The Nestlé Waters Red Boiling Springs Bottling Plant received the 2012 Large Business of the Year Award during the annual Macon County Chamber of Commerce Banquet held last Tuesday, November 13.

Recent drug indictments that had been handed down by the Macon County Grand Jury were served on Monday, November 19.

The Macon County Sheriffs Department began serving the 19 indictments and by late Monday afternoon, fifteen had been served.

Detective Donnie Crawford has been working drug investigations since March of this year, including the buying and selling of narcotics, marijuana, methamphetamine, morphine, heroine, hydrocodone, and other miscellaneous schedule drugs.

Members of the Macon County Sheriffs Department, along with assistance from officers of the Lafayette Police Department went to various locations in the county and served these indictments. The department started early in the day and before it was over they also discovered two non-active meth labs, along with more narcotics.

Sgt. Michael Veatch said that while serving a warrant at an undisclosed location, with Kyle Petty, Donnie Crawford, & Stacy Woodard, he went behind the house where he noticed a green Mountain Dew bottle with material that is consistent with a meth lab. After consent from the homeowner they searched the property and found another meth lab inside the garage.

Those arrested include: Willie Robert Barrette Jr., of Bradley Hollow Road in Lafayette, promotion of methamphetamine.

Glyn Paul Newberry, of Old Hwy 52 in Lafayette, manufacturing of narcotics.

David Hall, of West Fork Creek Road in Lafayette, simple possession.

Anthony Paul Newberry, of Old Hwy. 52 in Lafayette, manufacturing of narcotics.

Others arrested by late Monday afternoon: Tiffany Nielsen, Dustin Richardson, James Reid, Glen Newberry, Jeffrey Shuck, Jennifer Shuck, and Johnny Stafford.

During the operation money was confiscated due to undercover operations and several vehicles were also seized.

Sheriff Mark Gammons would like to thank his officers along with the Lafayette Police Department for their hard work and dedication to this operation.

In a separate investigation by Detective Donnie Crawford, he charged Daniel Jacob Wilson, of 1177 South Long Creek Road, with domestic violence, intent to manufacture narcotics and child abuse/neglect of child under six years of age.

According to Crawford he had received a tip that meth was being manufactured at this residence and after searching the house he found meth precursors used in a shake and bake operation. “I learned that Mr. Wilson had been cooking meth while children were in the house,” said Detective Crawford.”

Crawford later returned to the home to search a possible hiding spot inside a tool box. He found other equipment used to manufacture this deadly drug.

Kristie Lynn Colgate also lives at 1177 South Long Creek Road and she was charged with child abuse/neglect of child under 6 years of age.

Other meth arrests:

Officer Danny Meador, of the Lafayette Police Department, was patrolling down Sneed Blvd. on Wednesday, November 14, when he noticed a vehicle that appeared to be speeding. The driver ran the stop sign at the 52 & 10 intersection and Meador proceeded down the hill and pulled the vehicle over.

After consent was given he searched the vehicle, which was occupied by Cynthia Roe-Ward and Patrick Stewart. “I found several meth components inside the vehicle,” said Officer Meador. “I also confiscated two duffle bags in the truck that contained syringes, spoons, lithium batteries, lighter fluid, several cell phones without the batteries, along with plastic tubing, boric acid, filters, a little bag of rock and a white granulated substance in a pill bottle.”
Meador arrested the two suspects and transported the couple to the Macon County Justice Center.

Cynthia Marie Roe-Ward, 26, of 1535 Hwy. 52 in Westmoreland, was charged with promotion of methamphetamine manufacture and possession of drug paraphernalia. Bond is set at $15,000 and a court date is scheduled for Dec. 12.

Patrick Wayne Stewart, 27, of 623 Chitwood Drive in Lafayette, was charged with promotion of methamphetamine manufacture and possession of drug paraphernalia. Bond is set at $15,000 and a court date is scheduled for Dec. 12.

If you have any drug related information please call the Macon County Sheriffs Office at 615-666-3325 or the Lafayette Police Department at 615-666-4725.  

Arson caused a fire that destroyed barns, harvested crops and farm equipment belonging to Al Pedigo, at his Figure Eight Road residence in Allen County, Ky.

Fire broke out in the early morning hours of November 5, 2012 and the South Allen County fire department received the 10/72 call at 7:45 a.m.

According to Chief Eddie Ausbrooks, the fire was set sometime during the night. When the firefighters arrived at the scene one barn was completely down, another was standing but structurally unstable, and a combine was destroