they should be charged,and neither can anyone else! If eveything in this story is true any lawyer will take this open and shut case and all charges will be dropped PERIOD!
Posted by: Anonymous on Mar 18, 2008 at 03:18 PM
jennifer on Mar 18, 2008 at 01:50 PM if he was drunk or not he is a cop he knows the system he knows what to do to get out of it.drunk or not i feel there had to be a good reason to arrest him also like was said earlyer the test was took WAY over a hour later because the hospital is a hour away plus he had to be booked and everything
Posted by: Citizen with grandchildren on Mar 18, 2008 at 03:06 PM
I think the legal limit should be 0.000 You should not even drink a teaspoon of alcohol and get behind the wheel of any motorized vehicle. My granddaughter may be in the car you hit. I dont feel sorry for anyone who drinks and drives even just a little. There is no excuse. Stay at home and drink or call a cab or a friend. Also, those who are bad mouthing the family of the missing elderly couple saying they should take away there keys and/or vehicle. Maybe so but lets also take away drunks keys and vehicles. If they act like a child treat them like a child and punish them,take away there privilages.
Posted by: dab on Mar 18, 2008 at 03:00 PM
a couple of good phases for the fine citizens of lewis county...he without sin throw the first stone and here is another one...sweep around your own door step before you sweep your neighbors "got the picture"
Posted by: wow on Mar 18, 2008 at 02:56 PM
Please clean up Lewis County The State Police should get a special reward for this now if they get the rest of wrong people out of Vanceburg it might be a good place to be I am ashame of the mayor for letting Billman back in the car Bring the feds and state police in and get the rest of the offical off the street before someone end up getting kill and it be swept under the rug like everything else!!! I want my kids to live not to be kill by a drunk Police man. Pray for our saftly Please
Posted by: Chad on Mar 18, 2008 at 02:55 PM
Last I checked it was not illegal to consume alcohol in the state of Ky. Furthermore the legal blood alcohol content is .08. Do we give somebody a speeding ticket for driving 50 in a 55? The man did not break any laws but still many of the citizens in the county are ready to prosecute him because of who he is.
Posted by: anonymous on Mar 18, 2008 at 02:31 PM
as a former juror in the dale gee trial, i can explain why joe billman was not arrested or implicated in that whole mess. absolutly NOBODY would admit he knew anything about the blood situation. NOBODY!!!! it was said on the stand under oath billman donated his blood to cover up an STD for his friend so the mans wife didnt discover his affair. whereas i am NOT defending the Billman(i DO NOT know him personaly) i do know in a court of law, there was NOT one shred of evidence against him-NOTHING to show he was involved in anything shady in any way. without proof, there is nothing the courts can do. for whatever reason, NOT one witness implicated joe billman in any way. it may not sit well with some but it is however the basis of our judicial system-no proof, no crime.
Posted by: Judy on Mar 18, 2008 at 02:30 PM
Don't down Mayor Patton Joe hasn't went to court yet. Anyone that has been caught for DUI knows that you keep your license until you go to court. After a matter of hours your blood alcohol level drops.
Posted by: LC Resident on Mar 18, 2008 at 02:01 PM
He was BELOW the limit! People can preach "throw the book at him" all they want, but he technically DID NOT break the law. Joe is a good man and does not deserve to be slandered this way. He has served the citizens of Vanceburg and Lewis County for most of his adult life, he raised his children to adulthood completely on his own, he has been active in the community and with our youth. The man DID NOT break the law. Why is there a set limit for alcohol consumption if they're going to be arrested regardless of what their reading(s) are? Sounds like his rights have been violated to me...
Posted by: jennifer on Mar 18, 2008 at 01:50 PM
to reader 11:58 AM.. I read another article on this in the Maysville paper see below (Anonymous 9:05 AM) for the link. I still believe that the trooper wasn't doing his job properly. there is even a policy quoted in that article about when a trooper should arrest someone and what the BAC number is. This was probably brought on by the incident earlier in the week and now the law enforcement is being targeted. It doesn't matter if the laws are the same or different for state or county police, it still isn't illegal to drink and drive with a .038. He passed 2 field sobriety tests, a breathalyzer test and he also passed the test given at the hospital. What does the poor man need to do short of you actually being there to see it while it was happening to prove that he is innocent? Joe asked for the trooper to give him one of his own tests and the trooper refused later to find out that Joe had that right to request it. The trooper had to call his post to find out that Joe did have that right
Posted by: BillB on Mar 18, 2008 at 12:50 PM
TO Alcoholic: What are you talking about? Do you mean 0 point one or do you mean one point 0? I like it,someone said it was two hours and eleven mins. I could say it was ten mins or I could say it was ten hrs. Seems like you hear what you want to hear. Let the court decide but if he is found not guilty you will say it was a cover up.
Posted by: Joe on Mar 18, 2008 at 12:30 PM
Why is everyone talking about drunk drivers HE WAS NOT DRUNK!! The blood and urine tests prove that and nobody can know more than those tests. You guys need to educate yourselves a little bit on the law before you go talking about things you obviously don't understand. Who knows maybe one day one of you could be in this situation would'nt you want to KNOW YOUR RIGHTS?
Posted by: to kea on Mar 18, 2008 at 12:25 PM
It appears as though you are also one of the under educated Lewis Countians going online to blow off at the mouth. Your poor spelling and complete lack of punctuation makes me giggle.
Posted by: friends with cops on Mar 18, 2008 at 12:23 PM
what adout deputy stone leaving his cop car on lock & a cd of drug dealers as stolen we never hear adout this on the news!!!!lets clean the sheriff depart. up
Posted by: Lauren on Mar 18, 2008 at 12:18 PM
Where's the story at here, he did'nt break any laws and that should be the end of it!!! They would have let anyone else go with the same results from the blood and urine screening results. Sounds like the Kentucky state police just want thier five minutes of fame to me,and of course they got it.
Posted by: reader on Mar 18, 2008 at 11:58 AM
to jennifer you said the tooper did his job improperly the chief failed the breath test if the chief pulled somebody over and they failed the breath test do you really think that he would let them go if they said that they only had few beers ? i think not but i guess rules are different for the chief of police in vanceburg and yes i think that the trooper should get an award for doing his job and doing it by the law even if you are the law good job trooper!
Posted by: Tell it like it is on Mar 18, 2008 at 10:59 AM
It seems to me that Mr. Billman is legally innocent. The fact of the matter is, he DID NOT get arrested for being intoxicated. Someone called and tipped off the state trooper to "keep an eye out for Mr. Billman" strictly to get the attention off Judge Applegate who (do not forget) broke the law in 3 different ways. Also, Mr. Billman EARNED his title as Chief and he worked hard to get where he is and should not have to resign, step down, turn in his badge, etc. Mr. Applegate did not EARN his way to be County Judge Executive, he got voted in...and now it is time to vote him out.
Posted by: donnie on Mar 18, 2008 at 10:23 AM
Wow... I have a Master's degree. I've never been arrested by Mr. Billman. I don't run around Lewis County on drugs. I don't even live in Lewis County. I don't even live in your state. I'm just a guy who hates the useless police.
Posted by: Concerned Citizen on Mar 18, 2008 at 09:22 AM
First off I would like to say SHAME on you Mayor Patton, I seen Joe Billman driving around in a police cruiser this morning. I used to believe that you Mayor Patton was a truly good person but now I see you are as CORUPT as the rest of the town. Shouldn't Billman at least be on suspension for his alleged DUI, no he is above the law...Put him back in the cruiser and let him run up and down the streets of Vanceburg showing the people he is above the law. At least least Judge Applegate was enough of a MAN to stand up and say he had done wrong, and is willing to except his punishment...Billman "Maintains his Innocence" Once more SHAME on you Mayor Patton for allowing Billman to be above the law. Set up and be the Mayor.
Posted by: Anonymous on Mar 18, 2008 at 09:05 AM
I knew the state's tests could take up to 12 weeks to return from the lab," Billman said. I knew the state's tests could take up to 12 weeks to return from the lab," Billman said.and wanted the results immediately." that shows Billman knows how to beat the system he knows what to to to get out of his mistake also billman now says he had 2 beers at Coyotes bar heres more on the story http://www.maysville-online.com/articles/2008/03/18/local_news/1496billman.txt
Posted by: db on Mar 18, 2008 at 08:54 AM
LClady ask why did the KSP approach Billman KSP was responding to a complaint.
Posted by: Anonymous on Mar 18, 2008 at 08:49 AM
Amen kea tell them the way it is !!!
Posted by: Alcoholic on Mar 18, 2008 at 08:48 AM
I know for a fact your blood alcohol count will drop 100 every hour. So someone said there was a two hour eleven mins elasp time.If you do not beleive this call king daughters and asked.
Posted by: BillB on Mar 18, 2008 at 08:21 AM
TO Kea: Would you care to tell me what law Billman broke?
Posted by: Jennifer on Mar 18, 2008 at 07:05 AM
If any of you knew anything about alcohol it takes 2 hours for one drink to leave your system so if he had 6 over a course of 6 or 7 hours then that two hours between the time he was arrested and had his test taken really isn't going to make that big of a difference. At least not a .06 difference. So give Joe a break already.
Posted by: Michelle on Mar 18, 2008 at 06:20 AM
You people kill me.. how many people have been arrested for drinking one beer and driving quite a few around here. and yet because joe is the cheif of police he has done nothing wrong.. you have got to be kidding me.. Maybe I will say that next time i get pulled over i drank 6 beers but it was over a 6 hour period.. (I would never do that I had an a family member killed by a drunk police officer driving on the roads) regaurd less of if he was drunk or not he should never been behind the wheel...Its about time we get someone in here that is going to start cleaning this dang town up with all the dirty people we have here they will get out of it but still GOOD JOB KSP keep up the good work.. and I hope you get more...
Posted by: ok on Mar 18, 2008 at 05:47 AM
so it will be OKAY for us all to drink a six pack and drive....I think NOT!!! wake up people this wrong!!! People get KILLED by people who drink and drive!! Clean house Lewis county!
Posted by: kea on Mar 18, 2008 at 03:58 AM
Laugh my butt off when mom called & told me about you Billman . I'v knowen you all my life, you only get by with wrong for so long. Now hopefully it wont be sweept under the rug. What is wrong w/ you citizens of that county ? Are you all blind , is this the kind of officials you want making decision's from your cheif of police. I only wish that someone would come in to clean up your poorly run city. Time & Time again these officials get out of these illegal actions, especially there in Vanceburg. I'v always said , Lewis Co. make up your own Laws... I was a child born & raised there in V-burg in the 60's all my history comes from that little county, & i'm ashamed to see it fail over the years as it has . THE CITIZENS of LEWIS CO NEED A GOOD HOUSE CLEANING WITHIN YOUR LEGAL SYSTEM. FACE IT THE ONES YOU CHOSE IS'NT FIT FOR THE JOB. I FOR ONE THANK THE KSP FOR A JOB WELL DONE. I CANT WAIT UNTIL THE DAY THE FEDS. COME IN & HELP THE KSP CLEAN UP THE COURT HOUSSE & POLICE ST. GUILT.
Posted by: CSB on Mar 18, 2008 at 12:21 AM
chief billmam is a good guy and he does his job well he onley had a trace of alcohol in his system, you could have blowed more then that by just useing mounth wash. his persnol life is his bussniss i think he should not have been charged with this at all. if you need the law joe is always there for you, more then i can say about some. he is a great cop and mayor patton you done the right thing keeping him are cheif joe done nothing wrong. KEEP UP THE GOOD JOB JOE AND WATCH YOUR BACK SOMEONE IS AFTER YOU.
Posted by: wow on Mar 18, 2008 at 12:11 AM
Donnie.....wow is all I have to say, what kind of education do you have? Are you one of the thugs that run around Lewis County drunk or on drugs? Sounds to me like you have been caught by Mr. Billman...emmm...makes one wonder doesn't it. Maybe, you should keep your big "piggy" mouth shut.
Posted by: Heather on Mar 17, 2008 at 11:48 PM
For all those who are bashing Joe Billman, and have kids, maybe you should think about the fact that he has a 13 year old daughter. She is perfectly innocent and I think it is very unfair that she has to put up with peoples ignorance. Whether you agree or disagree is your own opinion and that's what makes this america but you should remember that there is such a thing as compassion. Had this been a story about Joe saving a life, which he has done several times, I bet that none of you would be saying good job. I think that as a society we need to stop bashing people and remember that there are others on the receiving end other than the one who did the wrong doing. This is a situation that needs to be left alone and let those involved handle it without being influenced by gossip. This is why our country is in the shape that it is.........
Posted by: Michelle on Mar 17, 2008 at 11:36 PM
I have known Joe for years and his family. The people from vanceburg on this site make me SICK, the ones making the comments are probably the ones who would slap him on his back and say hi buddy if they thought he could help them. In the 15 yrs I have known him he has been a true friend that would do anything you asked no matter how big or small. He is a great father and works hard at everything he does in life. Thank you to all the supporters of Joe, they truly understand and know him. To all the other ignorant, backwoods rednecks that are spouting trash I hope in some small way talking about or being jealous of Joe will make your miserable pathetic life feel like it has some sort of meaning. Also, he was not pulled over, he was in a gas station, sounds like the KSP is wanting to make a name for themselves. The test results don't lie, any idiot should know that they can test up to 30 days back by urine alone, a 20 min drive is not going to change anything.
Posted by: Take Time on Mar 17, 2008 at 11:03 PM
People People get a life leave Billman and Applegate alone and get a life of your own and stay out of there's There is not a Lewis County person one that has not done this thereself's so what is the differents here they do have their lives out side of there work.
Posted by: Retired Trooper on Mar 17, 2008 at 11:02 PM
Stats. show that a person who tests only a .01 is tens as likely to be involved in a fatal crash.
Posted by: mike on Mar 17, 2008 at 10:58 PM
I have a lot of respect for the ky state police. The trooper was just doing what he has been trained to do;enforcing the law.The chief should apologize to the trooper for putting a fellow officer in a no-win situation.
Posted by: garrison resident on Mar 17, 2008 at 10:51 PM
Vanceburg is what it is. Everyone who lives here knows that both men will walk and nothing done. thats just how vanceburg politics work. Its now right, but thats what will happen. Vanceburg will mnake sure that its 'finest' will be kept that way. That town and everyone in it is a waste of money and a waste of land. Turning the whole place into a landfill would be much more profitable to the whole county.
Posted by: LClady on Mar 17, 2008 at 10:11 PM
Sounds to me like some of the people working in the county judges office are trying to take the heat off of Mr. Applegate. Why did the KSP approach officer Billman if he wast initially doing anyting illegal? To top it off he was well under the legal limit. No, I do not think it is good judgement to drive after you have had even a drop to drink, simply because he is a role model to the people of Lewis Co. But none the less he wasn't doing anything that was technically illegal.
Posted by: LEWIS CO. RESIDENT on Mar 17, 2008 at 10:07 PM
I THINK ITS GOOD THE STATR IS DOING SOMETHING IF THEY DO SOMETHING ABOUT THE SHERIFFS DEPT. TO THE SHERIFF IS AS DIRTY AS THE OTHERS THEY ALL NEED TO BE REPLACED PEOPLE ARE JUST TO AFFRAID TO POST WHAT THEY THINK
Posted by: anonyous on Mar 17, 2008 at 09:54 PM
I only have one thig to say about this situation, and that is if it were a regular person, they would still be sitting in a jail cell!!!!!! Vanceburg is noting but currupt... I only trust one cop in Vanceburg. I wouldn't trust any of the others with my dog!
Posted by: Law is Law on Mar 17, 2008 at 09:51 PM
It needs to stop !!!!!!It needs to stop!!!! The people of Vanceburg knows what I am talking about. The history of this town and its officials. How they are SHADY, AND ALWAYS SWEEPING THINGS UNDER THE RUG. This is one of the two reasons in the past week why we do not have a respectful town. We have no industry, even with a railroad, the AA highway, and the Ohio River all in this town. Yes we do have three major factories in the area that support the area (Lewis County). It is embarrassing to even admit that you live in this community. I believe that the KSP should get an award for their hard work and effort that was put forth this past week in keeping drunk drivers off our roadways. Officials should know that they are not above the law. The law is the law and everyone should abide by the same laws and receive the same punishment under the law when a law is broke. Why should any official receive special treatment when they break the law, only is Lewis County……..
Posted by: Citizen! on Mar 17, 2008 at 09:45 PM
In response to Khalee, It is a shame that Joe's 13 year old daughter has to go to school and listen to the harsh comments and bad things people are saying about her father. Maybe he should have thought twice before he decided to do what he done. Would you like it if he would have wrecked that night and killed someone, just because he had "6 beers?" I feel that he deserves to be punished just for the fact he was behind the wheel with alcohol in his system. It is fine for people to drink, but if they are going to do so, they don't need to be driving. I have always gotten along with Joe, but if it were me in his situation, I'm sure there would be some kind of punishment. As for anybody else that don't have a "big name" in Vanceburg. I'm sure there is a lot more to this story that people are not hearing, because the truth never comes out until the end. As for the drug test, it is amazing that you can recieve results that quick. (For an honest drug test)I guess it depends on who you know....
Posted by: Citizen of LC on Mar 17, 2008 at 09:30 PM
Hey, he only drank a six pack and was cruising through town at 2 o'clock in the morning. Shouldn't that be ok in the town where you are CHIEF OF POLICE? All the decent people that are going to be on time for church in a few hours, go out and run the streets with a buzz on don't they?. DUI is Driving under the Influence, he had alcohol in his system so he was under the influence to some degree. He can get a designated driver just like he instructs others to do. There is no excuse to drive with alcohol influencing your decisions, I don't care how much it is. If you choose to be a positive leader in this world, you MUST live your life accordingly. We have had enough of this "Do as I say, not do as I do". As a police officer, you have chosen not to be just average, you have chosen to be an example. If you can't be the example, get out of the way and let someone be that can.
Posted by: citizen on Mar 17, 2008 at 09:18 PM
.03 speaks for itself and clearly tells on the KY state police for a clear railroad job
Posted by: LC citizen on Mar 17, 2008 at 09:05 PM
To those of you who think this is a sham or some kind of set up, WHAT ARE YOU THINKING!!! this man was drinking and driving and needs to be held accountable for his actions and to those who think he's such a great guy, how great would he be if he killed a loved one while out drinking a few. Good job KSP there's probably a few more good people to be arrested
Posted by: RATTLER on Mar 17, 2008 at 08:47 PM
LETS NOT FORGET THE SCANDAL MR. BILLMAN WAS CAUGHT UP IN A FEW YEARS AGO WITH THE KSP TROOPER AND THE BLOOD TEST. THE OTHERS WENT TO JAIL AND HE GOT PROMOTED.GOOD JOB JOE!! THATS A GOOD EXAMPLE YOUR SETTING FOR ALL THE STUDENTS YOU REPRESENT AS THE "DARE OFFICER" I DONT EVEN WANT TO GET STARTED ON WHAT THEY "BURNED" DOWN AT THE SHOE FACTORY INCINERATOR.THEY MAY HAVE BEEN PLANTS,BUT THEY WERE MISSING THE MAIN PART. THINGS THAT MAKE YOU SAY HHMMMMM!!
Posted by: Phil on Mar 17, 2008 at 08:39 PM
I agree that this is a total set up by the state police. They should be serving the public rather than harassing the Chief. This is absurd! Any one with a clue can smell the rat and how someone has a vendetta against officials in LC. How lovely to have agencies working against each other in the Commonwealth. The SP should be there to serve and protect rather than harass for recognition.
Posted by: jct on Mar 17, 2008 at 08:14 PM
I support Joe. He has been an excellent father and has served the many children of Lewis County through sports, the DARE program, and the many parades and celebrations in Lewis Co. I don't believe Joe is a threat to any of us and he has been an excellent police officer just as his father was. Everyone should support Joe. He has made our streets safer for our children and families. Just because the Sheriff's department doesn't support the City police they shouldn't put officers on a collision course with each other. The Lewis Co. Sheriff's department was there and yet the KSP stepped in and arrested Joe. The KSP could do much more important work in Lewis Co. and leave Joe alone.
Posted by: Beth Ann on Mar 17, 2008 at 08:06 PM
I dont see why he was arrested. He did nothing wrong, from what I read. I do not know him, but he seems like hedone no wrong, besides drink a beer.
Posted by: concerned in ky on Mar 17, 2008 at 07:31 PM
hey from reading this article.. it is obvious the man was not drunk... his limit was WAY below the legal limit to drive..i live in ky and have no dog in this fight..but I believe in doing the right think..and this man has done nothing wrong.. drug users and drunks are on the road every single moment of the day..why dont they concentrate on them.. and leave this man alone.. from the comments I have read...he is an upstanding citizen and the cops need to be doing their job instead of pulling over law abiding citizens..
Posted by: Time on Mar 17, 2008 at 07:02 PM
I just read the lewis county Herald and it has a copy of the lab report and accorging to it the time of the test was 4:11 so that means it was 2 hours and 11 miniutes after Billman was arrested.
Posted by: Anonymous on Mar 17, 2008 at 07:02 PM
well he just had a few beers he is aloud to drink he is ok the one needs something done is two of the police officers they like to mase for no reason there L AND m
Posted by: Ang & Mal on Mar 17, 2008 at 06:40 PM
First of all Joe Billman had not been at the VFW all night. Second of all the Mayors name is Angie Patton not Chapman and third we have been around Chief Billman many times and not once have we ever saw any illegal activity including drugs! Keep your head up Joe!!!
Posted by: Kelly on Mar 17, 2008 at 06:02 PM
I think that this is crazy. If he was below the limit then he was below. That is that.
Posted by: Ron on Mar 17, 2008 at 05:51 PM
Hey Joe. Wasn't you caught in Portsmonth last year for DUI.
Posted by: Concerned Citizen from Vanceburg on Mar 17, 2008 at 05:35 PM
I can't believe that anyone can say that there is nothing wrong in this. That's what wrong today to many people won't stand up for what is right! We need to thank the KSP for doing such a great job. No matter who we are if we do wrong we need to suffer the consequences. We may let things go by down here. One thing for sure no matter who we are one day we are going to stand before a God that knows all things. There won't be no respect of persons with him. He knows all things. We need to stop and think is this the kind of officials we want in our office's for our children and grand children to see and hear about? Lord help us to speak up and stand up for what is right and not for who we are.
Posted by: Anonymous on Mar 17, 2008 at 05:20 PM
Nothing suprises me about Joe Billman you can praise him all you want, but by no means is he a saint. He knows the trip to Maysville gives the body time for the alcohol to leave his body. Then the topic of raising four children that is the sad part I'm surprised he didn't have more to raise than four. Then comes the topic about the State Trooper he may be new and all rookies want their glory days remember those days Joe. The city officials have been caught and they don't like the punishment they are receiving. I've known them both for many years and have nothing personally against either one, but if you do the crime do the time. One thing is for sure I know daddy Earl would be so proud of him now. I do feel sorry for his daughter because she will have to pay for his mistakes, but maybe one day he will learn he IS NOT ABOVE THE LAW.
Posted by: Woody on Mar 17, 2008 at 04:56 PM
Man, this is good. Now you know how it feels Mr Billman when using your discretion you run someone in for drinking one beer, and they have to sweat their job and get out of trouble. You should thank the KSP trooper for getting you off the road. If you were in an accident and killed someone that night you would have been to blame. You have enough clout to get the ticket dropped and can go on from here. Think about what you did and dont do it again. Your going to be ok so quit whinning about the KSP. The KSP troopers get arrested also. So deal.
Posted by: Garrison Resident on Mar 17, 2008 at 04:31 PM
As a citizen of Lewis Co. I truely think this is all a SET UP on Mr. Billman. There was someone with HIGHER power in Lewis Co. out to get him I dont know why but if i was a betting man i would say that is what happend.. but i must say i am PROUD to have Billman as my Chief Of Police he has done nothing wrong i know a deputie here in lewis county that partys in Portsmouth ohio and drives home PLASTERD all the time maybe the KSP needs to look into this?
Posted by: COALGROVE on Mar 17, 2008 at 04:18 PM
WAS IT BOOTLEGG BEER???
Posted by: Sarah on Mar 17, 2008 at 04:07 PM
Sounds like we have a little power struggle going on here! Wonder what Billman did to tick off a KST???? Shame on Kentucky State Tropper!!!!!
Posted by: jennifer on Mar 17, 2008 at 03:58 PM
To reader at 12:51 AM... Why should the trooper get a medal for doing his job improperly? You didn't get a good grade on a test in school for giving a wrong answer so why should the trooper get an award? You are probably one of those people who see in black and white and no gray. Even if you are proven wrong you can't admit that you are wrong, not even to yourself. That statement probably describes most of the people who are criticizing Joe when he didn't do anything wrong but have a few beers over a course of about 6 or 7 hours. The last time I checked drinking was legal in Kentucky and so was driving as long as you were under the limit. He has the proof that he is innocent or else this story wouldn't have even made the news. If Joe wasn't able to provide the proof that he was under the limit then I would give kudos to the trooper but just the opposite has happened. I work in a forensic lab in a different state so I know how important evidence and proof is.
Posted by: lewis coutian on Mar 17, 2008 at 03:54 PM
In response to bad reporting. Of course you're now going to blame the media. Chief Billman was given a Field Sobriety Test. The trooper then ran the PBT on where Billman's level was at .038. It was then the troopers decision to take Chief Billman to the hospital for blood & urine tests. I don't know what you're thinking, but I don't think Chief Billman was cut any slack by the state trooper. Do you think Billman would be crazy enough to refuse knowing that his license would be revoked for a certain period of time? You represent so much that is wrong with society....no matter what the facts are, you'll always be convinced that this man is guilty. You'd rather blame the media, the hospital, law enforecement, the court system. How far reaching do you really think this correction goes? I certainly don't think if you asked Mr. Billman if he thought the media was on his side that he'd think so.
Posted by: concerned parent on Mar 17, 2008 at 03:18 PM
we depend on billman to keep us safe from drunk drivers but yet he is a drunk driver his self . You tell me how we are to feel safe with a drunk for police cheif and judge thats lewis county for you.All of our crime is in the police department and the judges office.
Posted by: Shame on you! on Mar 17, 2008 at 03:10 PM
JOE WHAT IS UP? YOU TAUGHT ME DARE IN THE 6TH GRADE, YOU MIGHT NEED TO PRATICE WHAT YOU PREACH!!!!!!!
Posted by: citizen on Mar 17, 2008 at 02:35 PM
Chief Billman has a very beautiful, intelligent, mannerly, 13 year old daughter and I hope she realizes that her father did NOTHING wrong. I also hope that the kids that she had to face today were kind.
Posted by: citizen on Mar 17, 2008 at 02:33 PM
Greta....twice the amount OVER the legal limit (Applegate) is NOT the same as UNDER the legal limit by over half (Billman). Shame on you Greta, you know there's a difference.
Posted by: Dan on Mar 17, 2008 at 02:29 PM
We have all made a mistake some point in our life. I am not saying what Joe did is right but he wasn't over the Legal limit!! Why arrest him?? If this was any other "Joe" in Lewis county it would not have been a big deal. Mr. Billman has done a lot for the city of Vanceburg. So what if he drinks a beer, it is his right. To the comment about our school system, what is wrong with it?? The teachers in Lewis County and in any other county work hard at their job, why don't you try it??? Why don't those of you complaining about everything get a job and move out of Lewis County if you have a problem with the area.
Posted by: Citizen on Mar 17, 2008 at 02:22 PM
What is the deal that Mr. Billman don't take blame for what he has done...atleast Judge Applegate accepted responsibility and admitted to his mistake. Mr. Billman states he done nothing illegal, excuse me if cheif of police driving just 1/2 drunk is not illegal opposed to driving all the way drunk..wake up Joe and be a man and stop taking the coward way out of things. I believe Mrs. Mayor needs to do some evaluating of Mr. Billman's activities, I don't thing this is the first thing that has come up w/ Mr. Billman lately. Stand up and admit to your mistakes instead of saying "I have done nothing illegal."
Posted by: reader on Mar 17, 2008 at 02:20 PM
well obviously if he was arrested HE WAS INTOXICATED!!!!
Posted by: Railroaded too on Mar 17, 2008 at 02:06 PM
Well said, Khalee! I recently discovered first hand the repercussions that trickle down from assumptions and allegations. I learned, too, that one can live for years and years, respected and looked up to by many; then, a loose tongue permanently tarnishes a reputation overnight! So many are eager to hear and “enhance” gossip---ESPECIALLY when it concerns a well-respected citizen---elated and finding comfort that another appears to have done something wrong! Like my granny always said, "Don't believe ANYTHING you hear, and only half of what you see!" Joe has withstood many rumors and false accusations over the years. Hang in there… this too will pass.
Posted by: citizen on Mar 17, 2008 at 01:56 PM
I think it's scary that you can be arrested for nothing. Whether you like Chief Billman or you don't.....there's nothing fair about that.
Posted by: citizen on Mar 17, 2008 at 01:53 PM
I love the comments made by people who know nothing about how arrests are made. I seriously doubt the trooper that made the arrest would allow one of Joe's buddy's to take him to the hospital. Do you really believe that? I reiterate....your blood levels would not change THAT much in 45 minutes. Besides the troopers PBT only showed .038 at the time he stopped him. Either you have a legal limit or you don't. He wasn't even close.
Posted by: did live in LC on Mar 17, 2008 at 01:45 PM
Ha Ha throw the book at him! If he was out driving and drinking he needs to be punished, I guess if you had ever lost a loved one over someone drinking you would feel the same way! Lewis County needs to clean house and get some upstading people in office! Instead of all the drunks.
Posted by: Second chances on Mar 17, 2008 at 01:33 PM
From what I read this guy is a hard working family man & don't deserve to be dragged through the mud. If he was over the limit then act accordingly if he is under they should have acted accordingly .
Posted by: No Dog in this Fight. on Mar 17, 2008 at 01:29 PM
Quit trying to make it something it's not. Here's the fact. (1) It was broadcasted last night on the 6:00 edition of the evening news. (2) 0.08 is the limit in Kentucky NOT 0.0381. (3) The trooper didn't pull Billman over, he was walking out of Super Quik when the trooper yelled to him. (check the security cameras)(4)It wasn't a sobriety test that the trooper wouldn't give him it was a BA. (5)The trooper gave Billman 2 PBTs afterwards took him to Medowview where blood test were ran. (6)The BA that was ran at the Lewis County jail showed that he blew 0.000. Give it a rest. It blows my mind that people think he's commited some horendous sin. When the blood alcohol level test shows a percentage of whats near equivalent to mouth wash. "Look out! you can fight gingivitis and get behind a wheel for two hours." Climb down off your high horses. Or at least check your facts before you go preaching it like it's the gospel. See you on Sunday!
Posted by: To khalee on Mar 17, 2008 at 01:24 PM
Well seems to me as if he should have thought of his daughter before he decided to drive after drinking he is a public official he is to be held to a higher standard and if he dont want to be then he shouldn't be in his line of work sure he might be a good guy but with so much corruption in the local justice systems this is why the public opinion toward officials is so harsh and as for hypocritical what would u call this would he let someone go if they were in his shoes he might but it wouldn't be cheap on top of that since he was out at 2 am he wouldnt be asleep if some one called in the middle of the night
Posted by: citizen on Mar 17, 2008 at 01:21 PM
Donnie, Sounds like you've been in the backseat of a cruiser.......several times. If you have, I wouldn't have found it funny, and you wouldn't have had to face it in the news media. Consider yourself lucky!
Posted by: The truth. on Mar 17, 2008 at 01:21 PM
Why didn't WSAZ publish the time of Billman's drug test that he and his cohorts are using to blow a smoke screen? Everyone knows that it was hours after his arrest. Those who defend him are being intentionally dishonest. Oh well, birds of a feather flock together.
Posted by: wow on Mar 17, 2008 at 01:18 PM
I think it would be interesting to look up how many people the vanceburg police dept. arrested for DUI with a BA of less than 0.08%, Then had to go to court to defend themselves.
Posted by: LC Citizen on Mar 17, 2008 at 01:15 PM
This was bound to happen. Joe Billman has been under scrutiny for years but it has always been his own fault. In or out of uniform he has never conducted himself as a police officer should. He hangs at the local bar and is accused of illegal activity. He puts himself there. Sure, there are good points about him but his bad out weighs his good. The KSP officer done his JOB! He didn't turn the other cheek as some do. Lets give the KSP the respect he deserves. Wrong is wrong and right is right. Innocent until proven guilty? Let Mr. Billman prove himself to the citizens of Lewis County that he deserves his badge.
Posted by: kathy on Mar 17, 2008 at 01:08 PM
the police try to keep wrecks from happening, and they go and do the same thing. That is not setting a good example for other people. They should go to jail like the regular citizens, because if he would had been in an accident and killed someone, he should be responsible. That is just telling everyone else that it's ok when it's not.
Posted by: Talk on Mar 17, 2008 at 01:08 PM
Well if you ask me I think it is awful that the law can not up hold the law their selfs and they want the county to obay the law but they don't have to What is this teaching the teenagers out their that it is okay to get behind the wheel after having a few beers and nothing will happen to them because they didn't do anything to billman so I can get by with it to If you Let Billman off you should let Applegate off but the whole county knows who is the bigger MAN here and it is APPLEGATE he is standing up for what he has done and Billman is being a pus
Posted by: Anonymous on Mar 17, 2008 at 01:02 PM
I think everyone in Lewis Co. should wake up. Apparently the legal limit of .08 doesn't apply to you. DUI for a .02....is laughable.
Posted by: Outraged on Mar 17, 2008 at 12:35 PM
Ok first things first this guy obviously knows how to work the system. I have seen not only Billman but many of the other cops in Vanceburg do the very things they are supposed to prevent. If this were some other person there would be no question as to who was right or wrong it would be the police. I am glad that both he and Mr. Applegate are being shown in the news. It might just give a glimpse at how corrupt, not all but most of our police force is. I agree with what one of the other people stated. Joe Billman has been the D.A.R.E officer speaking to children over the years. We all thought it a joke then and when children can see that a officer is corrupt. How long before state officails should be looking into the system and doing their own investigation? I think that the other citizans of Lewis County should speak out and fight for a just and fair system.
Posted by: willie on Mar 17, 2008 at 12:27 PM
If the guy was over the limit, stick it to him, if he wasn't --drop it.
Posted by: citizen on Mar 17, 2008 at 12:20 PM
To Donnie.........you sound like one of Lewis County's finest.
Posted by: citizen of vburg on Mar 17, 2008 at 12:18 PM
I've known Joe personally for many years and I hate that he and his family are going through this circus for nothing. No drugs were found in his system and he was well below the limit for alcohol intoxication.... so I don't really understand the arrest. In my opinion we should be worried about the trooper who can arrest you for NOTHING.
Posted by: Vanceburg citizen on Mar 17, 2008 at 12:14 PM
he will get away with this just like he always does.its not what you know in vanceburg,its who you know.
Posted by: citizen on Mar 17, 2008 at 12:13 PM
Since when is it illegal, no matter what your profession, to go out and have a couple of beers? He wasn't even close to being "legally intoxicated" and no drugs were found in his system. As much as certain people want Chief Billman's head,it ain't goin to happen. It will be dismissed due to lack of evidence. Then when our legal sytem does it's job, you'll be crying it's corrupt.
Posted by: Anonymous on Mar 17, 2008 at 12:09 PM
I've known Joe for a very long time. Everyone has talked about him doing everything. He is a very good man. He should not have been arrested he was not legally drunk. Of course everyone wants to talked and laugh about him. ell why don't you get a life and stay out of his.
Posted by: DWHI on Mar 17, 2008 at 11:56 AM
The guy was NOT legally drunk. Correct me if I am wron...it is legal to drink beer in WV. It is legal to drive a vehicle if your blood alcohol is under the legal limit. Some of folks on this page scare me. You should live in the middle ages!
Posted by: khalee on Mar 17, 2008 at 11:44 AM
I thank everybody who is supporting Joe Billman. The evidence clearly shows that this is all a sham, twist it however you like, I’m sure people will. Chief Billman worked very hard to EARN what he has accomplished. On a personal note: he has a 13 yr. old daughter, who is completely innocent in all of this. She has to go to school and face your kids, who will be no doubt armed with this slanderous ammunition that you've provided them with. I ask that you consider her before making your remarks. If this can’t be done then let me leave you with this. Look to yourselves: hopefully everyone who’s pointing their fingers, criticizing, and spreading slander will think twice before they call the house in the middle of the night looking for the Chief to be a friend because their little Billy’s gone and got himself arrested. Truly it’s quite bothersome from a bunch of hypocrites.
Posted by: Can them on Mar 17, 2008 at 11:34 AM
What a waste of tax payers money first a judge then the police cheif this is a fine example being set for our children only thing is they wont get off like the officials will its time for these 2 to step down we dont want drunks running our lewis co offices so take some responsibilty for ur actions and step down it the honorable thing to do either that or allow everyone to drive drunk which would the people want
Posted by: Roe on Mar 17, 2008 at 11:25 AM
Joe Billman was a city policeman for 20 yrs prior to being elected Chief and he is an EMT.He worked his way up the hard way. He is a Republican and Ky now has a democrat as governor. KSP are under the Governor. Beer is legal! Billman raised his own kids and his step kids, he volunteered to coach/ referee basketball. It was a set-up, Ky politics as usual. Who wants his job? He works hard and its safe to walk the streets in V-Burg now unlike 10 yrs ago. He does play a mean hand of 5 Card Draw. Billman would pull you out of a burning car and went in the river after some guy that escaped from jail once. Do you really trust the KSP? Trust the blood test, folks from the Maysville Hospital. Case closed.
Posted by: anonymous on Mar 17, 2008 at 11:10 AM
if you want a real story-investigate our whole county.you will find things that make the applegate-billman stories seem like a sunday school sermon. and if you do, take a close look at our school system. days of our lives has nothing over on lewis county.
Posted by: concerned LC citizen on Mar 17, 2008 at 10:56 AM
well its obvious something is wrong in this county. you have police arresting police & judges. either ksp needs charged for false arrest(witch i dont think it was) or Billman needs to stand trial just like every other DUI case.do you think if you got a DUI it would be dropped? you would have to go to trial and tell your side just like he should have to. The ksp are in this town because its known to be corupt and they want it to straten it up.most people in this town are afraid to talk because when you do you get harrased by the police to the point you have to move or shut up. Meadowview Regional Medical Center is 30 miles or 45 minutes away from Vanceburg also after 20 minutes of booking transporting and getting him ready at the hospital it would of been well over a hour later minimal and thats not counting if one of his buddie cops took his good ol' time driving him there.
Posted by: anonymous on Mar 17, 2008 at 10:46 AM
in response to greta-i am not defending joe billman but i do have a question. why is everyone defending steve applegate like he has done nothing wrong? a DUI and caught using funds that did not belong to the county and everyone is acting like he is a mistreated hero.WHY? if i took $20.00 out of your purse and it wasnt mine to take, wouldnt you be upset and want it back? i thought so-point proven. thanks
Posted by: lewis co. resident on Mar 17, 2008 at 10:42 AM
If you can railroad the Chief of Police then the rest of us better watch out.
Posted by: citizen of vanceburg on Mar 17, 2008 at 10:41 AM
According to test results NO DRUGS in Chief Billman's system, .02 Alcohol (when .08 is the legal limit). Why are we even hearing about this?
Posted by: friend of joe's on Mar 17, 2008 at 10:32 AM
Joe Billman IS a good man & he's worked hard his whole life. I think it's a shame that he and his family have to go through all of this when ultimately this case will be dismissed.
Posted by: Daughter of Lewis County on Mar 17, 2008 at 10:21 AM
Tisk tisk tisk on you finger pointers. I don't agree with the fundamental idea of what Chief Billmna has done, but legally he did nothing wrong. He was under the legal limits by over half. I find it funny, now all you'll hear is that "well the results had to have been forged", and "he paid them off". Maybe WSAZ could run a story on how sometimes, the truth is the truth. I guess everyone else failed to notice the top of the result that was shown, where it shows that it was indeed faxed from Meadowview Regional Health Center and the time that had been faxed. Hypocrisy is foul and Lewis County reaks of it. Let he with out sin cast the first stone. If that we're the case than we the high and mighty of Lewis County should be very mindfully of casting our rocks in this particular glass house.
Posted by: anonymous on Mar 17, 2008 at 10:14 AM
I've known Joe Billman for many years, and have heard many RUMORS concerning him, but you can't find anyone who has been around Joe socially or otherwise who has ever seen him do drugs. As a teenager in the 70's I don't know very many people who didn't at the very least smoke pot. I think it's laughable that you have to revert back to someone's teenage years to dig up some dirt. Joe Billman at 17, is not Joe Billman at 47.
Posted by: concerned citizens on Mar 17, 2008 at 10:06 AM
Even other law enforcement officials are stunned that Chief Billman was arrested, and not because of who he is, or professional courtesy,etc. etc. but because the numbers don't lie. If you're not legally drunk according to their numbers and blood and urine tests show negative.....how can you be arrested? What's up with this trooper? Does he make the law up as he goes?
Posted by: Bad-Reporting on Mar 17, 2008 at 10:03 AM
This is just another example of inept reporting. Incomplete with missing pieces and many unanswered questions. Why was the drinking driver pulled over in the first place? Who was the officer that performed the test? How much time had passed after the PBT and before the blood test? Does anybody think that the "Chief" was given more latitude than regular citizens? Did the "Chief" refuse a Breathalizer Test? Do you think the "Chief" will get his driving privileges revoked if he refused the breathalizer? Why didn't the officer do a field sobriety test? What time was "Chief" pulled over - compared to - What time was the blood test performed? Come on Michael, you are a better reporter than this. What gives?
Posted by: Hypocrisy, Kentucky on Mar 17, 2008 at 10:02 AM
I find it funny that people seem to be able to climb up on the pulpit and turn their noses up at a situation like this. But need assistance when it's them or their kids. Perhaps people should check their facts and lets face it folks, gossip spreads like wild fire and their's not one soul out there who can deny this was nothing more than a good old fashion head hunt. Lewis County has a terrible habit of jealousy when they see some one succeed. Chief Billman has gone off and made something of himself coming out of practically nothing. Personally I was glad to see that WSAZ was fair about this story and showed the test results from MRMC, (with the fax heading from the hospital clearly showed at the top)so hopefully the rumors of drugs would stop. But perhaps you stone throwers are right. I hope the VPD steps their game up, and all these good ol boys & gals who have a beer on their day off, decide to pick up some milk will think twice as well and please don't call the Chief to pull strings
Posted by: Anonymous on Mar 17, 2008 at 10:02 AM
I find it ironic that the State Police Trooper who arrested Chief Billman of Vanceburg would pursue this matter when if it had been anyone from the general public he would've let them go. I'm not saying that law enforcement deserve special treatment, but they DO deserve the same rights as the rest of us.
Posted by: Anonymous on Mar 17, 2008 at 09:49 AM
i been a citizen of Lewis County for 50 some years and this beet the cake.I think that they need to be dismiss until futher investation and no paid
Posted by: T on Mar 17, 2008 at 09:47 AM
This has blown way out of proportion because of recent events, I would like to know why the officer approached Officer Billman anyway. If he got arrested, why do we have a legal limit, if it is not used for that purpose. Why don't they just arrrest everyone who drinks any amount?
Posted by: Anonymous on Mar 17, 2008 at 09:35 AM
They don't run breathalyzer tests at the jail. They are run at the Vanceburg Police Dept. Also......the Kentucky State Police didn't want to run a BA because according to his PBT test results he DIDN'T have anything. It was the trooper's decision based on his PBT results to take Chief Billman to the hospital. Also.....a 30 minute trip to Maysville hospital is not going to signifcantly change the outcome of a blood or urine test. Maybe someone should be watching the KSP.
Posted by: Anonymous on Mar 17, 2008 at 08:45 AM
I've known Chief Billman for many years. He's worked hard his whole life, at times holding down 3 jobs. He's raised 4 children who work hard, don't do drugs and are responsible citizens that anyone would be proud to call friends or neighbors. In my opinion why do you have a legal/illegal limit for alcohol if you're not going to use it as a guideline. He was well under the illegal limit, which says to me that he was being responsible. If it had been any other citizen they would've been let go. I feel for his family and friends.
Posted by: donnie on Mar 17, 2008 at 08:41 AM
HAHAHA.... How's it feel to be harrassed? Hows it feel to be arrested? Keep the little piggy in jail.
Posted by: City resident on Mar 17, 2008 at 08:27 AM
I feel Police Cheif Billman should get slammed as much as Judge Applegate did, they both done the same crime. Judge Applegate is not in near the position that Mr. Billman is in. I'm sure this will be swept under the rug as well, esp since this is an every weekend thing for Mr. Billman.
Posted by: pat on Mar 17, 2008 at 07:49 AM
How depressing; another tainted, law-breaking, not to mention cowardly person in our city governments. Come on now, be a man, stand up and take the heat. You are despicable!
Posted by: OHIO on Mar 17, 2008 at 07:48 AM
NEED THESE KIND OF COPS OVER HERE IN OHIO (LAWRENCECOUNTY) DO THE CRIME DO THE TIME.
Posted by: Debbie on Mar 17, 2008 at 07:22 AM
well reader obviously he wasn't intoxicated.
Posted by: Lewis Citizen on Mar 17, 2008 at 07:14 AM
Now everyone in the county needs to be aware of what's going on.Why doesn't the state police just sit outside the VFW and have a surprise check point.If chief you hit and killed one of my family members you would bet the charge would be manslauter while intoxicated.GREAT JOB KSP.Laws are Laws.
Posted by: michelle on Mar 17, 2008 at 06:39 AM
see we have some fine ones
Posted by: Anonymous on Mar 17, 2008 at 06:34 AM
Legally drunk or not, the police chief knew better and there are hundreds of families grieving over victims of drunk drivers to back up the point. Shame on you. He should be fired from his position. What a hypocrite. Then again, he is another policeman who believes he is above the law.
Posted by: teresa on Mar 17, 2008 at 06:02 AM
Does Police Chief Joe Billman really believe he has done nothing wrong? You need a serious reality check!! The state trooper pulled him over and arrested him for a good reason. DRUNK DRIVING!! I do not believe driving under the influence is okay, whether it be at or below the legal limit. Mr. Billman, obviously showed signs of impairment, otherwise, he would not have been arrested. Come on!! Mayor Angela Champan needs to do what is best for the community of Vanceburg, fire Mr. Billman. Is this really the kind of message she wants to relay to the public. Everyone should be able to drive on Kentucky's roadways without having to worry about all the Joe Billman's out there being allowed to drive while impaired. Some public officials believe they are above the laws they are paid to enforce. I don't get it!!
Posted by: Anonymous on Mar 17, 2008 at 02:41 AM
Hey folks the Chief knows how things work and the time limit. Think about it. does it not say if a breath test was done? i am not talking about the PBT but the one they do at the jail? i am sure the chief refused a breath test and asked for the blood test to give him time to let the alcohol go down. He knows how things work he's road that horse. when that Trooper gave him the test i doubt the trooper just went on the PBT. The Trooper gets paid the same with or without the arrest.Come one you know the time the blood was taken it was awhile after the field test and arrest took place. So it was higher when the Trooper gave it. And if you are even border line why do you drive??? not very smart. Also it sounds like hes been drinking a little to much over the years. thats not a good thing.
Posted by: mt on Mar 17, 2008 at 01:41 AM
the police chief of vburg is a good man and he is on top of things(crime) in that wild little town ,Iam sorry to hear the KST have singled him out to make an example out of I guess they better get their ducks in a row next time they try and target a good law man !
Posted by: reader on Mar 17, 2008 at 12:51 AM
this is to 7:55 you think that the trooper should get disciplinary action well i think he should get an award for doing his job and taking action when someone is driving intoxicated whether they was a public official or not. good for them!!!!!!!!
Posted by: craig on Mar 17, 2008 at 12:43 AM
i think mr billman should be arrested i was arrested by him for blowing a 0.04. Besides hes a officer of the law he needs to enforce these laws not brake them!!
Posted by: greta on Mar 16, 2008 at 11:50 PM
why wasn't it on the news tonight?he told someone it wouldnt be.will this be swept under the rug also?
Posted by: Anonymous on Mar 16, 2008 at 11:12 PM
He might not have been legally drunk, but this sets the example to the youth of Lewis county that it is okay to have a few beers at a party, and then drive home. I am NOT okay with that. Does this mean that if I decide to throw a few back over a span of 6 hours, drive home, and get pulled over, that I won't get in trouble? No, it doesn't. Officer Billman should set a better example to the people of Lewis Co, especially the youth. I had officer Billman for D.A.R.E.!I think the people of Lewis co. should take a stand, after what has happened the past few days with Judge Applegate, and now this! It is DEFINATLEY time to clean house!
Posted by: Anonymous on Mar 16, 2008 at 11:05 PM
lewis county officals are going to have to change there is so much wrong doing and only KSP does anything about it.
Posted by: George on Mar 16, 2008 at 10:10 PM
Let's give the chief a benefit of a doubt. If judges can snort pills and white powder up there noses and perform their legal duties in NEIGHBORING counties.....and get by with it, looks like the chief is ok..Alcohol is not the #1 offender now, it is the oxycontin and other dope.
Posted by: concerned citizen on Mar 16, 2008 at 10:06 PM
I grew up in Vanceburg and it is of great concern to me to hear this about the police chief. When I was in high scool all of the students knew Joe did drugs and also consumed alcohol. There are alot more of so called upstanding citizens in town just like Joe. I do hope the KY. State police digs much deeper and does their jobs and catches all of our so called elected officials. Also is joe the person we want teaching our children the dare program in the school system? How about our other elected official Steve Applegate just a couple of days prior to Joes arrest. Wasen't he given a speeding ticket and a D.U.I. ticket? Sounds to me like it's time to clean house.
Posted by: Fed up on Mar 16, 2008 at 09:55 PM
Innocent, yea right. This would not be the first time mr. billman has commited this crime and got away with it he was caught in Ohio also and got out of it. come on he is the chief of police don't you think he knows how to work the system. i would like to commend the State trooper who got both Mr. Applegate and Mr. Billman it is about time we get someone in Lewis county that does not care who you are the law is the law, to bad he probably will not be here long
Posted by: Tim on Mar 16, 2008 at 09:49 PM
Drinking and driving is still drinking and driving, despite what his blood alcohol content level is. Way to be an example for kids and Vanceburg citizens!
Posted by: Brian A. on Mar 16, 2008 at 09:35 PM
How many hours after the arrest was it when he had his blood and urine drug screen at the Meadowview Regional Medical Center? I'm guessing hours after the initial arrest at 2 am. So the results would be lower. What were they when he was arrested? Another "fine" police officer bringing laughter to it's city.
Posted by: Anonymous on Mar 16, 2008 at 09:06 PM
I believe that the state of Kentucky should be watching all of there city,state and county employees in Lewis county. Seems a lot of things have been coming to the surface with well known employees here maybe this will open there eyes and have somethings changed around the small town of Vanceburg. I believe the state should come in personally and drug test there employees themselves in person.
Posted by: Johnny on Mar 16, 2008 at 08:48 PM
I have know Officer Billman for over 13 years I have never known him to do anything iiegal. I think that it was all a setup deal.
Posted by: VJ...A LC Resident on Mar 16, 2008 at 08:39 PM
Hey, Mr.Billman We Thought You Are Suppose to be setting the Prime Example for the Children of Lewis County???? You of all people should be held to the highest standards of the law!!!!!!!
Posted by: d on Mar 16, 2008 at 08:28 PM
TWO TOP GOVERMENT OFFICALS ARRESTED IN LESS THEN 1 WEEK WHAT A CORUPT COUNTY
Posted by: Jennifer on Mar 16, 2008 at 07:55 PM
I know Joe Billman and I graduated with his son. From what I get out of this article, he should not have been arrested. I don't understand why the trooper would arrest him if Joe was within the legal limit. Shouldn't some disciplinary action be taken upon the trooper who made a false arrest?
Posted by: A citizen of Vanceburg on Mar 16, 2008 at 06:57 PM
I would like to see the state police in Vanceburg more often. the big problem with the drunk drivers is coming from the V.F.W. that is where the police Chief had been playing cards all day, and that is where you will find most of Vanceburg so called finest out there getting drunk and then driving home.
Posted by: Everett on Mar 16, 2008 at 06:41 PM
You don't get it Chief. You are an officer who enforces the law. No one should be behind a wheel of a car after drinking six beers. You of all people should know that. Turn in your badge go to jail and do your time. Chief, you are a pin head!
Posted by: me on Mar 16, 2008 at 06:40 PM
wow, did nothing wrong....was he driving?? what an example! Only in good ol Lewis Co.!
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The Yell: Comments for the Week of 6/28
  • Posted By: news bias: i saw video of people protesting coal.I DIDNT SEE people protesting being taxed into poverty,THE TEA PARTY.this is why more and more people are realizing the left wing so called news are being found out about their socialist agenda.where would t.v.stations get their power from ,if not coal.they can talk the talk,but can they walk the walk.all talk,no substance.liberal thru and thru...
  • Posted By: nurse: cps says young kids can't use a weed eater or so i hear. so then why can these same kids put on football pads during the summer and have the coaches w/ parents approval run til they puke or get sick from heat exhaustion. and yes if your kid wants to play football then you do have to allow your kid to go through all that or they wont get to play. so why cant the same child weedeat.
  • Posted By: buck: why is it w/ summer sports it seems the parents make it all about them instead of the kids. am i wrong or do alot of these parents seem to want to relive life again through the kids. or even worse make a claim to being so good at whatever the sport the parent did that they push the kid all because of what they did 'or never did'. These parents also seem to be the really high ego type person. funny thing is if the parent was so good then why arent they pro or at least a great college player. what i have noticed is the the kids w/ the parent who did play college or was on the verge of being pro does not press the issue. they allow the kids to play ball. just my opinion
  • Posted By: Kerry: I would just like to give the city of Huntington a great big THANK-YOU!!! for the wonderful fireworks show. Despite the slight drizzle we had a great evening out. Also had an amazing dinner at "5 guys". Thank you!!!!
  • Posted By: ProudAmerica: On this holiday, I want to send out thanks to all the soldiers, veterans and their families. Without your service, this holiday would not be possible. Please know that you are very much appreciated.
  • Posted By: Anonymous: My comment is about the WV Unemployment office. The people who work there must be the most incompetent baffoons imaginable because it seems that they can never get anything right. It is bad enough that you have to wait in line for hours with all the other people who were unfortunate enough to lose their jobs due to the bad economy but when you finally get to see someone, they always manage to completely mess things up. As if to add insult to injury, they also seem to take great pleasure in denying someone because of their mistake which forces you to appeal their "decision" and go through it all over again. These people are far worse than your typical state employee, they are morons.
  • Posted By: Eve: Has anyone had people soliciting at their homes for "Cabell County schools"? Had a female come to the house this morning (on the July 4 holiday) from "University of Georgia" on behalf of Cabell County to talk to local parents. She had no list of student names and made the assumption that we had kids by the toys/bikes in our yard. She had a notebook with "local parents" names that she had talked with, but I didn't recognize any of the names. She asked about the neighborhood and if any other kids lived there. I didn't disclose any info except that lots of kids live in the area. Didn't let her in the house. Just suspicious because of the holiday and local home robberies. Called Huntington Police to inform them. Wanted to post to get more info out to other families. Have a safe holiday and if anyone else has similar info, please call the Huntington Police Dept. @ 696-4470.
  • Posted By: : To By?? Sounds to me like your doing some bashing too. Let's keep our feelings about each other to ourselves.
  • Posted By: : Seems to me the more than one person has too much time on their hands. I don't understand why people get on here and bash each other's comments. Why don't you all get jobs. WOW, don't think I will return to this section of the webpage anymore.
  • Posted By: Big Earl: Hello working people of WV this is Big Earl and people there is nothing wrong with eating good wholesome foods like bacon sausage eggs lard flour and the like all these PETA types are ganging up on our good food like you cant go to a baseball game now and get a hotdog without a PETA nut bothering you boo hooing about the poor little pig that turned out as a hotdog. Now my favorite restaurant in the world Kentucky Fired Chicken has thrown in twith these nuts and is grilling chicken now. Chicken was never meant to be grilled only fried regular or extra crispy. So people I say get busy we have work to do they is two states in front of us we in WV have to reclaim our top spot as best fed in the whole country go down to the foodland or kroger and get a cube of regular mountain dew a sack of Lays chips and some good ball park big red smokeys with a big bowl of chili and have a grill out tomorrow to celebrate the fourth of July in style and may I say God bless the USA and coal miners too.
  • Posted By: food for thought: Yes I am a Christian. I do need to understand the book of Revelation more and the end time prophecy. Like most I have the concept of it. Just to make it short, government dependence(happening more than ever) and is almost being forced for the citizens of this country to rely on. Cap and trade?(sign of the mark of the beast?)I don't know. I am ready. You that believe in science is fine, I do too. I do not go as far as to believe every report they give out. I pose this question. if you are so worried about global warming that means you don't like heat or burning:correct? Hmmm, think on this of what in Revelation I do understand. The lake of fire is where the worm dieth not and the fire is never quenched. Eternity is forever, on this Earth we are just passing through.
  • Posted By: to why: no ,hetrosexuals wont go to hell any slower than gays.adultry fornication,stealing lying murder etc,are all sins.every one sins,it just that you cant say you want to be a christian,and keep on with bad habits or not want to change and expect god to say thats all right.life is a struggle for all of us.we are expected to repent and try our hardest to do whats right.god respects that.you are not in any more danger than any other sinner.i know that homosexuality is a sin but so is adultry.would we tell an adulter that its all right to keep on hurting their marriage and spouse and thats alright,no.i would rather live beside an honest caring,productive gay person than a dishonest evil selfish nosy buissybody any day.we are only responsible for our own sins and actions.you sound stressed,lighten up.but homosexuality is a sin,like adultry and fornication,nobody gets a free pass.
  • Posted By: Patty: Good points, Htiek, but the status quo with coal mining, which is a dirty business, no matter how it is marketed, i.e., "clean coal" (coal is dirty, period), will remain till the resources are depleted, the land and environment of the coal fields are destroyed, which is pretty much the case at present.
  • Posted By: bonn: One more thing and I really will stop. Why does the weather cycle? I do not know everything-no one does. But everything has its purpose. Sometimes, more cold is called for. If we don't have hard winters snakes and mosquitoes thrive, for one. Mosquitoes are a large part of fish diet. And snakes keep rodents in check. But too much cold hurts other things that call for warmer temps. Quail is one thing that comes to mind that suffer in the frigid temps. We just don't understand all of the workings of these things. But it is all to keep a balance-many times in things we ourselves have killed off, such as bear and wolves. Even if we don't like some species, they all serve a purpose and nature helps keep that balance. Our world really was wonderfully made. With all the changes in temperature, we still have seasons. You can know it will be cold in winter and hot in summer. The excesses serve a purpose we sometimes can not see. Strive to learn of all of her wonders, not follow blindly.
  • Posted By: bonn: I would like to apologize if I have been short and critical. I really am sorry. It is no excuse, but I have a very sick child who may be dying and I get so upset at the state of our world. I do have to quit reading these comments. But I hope I have caused a few people at least to think with their own common sense instead of blindly following whatever. Some theories may be correct. But many ARE for monetary purposes. We each were given a mind to think with. Question everything before taking it as it appears. And be sure and thank a veteran for the freedom we celebrate this weekend. Too many have died to protect it to just give it up willingly. And whether or not you are religious, lets try to love one another. Love can fix so many things! Try to keep our world clean, But that doesn't have to bankrupt us. We can all do our part in whatever ways we can. The old saying "Give a hoot, don't pollute" should not have gone out of style. And use your wikipedia to read "Ice Age" to see cycling.
  • Posted By: Follow up on cap and rape: CNSNews.com) – The 1,400-page cap-and-trade legislation pushed through by House Democrats contains a new federal policy that residential, commercial, and government buildings be retrofitted to increase energy efficiency, leaving it up to the states to figure out exactly how to do that. This means that homeowners, for example, could be required to retrofit their homes to meet federal “green” guidelines in order to sell their homes, if the cap-and-trade bill becomes law. The bill, which now goes to the Senate, directs the administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to develop and implement a national policy for residential and commercial buildings. The purpose of such a strategy – known as the Retrofit for Energy and Environmental Performance (REEP) – would be to “facilitate” the retrofitting of existing buildings nationwide.In other words all your appliances-heating-stove -fridge-windows-would have to meet green standards before we sell SOCAILISM HAS ARRIVED YESWEDID
  • Posted By: ANOTHER YES WE CAN: First you paid to insure your car. Soon you may have to add health insurance premiums to that stack of monthly bills as well. In a revamped health care system envisioned by senators, people would be required to carry health insurance just like motorists must get auto coverage now. The government would provide subsidies for the poor and many middle-class families, but those who still refuse to sign up would face fines of more than $1,000. The details were unveiled Thursday in a health care overhaul bill supported by key Senate Democrats looking to fulfill President Barack Obama's top domestic priority.SOCAILISM IS HERE The Congressional Budget Office estimated the fines would raise around $36 billion over 10 years. Senate aides said the penalties would be modeled on the approach taken by Massachusetts, which now imposes a fine of about $1,000 a year on individuals who refuse to get coverage. Under the federal legislation, families would pay higher penalties than individuals
  • Posted By: bonn: Good grief! The brain washing has gone so far it will never get better. Some of this way of thinking makes me physically ill in my stomach. All of one mind! Mindless devotion to whatever is contrary to common sense and whatever theory is being passed around. Most families have both parents working, some two jobs, just to make it now. Soon you won't even be able to work enough to carry your family, the government and the ones who won't work. Then you will be disposable and they will start killing you off because you can't give them enough money. But you will blindly keep following. It is easy to see how Hitler took control and how it is being set up for the antichrist to take control. I quit. I will never read another comment. And Kris, did that nut not know the sky has always appeared blue? Hahaha Goodbye. I know you will reply, but I won't be reading it. Never again. Either you believe God or the scientists. I choose God. And freedom!
  • Posted By: cap and trade: world net daily has an informative article on home ownership and all buildings in u.s.it is about total government control of everyone.you will have to answer to the gov.or else.
  • Posted By: Jane Doe: To Pearl: Thanks for the comment. I try to be an adult and make the usual comments and complaints, But how would you feel if every time you wrote something, Someone would respond back with their own opinions and say that you are wrong! Just the other day I wrote how my child was injured at Camden Park! Of course RoaneCo. had to write something and attack me about my decision to get angry about the situation. Yes, I agree that I should just turn the other cheek but I was raised to stand up for myself!! Why I'm a target I'll never know but I think that I have a right just like everyone else on here and to say my opinion on things whether people agree or not.
  • Posted By: Why?: EVERYONE SINS! Why is being gay the worst sin that sends you "straight" to HELL? Heterosexuals can do all the "sining" they want and still go to heaven but LGBT can't.
  • Posted By: Justme: Coal mining has been around for years and years. I'm sick of all these nuts that are griping about mining. You nuts are always griping. Maybe you need to get a life. If your so against it.. Then turn your lights out. And stop using the power. Move on, and stop taking jobs away from our miner's.
  • Posted By: Htiek: What always amazes me about people in WV is their slavish devotion to coal mining even though it is killing the planet, costs more jobs than it creates, poisons the water, destroys the mountains, scars the land, kills the snail darter, and other horrible things. Things are all so backwards in this country why dont we switch over to something that lasts and is free like the sun and wind? Even if the president said that stuff and I doubt he did and even if he did you are misquoting him or taking him out of context he is right if there is one sure way to get people to stop turning their air conditioners down to 76 it is to raise the price, just like gasoline. People we can learn to ride bikes and walk again, just like they did in the old days, that will help give us exercise and decrease the obesity rate in WV. Food is another area, the slop that people eat like MacDonalds, trans fats, regular soft drinks, anybody with half a brain knows the intelligent thing to do is tax regular soda pop.
  • Posted By: Gandalf: A tea party? Oh my! I must relay this information to my friend Alice and the Mad Hatter. Door Mouse and Rabbit too. They will be thrilled! Oh my bad, must have picked out the wrong book today. Ta Ta!
  • Posted By: Pearl: Roane Co why dont you and Jane pursue your romance elsewhere the yell is for complaints.
  • Posted By: Kris: Just throwing this out there. I'm sitting on my couch wearing sweat pants and short sleeve shirt. I'm thinking about shuting my windows and turning on my heat. Shouldn't I be turning on the air conditioner instead? It's the 2nd of July. Not saying it's global warming but it doesn't seem right. Haven't heard of any heat warning anywhere is the US so far this summer. Great for us but doesn't feel right.
  • Posted By: Kris: Hi Bonn, it is true that these cycles do occur over time. Scientists have taken core samples from the earth and the ice to show these cycles. However, none of the samples show such a dramatic change in such a short period of time. I am a smoker and I will admit that my second hand smoke can and probably will effect the lungs of a non-smoker. The tons of carbon monoxide and other pollutants that we release into our atmosphere HAS TO have an effect on our atmosphere. True story: there was a scientist that day after day after day couldn't figure out why the sky was so blue and clear. Then it struck him, there hadn't been ANY planes in the air for three days. That was 911. What you put out, is what you get back. If you put love out, you will get love back. If you put out negativity, you will get negativity back. For every action, there is a reaction whether it's good or bad. It's in our hands to do our best not to cause an adverse impact to our planet. Peace to ALL!
  • Posted By: Big Earl: Hello again good working coal mining people of WV this is the coal miners friend Big Earl with news of yet another hippie plot to stick there big noses further into our business now some of these people in Congress has throwed in with the tree huggers they are trying to make it so you cannot sell your house without some nut from the hippie EPA coming in and inspecting it to make sure you are green enough to suit there tastes. This so called cap and trade bill that these busy body do gooders are pushing on us will destroy our jobs and run up the electric bills so that everybody will have to live like the Waltons with 27 people under one roof just to keep warm. Now the average hippie longhair don’t care noway because they would have us all living in mud huts riding mules wearing sandals and weaving baskets to load down with califlowers and arougalas tofu and alfalfa to take up on some worthless mountaintop as an offering to there windmill god instead of having nice homes, cars, a job and cool air in the summer and heat in the winter ALL THANKS TO THE COAL MINER. Anything to bother people attracts these hippies like flies to a cowpie.
  • Posted By: to hteik: hteik has 2 comment .the global warming one was hillarous.it was june 30.he must not have gotten the same public education i did,he was taught that we had satellites in colonial time.but then again he think algoe is really smart,he doesnt know al didn,t really invent the innernet.i think fox news and conservative talk radio would do him a world of good,he,d be shocked at what he doesn,t know.
  • Posted By: Amy: Hey Keith, I must have missed that interview because I was busy clinging to my guns and religion. No, really, I did see it. It's kind of strange how people become so shocked when this stuff is introduced in the House of Reps. Obama outlined every plan he intended to get pushed through and a lot of people just didn't listen. Next time I hope people vote for the best candidate not the best slogan. Yes we can....bankrupt the nation!
  • Posted By: Patriot1: Tea Party: There will be a tea party in Grayson, Ky on July 4th. It will be held at the City Park from 4:00-6:30PM
  • Posted By: Dave: The seat belt law is no law. Its nothing but a deliberate attempt to extort money off the American people,use communist law and control the populace. THE PEOPLE HAVE NEVER VOTED ON IT, BUT THEY ARE TRYING TO GET YOU BELIEVE THAT IT WILL SAVE LIVES. TELL THEM TO GIVE YOU THE FIGURES ON ACCIDENTAL OPERATIONS.And if that doesn't satisfy you then why are we allowing our young brave soldiers to be killed,and for whom? WHY AREN'T THESE NEWSPAPERS BRINGING THIS INFORMATION TO THE PEOPLE? Because the nations 96% are owned and controled by the WEALTHIEST.
  • Posted By: bonn: I was trying to make a point. Perhaps not in the best way. I get so discouraged seeing what is happening around us. One group of scientists call for us to spread soot on all the snow up north to absorb heat to counter the coming ice age. Another (more popular) group calls for painting our roofs white to reflect the heat that is melting our ice caps. Which group is right? Neither. Our earth is doing exactly as it has been doing all along. Cycling naturally. Did it plan it all on its own? Hardly. But no one wants to hear that. It reminds me of "chicken little" yelling "the sky is falling". Only this is not so funny-this is control. And what is even sadder is-people seem to WANT to be controlled. This earth will continue as always until one preplanned day it all comes to a screeching halt. Then a new earth will be created. I will not be caught off guard. I read The Book. I know where I will be. Do you? And do you really enjoy giving those schemers your money that much? I hope one day...
  • Posted By: Keith: A few questions for the Yell audience: Does anyone remember when Obama gave that interview in SanFran Cisco and said that he would not prevent the construction of a coal fired plant, but his policies would bankrupt anybody that tried to build one? That policy was cap and trade. I heard O say that energy prices, under his administration, would "necessairly skyrocket." Is this the hope and change you guys voted for? How will you afford your electric and gas service under this man who cares so much for the poor? Obama said once that he was not bothered that the price of gas had risen so high, just that it happened so fast. How does everyone feel about the gas price? Obama raked John Pablo McCain over the coals for suggesting health care benefits be taxed as income, now he is going to do the same thing to pay for "free" care to illegal aliens, deadbeats, etc...but union workers will be exempt from this tax. How does that make you feel if you work for a living and are not in a union? H&C
  • Posted By: Amy: Hteik, "all is well" because people like us! Give me a break. If all were well, we would not have the largest unemployment rate in 26 years. The stimulus package would prevent it from going above 8%, remember? How is Iran not our business but Honduras is? The people of Honduras have a Constitution very similar to ours and we should support the people not an extremist who is trying to take over their country. The 22nd Amendment does a great service for our nation. IF it would be reversed that would be O.K too. At the rate Obama is going W. could beat him in 2012. At least I would sleep better at night.
  • Posted By: Just Me: Wow Jane Doe, give it a rest. I really don't think God would be please with this going on and on and on...healthy banter is fine, but this is not healthy banter. Christians absolutely can and do get angry, it's what they do with that anger that counts. It doesn't matter where, when, or even IF you go to church...what matters is that you have accepted Christ into your heart and asked for forgiveness of your sins. God didn't save us to judge others, he saved us to lead others to him. I've said many times...what if the person you just yelled at, told off, or whatever showed up at your church on Sunday? Would you be proud of your behavior?
  • Posted By: Sophie: Roane County is a beautiful place. The country roads snake along past fields, farms and old homes we wish could talk. Looneyville is indeed named after the Looney family, so is Gandeeville. My father was from Roane Co. & graduated from Walton High School in the 40's. He told me tales of his school days, friends, boyish pranks, old cars and the fun they had at the 4-H camp. Spencer was a big place to them. Roane Co. gave us many war veterans and kept distant family & friends together with the annual "Roane County Reunion". I don't even know if they still have it, but we used to go. I remember seeing Sen. Robert Byrd play his fiddle there. The Black Walnut Festival in October(?) is a good time to visit Spencer. They usually have a parade, arts & crafts and a museum. You can enjoy a slice of Americana, along with a slice of homemade pie.
  • Posted By: Craveontruth: The great Dale Carnegie once said "You never win an argument".Most of you know he wrote" How to Win Friends and Influence People'.Some of you should put this on your Christmas List.I think I will dust it off and revisit this old classic.
  • Posted By: cap and trade: welcome to ''before tax and tax'bill going thru the powers that be.look at your electric bills this monthe there is an enviornmental tax at 2.2cents for every kilowatt you use.can we even imagine what our electric bill will be,not to mention every thing we consume,food water ,every necessity that cant be done without.we in easternky have good reps.in washington,every one in surrounding states should put your so called reps a lot of pressure to defeat this tax and tax bill that is being pushed by a few people to make them richer and control every aspects of productive peoples lives.look at your gasbill also,you will see only a very small portion for gas but the rest in fees and taxes.look at your phone bill you will see a 100percent markup in taxes and fees.its time to put pressure on politicans to protect the citizens and not the lobiest.
  • Posted By: justanotherfly: sounds like jane doe is looking for an easy way out ie a lawsuit
  • Posted By: to bonn: i couldn,t have said it better myself.some things have to be explained like you are talking to a 5year old.but like some 5year olds that are stubborn and spoiled rotten they dont listen.wait till the cost of every thing sky rockets and they will be the first to rant and rave that nobody told them.
  • Posted By: Jane Doe: To my biggest fan, RoaneCo: Ummm! It's sounds to me like you have a lot of anger. You have to pick on everyone's comments! I think I speak for everyone when I say (Get a Job)!! Cause you obviously have none! You have all this free time on your hands! Why don't you spend this free time helping others instead of puttin them down! You know..WSAZ has job postings...Maybe you could find one on there!!!!I'm not a negative person. Maybe I'm just like everyone else that has a job and three kids and a lot of things to do! I get stressed out, I know that goes way over your head,You don't get stressed. But because you go to church doesn't mean you can't get angry about stuff!!LOL My father-in-law is a Deacon at my church and even he has a temper!! Look out craveontruth! Looks like RoaneCo. has found someone else to pick on!Good Luck!! Have a perfect day ( I know you will)!!
  • Posted By: RoaneCo.: Yes Craveontruth, there is a place named Looneyville.(no Jane Doe that isn't where I live) It is on Rt.36, nothing there but the Looneyville Post Office, and I am not joking. There is also a Lefthand Post Office on Rt.36, always wondered why there wasn't a Righthand also. Our County seat is located in Spencer, (middle of nowhere) which for years was only known for its State Mental Institution. (no Jane Doe this isn't my Alma mater) It was closed years ago and now a Wal-Mart is on that location. I guess the only other thing to speak of would be the Black Walnut Festival which is held in Spencer every October.
  • Posted By: bonn, the simpleton: Don't we have a smart earth? She formed herself from a dust cloud, they say and planted herself just the right distance from the sun to support the life she would create. She also filled her insides with molten heat to maintain the right temps and if that builds too much she decides to blow some out holes (volcanoes) to keep from exploding. She makes her own rain, knowing whether she needs a gentle soaking rain for her plants, or a gully washer to cleanse the filth. It pours down the mountains, into the rivers and out into the ocean which she just happened to fill with salt (her natural sanitizer). And she knows if she doesn't have ice she will over heat, but too much and she will freeze, killing her life she so carefully made. So she melts some, then as it heats up, she freezes more. All just coincidental happenings? She is brilliant! But not so smart as the humans who are making a fortune controlling the other dumb humans by convincing them THEY are causing her to do these things!!!
  • Posted By: passing by the yell: I met someone from Looneyville once. It's named that after a person's last name from what I was told.
  • Posted By: Hteik: Well it is nice to see that the war in Iraq is ending under President Obama. Who would have thought, it seems the world is backwards right now, huh? Obama gets elected, the world understands our good will, and all is well. Just like history, Republicans start wars, Democrats finish them. Hate to say we told you so but we told you so, I just get fuzzy inside thinking about all the people that love us now that hated us because of that old Bush. Another thing too, leave this Iran thing alone, that is none of our business. I dont recall anybody from Iran coming over here to help us in 1776 so why should we stick our nose in their business? When you get a strong leader like in Honduras, a good strong leader with a military background, everybody goes nuts because the guy takes things over well I support him and Obama. In fact, some people are so needed we better start now to get rid of the 22nd Amendment, it was only put in by jealous radical extremist crazy Republicans to hurt FDR.
  • Posted By: Craveontruth: I don't think I have ever been to Roan County.Nothing against the good people of that neck of the woods.I did enjoy looking it up on wikipedia.Is there really a Looneyville there? If there is then I must visit!Who's with me?
  • Posted By: food for thought: 2-10 years for almost killing a child? Where are our priorities? I know they are nestled in the mountains or wait lying deep in the ocean waiting for anoother person to adopt them and claim rights to the next whale that is proclaimed Shammu or Willy. Get real people lets protest these laws that allow some cook to wanna kill his child and only have to pay his debt of 2 - 10 years. Oh and Kris your right our God won't kill a 1 yr old or a 100 yr old just do to it. He would do it for his glory and maybe take them from being around a half heartened sadistic person that would do this to a child. Oh i love the lights and the A/C and my car, but most of all I love my GOD "Jehovah God" whom i think first and foremost for all I have, then i thank a coal miner and an AEP worker and a so on and so on.
  • Posted By: Kimberly: Raising the WV Toll price? I see a lot of arguments coming from this. Where is all of this money going to? Mansion might be a good governer, but when it comes to things like this, it needs fixed. WV roads are awful and I know after all of these years, surely the toll money has added up to more than enough to fix these roads!!! What an awful awful idea!!
  • Posted By: RoaneCo.: Bonn, people like you are the very reason I have stated that I respect ones right of freedom of religion. Although I have different views, I have no issues with anyone going to church and trying to live according to their interpretation of the bible. I think that is wonderful. I also thank you Bonn for being open minded and seeing the point I was trying make. And for Anonymous on Jul 1, 2009 at 03:11 PM, no Craveontruth and I are not the same person. We do agree on some issues, and disagree on others. And when we do disagree (speaking for myself of course) we do it without anger. Also, for Bob... sorry, it isn't working. I have a two year old that comes up with better jabs than you. But I respect your right to try.
  • Posted By: Sophie: Just a few comments on current Yells: Big Earl - I just can't read you anymore because it's the same things over & over. Yeah, we're with you - there are a bunch on weed-o's coming around these days trying to shut us down for the sake of some owl...We get it. We all hate it. Roane Co/Jane -It appears Roane has been very hurt in their lifetime by family conflict involving belief. Many people get hurt because of superstition & misinterpretation and overzealousness. It has been this way since time began. I hope Roane can someday get past the hurt & retoric to work out his/her own salvation. Simple belief in Jesus Christ is where it starts, the rest as I put it, is just "gravy". Jane: I'm sorry your child was hurt. This indeed must be reported. I got hurt @ CP one time too on "The Whip". It beat me so hard against the side I had a major bruise on my hip. I strained my arms trying to keep from slamming into the side. A fun thing was not so fun. No rides for me, anymore. Not there.
  • Posted By: : I think RoaneCo. and Craveontruth is the exact same person? Who's with me?
  • Posted By: Big Earl: Hello good people of WV this is Big Earl and I for one am sick and tired of all these out of state know it all nosey people bothering us if it is not these smelly hippies trying to run our jobs off or rename the WVU mascot now they are calling the good citizens of WV fat. Well people I am here to tell you that this bunch at the so called CSPI and no you hippies I don’t mean the TV show calling us fat should look in the mirror they look like something off night of the living dead pasty faced scarecrows and beanpoles and what is so great about that. WV has some of the best staple foods anywhere in the world I have eaten paotatoes beans meat flour and corn meal all my life cooked in lard and I am not one bit worse off for it and can mine coal with anybody. People all the good foods we eat are natural growed in the garden or on the farm so it should even make a tofu eating hippie type happy. I am more bothered that two states beat us out in the race for the top so I tip my hat to the people of the great states of Alabama home of the best country music band ever and Mississippi but people of WV get busy we have to reclaim our title to best fed in the USA I recommend the Kentucky Fried Chicken with gravy and biscuits as a good place to start our comeback.
  • Posted By: RoaneCo.: Actually Jane Doe, growing up I did attend church and read the bible. Being subjected to religion for many years I would not consider myself "confused" or uneducated. If one looks at organized religion with an open mind it isn't hard to see who is confused. For example, you have one bible yet there are numerous religious groups ( methodists, baptists etc...) that believe their interpretation is the only correct interpretation. This is understandable because the bible itself is very contradictive. In my opinion the the bible and organized religion is nothing more than a tool created to control the masses. Yet this tool has pitted man against man, brother against brother, state against state and country against country, not to mention the wars, death and destruction it has caused. I have witnessed in my lifetime many family fueds, broken marriages and busted churches at the hands of organized religion. I have heard the words of hate spoken by christians. I am not confused.
  • Posted By: To Fat Earl: You're losing! Ha,Ha!
  • Posted By: Kris: God does not control the weather!If so then he would be responsible for killing hundreds of innocent people every year in America alone! If that's your God, you can have it! My GOD is loving and compassionate. He would never take the life of a one year old nor a hundred year old just because he felt like creating a tornado that day or a hurricane the next. Get a brain and use it simpletons!
  • Posted By: bonn: To Jane Doe: I am afraid RoaneCo's common sense is more attractive than your comments. Read your last post at 8:58 and see if it shows the Light you are suppose to give. We are suppose to control our anger. Yes, we are forgiven, but it is not a license to keep repeating our faults. It is mercy so we can improve. Viciousness does not become a child of God. RoaneCo., may God forgive us for driving you and others away from Him with our failure to shine the Light of Love. And Jane Doe, I am the one you called ignorant just because I was showing compassion (another expectation of a Christian). It is scary about your child. But that person was not attacking your child, nor joking about it, only disapproving of your outburst. Not very attractive in anyone, especially one called to set an example for others to follow. If you must get angry, use it to accomplish something good. Christians are hated enough WITHOUT cause. Love is the answer.
  • Posted By: Bob: I think we might need to contact someone in state govt.about inspecting our amusement parks to many in the public simply dont care if kids get hurt this could have been something really really bad but I guess there is always a few who would crack jokes at anything even a child getting injured.
  • Posted By: cap and trade bill: you wont hear on liberal obama mania news reports whats in the cap and tax bill.only conservate talk radio and conservative news are telling the contents of this country destroying bill.liberal dont want you to be informed,it would be to dangerous for their so called news networks.did you know that,as i somewhat understand it,that every house in the country will have to be at gov.standards before it can be sold,they will be allowed to change therules in mid stream if they want.even if you dont like conservative news,remember only a well informed person can try to stop tyranny.look for facts,have you heard 1 liberal news tell you whats in this bill thats detrimental to this country and freedom.i challenge wsaz to look up whats in this bill and report accuratly whats in it.i dont think thats going to happen.
  • Posted By: food for thought: AMEN Bonn I could never have said it any better, being a Boone county coal miner and all. We do no get a very well reputation anyway.
  • Posted By: Craveontruth: RoaneCo.can hurt but often the truth does hurt.I support RoaneCo.To Jane Doe,I believe RoaneCo.does know quite a bit about Christianity and is not confused at all.
  • Posted By: Jane Doe: Thank you everyone for your support!!You know RoaneCo. Nobody is perfect, That goes for Christians too! Are we allowed to get mad??Yes! But are we forgiven everyday? Yes!Obviously you don't know much about Christianity! That's why you critize so much!!You're confused!! We are not perfect! I guess you are!!
  • Posted By: VOTE NO ON CAP AND TRADE: I know its a repost but i think its Worthy 'Liberty Or Tyranny?' House Passes Cap-And-Trade Republicans Warn Bill Gives Federal Government 'Virtual Control' Over 'Every Aspect Of The Lives Of The American People. Thank the Dumbocratic controled house as it will raise the average consumers power bill $175.00 This on top of the energy companies already asking for an inctrase will put such a burden on the American people that only the wealthy will survive.Please write or call our Senators they are the only life line we have left and ask them to VOTE NO on cap and trade. Republicans were overwhelmingly against the measure, arguing it would destroy jobs in the midst of a recession while burdening consumers with a new tax in the form of higher energy costs.And there was plenty to work on in a House-passed measure that pointed toward higher electricity bills for the middle class.Budget Office and the other from the Environmental Protection Agency — that suggested average increases would be $175.00 a year.
  • Posted By: cap and trade survey: against cap and tax,85percent.people who work and are productive.15percent for cap and tax,,,people who work for government or live off the fat of the land and dont mind other people being taxed into poverty....
  • Posted By: : If new drivers would slow down and actually pay attention to what they are doing, then maybe WV would'nt have these new laws for teenage drivers. Personally myself I believe that all states should have this law. It would make the roads a little safer to drive on.
  • Posted By: bonn: About global warming- our temperature is (and always has been) constantly changing. GOD controls it. Anyone who thinks we can are puffing themselves up bigger than we are.Are we suppose to believe we are responsible for the Ice Age thawing that is suppose to have happened way back when as well? How did that happen? Certainly not carbon emissions. Use some common sense and realize people are using this to line their pockets and gain support for their pet projects. I know- you don't want to hear this, but it is not realistic. Don't let America be controlled with this, PLEASE!! Let us remain free!
  • Posted By: Bob: Dont worry Jane Doe I have notice RoaneCOs posts are generally always on the rude side I am sorry to hear about your daughter.
  • Posted By: Just wondering: the 3 people that was killed on alt rt 10. 2 being st. joe's students. Did they ever release the cause of the accident?
  • Posted By: RoaneCo.: I do care about the safety of our children Anonymous on Jun 30, 2009 at 09:01 AM, no matter where they are or what they are doing. Our children are our future. What I don't care for is someone like Jane Doe on here week after week preaching her little sermons all the while calling people ignorant and showing her hostility toward others. It has always amazed me how most christians will belittle someone else but the minute you catch them being unchristian like they always come up with the old "we christians ain't perfect". Well I know they are not, but by golly they are the first to judge everyone else. These hyporcitical self proclaimed christians are one of the reasons I turned away from organized religion years ago. I just don't agree with these people shoving religion on everyone else. I respect Jane Does right to religion and I would even fight for her to keep that right, but she, like so many others need to keep their religion in their church and their home.
  • Posted By: Big Earl: Well hello again good working coal mining families in WV this is Big Earl and I for one am very disappointed that this cap and trade bill got passed into law the other day no thanks to our good representatives from WV. People all I can say is get a woodpile and a bunch of cow chips because your electric is going to get real expensive real quick. These hippies has run up to Washington DC and boo hooed to them tree huggers and longhairs in the EPA until they got even worse done to our jobs but then again what do you expect from a bunch that has a leaf from a dope plant on there sign like the EPA does if you don’t believe me look on this very website I seen a picture of it. Birds of a feather flock together that’s why the good working people were kept out and not allowed to talk at that hearing and the hippies let in. People these hippies has slandered our great state and coal miners first they bring in professor moonbeam from NASA to insult us then he tucks his tail and runs back to NASA and wont debate Mr. DB then they attack our state university mascot the WV mountaineer. Well people I Big Earl have a solution to this lets call WV the “Ivory Soap State,” make our mascot a bathtub that’s a sure fire way to get rid of these smelly hippies and longhairs and keep them out forever.
  • Posted By: ME: We christians are most always judged by our actions and that is to be expected since we are not perfect in any way. We all make mistakes every day,we get angry,we say things we shouldn't and act out our frustrations sometimes to those closest to us and our friends. We try to do better and ask forgiveness when we do stumble from our christian path. Actions speak louder than words at times, good or bad. Yes we adults act like children at times and children try to act like adults all too soon. We never know who we are influenceing with our actions and words so we need to always try to act,say and do what is right. As long as we are on this earth we will stumble but we should strive to be the best we can be and treat people with love and respect no matter how we are treated. I have turned the cheek many times and been slapped alot and will keep on doing it as long as I breath. My time will come soon enough to be judged as to the way I have lived and treated people.
  • Posted By: Jane Doe: I love people on the Yell!!! They give me a chance to laugh everyday. Thanks guys!!
  • Posted By: just looking: UMMMM do you people think that christians are perfect??? Do you think we dont get angry?? Only one person is perfect and that is Jesus Christ...And if a christian says they are perfect, then they arnt a very good christian. We all have faults. Alot of you people cant wait to get up and look at the faults of others and criticize what they believe in....
  • Posted By: Patriot1: Tea Party. There will be a "Tea Party" July 4th from 4:00-6:30 PM at the City Park in Grayson,Ky
  • Posted By: Donna: Please! enough of Michael Jackson. He died, now he will appear before God and face his punishment for his sins against children. He was a morally bankrupt person who the media has presented as an icon. It's no wonder children are so messed up today,too much TV and not enough parenting. You too, are responsible for making him appear as a person to be looked up to. He and others in entertainment and sports are not what the children need, they need moral examples to look up to, please stop the glorification of immoral and indecent individuals.
  • Posted By: food for thought: To those of you telling me to watch out for Fox news, please go back and read carefully what I said about the media and the government. I thank each of you for your information. I am not out to attack anyone whether acclaimed or the average joe. I just know what I have read from reports and from different sites. This information is what our scientists, meteorologists and so forth use in reference to report the records of weather and temperatures. Again thank each of you, and at last Fox news was the channel the fine people at our local (American made) dealership had channeled on the tube, personally I just watch WSAZ, at the local level.
  • Posted By: : Roane Co., why are you not concerned about the safety of small children at amusement parks?
  • Posted By: Htiek: Right on Kris you tell em about Fox News. Everyone that watches knows that the dependable networks are ABF, Anyone But Fox. I am just like everyone else in the know, they lie all the time but please dont press me to cite anything specific as I am having coffee right now. I am new to your side, so pardon me if I get something confused. Those photographs of the ice caps are proof positive as far as I am concerned, these flat earth types that dont believe global warming should compare them to the satellite picutres from the colonial period and over the years since for comparison purposes. I once heard the hottest year on record was in the 1930s but what does that prove. And before one of you know it alls talks about Al Gore riding everywhere in a private plane and having such a huge house and running a company that profits from selling carbon credits, some people in life earn their special privileges simply by showing up and enlightening the rest of us, so there.
  • Posted By: polar ice caps: the weather is always changing.sometime it freezes sometimes it melts,thats gods doings,not mans.wasnt it the great mind of ted danson many years ago that explaind that in 15 or 20 years that the oceans were going to raise so many feet that it would destroy and overflo inward to apolipicate level.i guess the people that live on these coast lines dont know they are under water.we americans are so silly.let me explain what a great creator said,it rains but the oceans are never full.ice melts but the oceans never overflo.i think i,ll believe him instead of a.gore or ted danzen.p.b.s last week on a travel show,,i think,,,,the guide said the glacier there had been melting 150years.that was certainly before the industrial revolution.as for fox,world net daily,newsmax,etc.the liberal press has lost it monolopy on liberal so called news.
  • Posted By: RoaneCo.: After you finish showing your true colors, go back and read my post again Jane Doe. Better yet let me cut and paste it for you. "I do hope your little girl is ok. I have children of my own, I know how precious they are." And just for the record, I would never "make fun" of a child, but don't think for one second that I won't point out an adult being hypocritical. Are you not the same Jane Doe that three weeks ago was preaching about God, then in the same breath calling someone "IGNORANT"? So let me say it one more time, I hope your little girl is ok. As for you, thank you for proving once again how kind, loving, patient and understanding some of you fine christians can be.
  • Posted By: Kris: This respectfully goes out to "food for thought" for what they said about fox news and global warming.FOX has great movies and tv shows but their view when it comes to the "news" is so far on the "right" way of thinking that it totally obscures reality in their opions of the subject at hand. They'll twist their views to make sure that it is opposite of "liberals" or people on the "left" and how they feel about the subject.Asf or global warming, we have actual time lapsed pictures of the polar caps melting at an alarming rate. You can actually see it happening. If things are cooling down, then why are the polar caps and icebergs melting at an alarming rate? The evidence is right in front of our faces. I sure do hope you're right because if I am, our planet is doomed. Sincerely, Kris
  • Posted By: Jethro: WHATS WRONG WITH YOU ALL UPDATE THE YELL!!!!!!!!!!WAKE UP!!!!!!
  • Posted By: Keith: Never thought I'd sit around and miss Bush...well the wrecking ball has appointed a racist to the supreme court, one that is inept and incompetent too. Did you notice her latest ruling was overturned today? The economy is not getting better, those of you out of work have my sympathy because this clown is not doing anything to make it better. He never held a real job, never ran a business, just a rabble rouser and agitator. How do you feel about cap and trade energy tax? All over a phony problem that doesnt even exist; WV will wither away to nothing but hey we can all get jobs in the windmill factory, cant we? How do you feel about having your health benefits taxed to pay for Obamacare? How's the hope and change working out for everyone? What do you think card check is going to do the economy? Check out an article about Obama the African Colonialist on the American Thinker Website, dated June 25th. It explains him to a "T." Obama is a wrecking ball, and he's gonna roll over everyone.
  • Posted By: Big Earl: Well hello again good working coal miners of WV this is Big Earl and people I have come to the conclusion that we need some friends in Washington DC that has got some clout. Some people up there has got big names but nobody apparently listens to, that is if they show up at all in court to help you out, those who are sick are excepted. Then there are some people in Charleston who should be in Washington who shall remain unnamed because nobody in Gov. Joes office asked me to say that. But remember who had that bunch from FEMA down here handing out checks before two weeks after the flood water hit and figure out who has clout. You people that went up for the hearing last week should be thanked but the good people never got to say a word but these hippies did, they are apparently now running around the creek with microscopes looking for fish that cant be seen with the eye, something called a microbe, now they are blaming the coal miner for killing off this worthless animal and I sincerely hope Captain D or old Long John will never put some slop like that on my plate when I want good seafood. If you dont see it it cant be of no good use anyway, sort of like a certain US senator with a big rich name who was nowhere to be seen last week.
  • Posted By: Jane Doe: To RoaneCo. How dare you critize my comment. This isn't just some fun arguement!! My child is hurt! Do you think that's funny? Do me a favor, Next time I write about my kids, Don't comment! I hope you don't have any kids because you don't see the harm and worry in my comment, You just want to fight and make fun of someone!! This is really serious!! I don't see the humor!!!
  • Posted By: Big Earl: Did any of you people see those PETA nuts on the TV 3 news last night boo hooing about having to tie there dogs up hello again working people of WV this is Big Earl and I don’t know about you but I always thought it was rude and inconsiderate and just being a bad neighbor to let your dogs run wild all over the neighborhood digging up peoples backyards rooting around in garbage cans and doing there business all over the place. Have any of you people in Huntington ever lost a chicken to a wild dog. Even these back to nature types and hippies up here in Boone County tie up there dog to guard there dope patches but they don’t have no sense anyway if they aint going to Washington DC to try and rook us out of our jobs by carrying signs and yelling about some invisible fish that is no good to anybody they are screaming about the coal miner killing polar bears and other animals that don’t even live here. Apparently this bunch had the bright idea to go down to the park on Sunday down in Huntington when people was out with there families trying to walk around and enjoy things and they chained themselves to trees with real dog chains trying to get people to sign a protest petition to of all people a mayor named Wolf now I don’t know about you but that mayor better forget the beware of dog sign he needs to put a beware of the PETA nut sign up in that park.
  • Posted By: The Seeker: @food for thought: It is indeed important to check facts, and it heartens me to see that you're of the type that actively seeks them (even thought I fall on the side of the debate that believes in climate change, as it has solid science behind it). However, I caution you on taking anything from FOX news at face value. This is an organization that in 2000 won a case in Florida appeals court in which the court ruled that FOX has no obligation to tell the truth to it's viewers, and can misinform the public under the first amendment. This is also an organization that has been proven to have an agenda, and frames every bit of it's coverage to favor one political party over the other. My advice is to seek out less obviously biased news sources, especially in cases such as global warming, which is an issue that transcends political parties and affects every being on the planet.
  • Posted By: Hugh: Hey WVa. Checkin out the YELL. Kind of quiet today. Enjoyed my visit there. Met John Henry at the Big Ben Tunnel,saw the big bridge. Stood at Hawk's Nest and viewed the scenery. If I wasn't so old and crippled, I'd bungee jump from the New River Gorge Bridge. Have folks who live in the Talcott area and some around Hinton. Well won't take much of your time today. Just wanted to check in.
  • Posted By: what is foor for thought?: foor?? for thought, you do know Bush made those he commissioned to study it alter their reports when he found out it supported global warming, don't you? Anyone who just sees pictures of the ice caps 30 years ago and now would have to be mentally handicapped not to know there's global warming, the only thing that's possible to debate is the cause of it. Wonder why Fox didn't mention the Bush fiasco? Well I don't really wonder.
  • Posted By: more p.c at wsaz: gays in usa sounds like it was written by a gay person,so it was printed.it was,nt written by a gay person.it was a second thought,after i commented on other sins,such as adultry,but plainly written by a heterosexual person.it was not printed because im straight and not gay.so goes our country and freedom.
  • Posted By: Lou Ann: Ive had a similar bad experience at camden park several years ago. Havent went back since. The pricing is just another deterrent to doing business locally. I love this area but am very discouraged by the lack of pride in our appearance in several of our towns, the prices of doing business, the attitude towards the customer , the lack of merchandise. I could go on. We definately are not tourist friendly in the great ohio valley area.
  • Posted By: foor for thought: Looks like my comment on June 24th may be right. I have done some reading about this Global warming fad the government is putting on. I was sitting in a local car dealership and FOX news was reporting on the government sitting or "burying" studies by two of the highest ranking EPA officials contradicting this myth. Some of the comments from their studies proves the Global temperature if anything has decreased. Although, you should be skeptical about anything the media reports especially when it involves the government these are facts that have been recorded over time. I ask how come when these bozos as Dr. Hansen whom is from NASA(which has done innumerable amounts of damage to our air with their testing) never mention facts as these when trying to prove things they are claiming is a fact. People we in America have became lazy in seeking the truth, I am not disputing anything these scientists and the government tells us, but as we learned in elementary school check facts of both sides.
  • Posted By: gays in u.s.a.: another reflection on gays.if you think god doesn,t care about you because you,re gay ,he must love you more than you can comprehend,if not you could have been born ina muslim country.islam has no homosexuals ,they are not rehabilitate,just beheaded.as a loving and compassionate god says"GO AND SIN NO MORE".that doesnt mean just you it means all of us.yes god allows you to choose,he must really care.
  • Posted By: City of Milton: I'm glad that the City of Milton has so much money to spend and that they spend it wisely. Every time I drive through town on a nice day it never fails that someone is washing their personal vehicle at the VFD. Good to see that they budget personal car washes into the city budget. I think I'll stop in there today and see if I can wash my car as well...should be a nice day!
  • Posted By: Valorie: About four weeks ago, I sent a letter to Camden Park with a friendly suggestion to open the park to the casual visitor again. As of today, I still haven't had a response from them. There used to be a small fee for admission to anyone who just wanted to visit. Once inside the park, a visitor could buy a corn dog or pay to play a few games or ride a few rides. Now people have to pay a full admission price for all day rides, even when they don't plan to stay all day. A lot of people are grandparents who just want to watch their grandchildren ride for an hour or two. Some are young parents with small children who tire easily. As empty nesters, my husband and I would like to drop by to get a bite to eat, play some games or just walk around. Everyone I have spoken to said they would visit Camden Park a whole lot more if they didn't have to pay the full admission price. I challenge everyone to contact Camden Park and ask them to give the people a choice!
  • Posted By: to gay question: god is not a cruel and unfair god.we all have our faults.is homosuxality a bigger sin than adultry,pornography,lying,stealing, and the list goes on.the clue to these behaviors is wanting to make our lives better.we cant blame anyone but ourselves for what we do.if anyone doesnt change its what they want to do.but as long as it doesnt affect me thats between you and god.but it is wrong,just as cheating on your spouse is sin.would we tell the adulterer that its not sin and not to try being a better person,i think not.celibacy would be better than the same old behavior.these have been struggle since creation.
  • Posted By: RoaneCo.: Losing your religion Jane Doe? What happened to "turn the other cheek"? I do hope your little girl is ok. I have children of my own, I know how precious they are. But next time you read of someone else being "furious" or commenting on their personal issues, maybe you should keep your bible quotes to yourself.
  • Posted By: Jane Doe: I recently went with my church and my family to Camden Park this past weekend. Me and my 6 year old daughter rode the Spider, We thought it was going to be lots of fun, we were wrong! It was a nightmare! It went on for 10 minutes and was going way too fast! My daughter was terrified and was screaming! I was furious when the man that helped us off asked if she was okay and I said what do you think and he laughed!! I have rode this ride for many years and loved it, But this time I could tell it was different! But then it gets worse, A friend of mine that stayed at the park longer than us informed me that after we left, The spider closed down and said they had crossed wires and the ride was malfunctioning!!! My daughter can't hardly walk today and has a four inch bruise down her back! I'm taking her to the doctor in the morning. If there is something seriously wrong, I will be speaking to the owner and this situation will be takin care of!!!!!
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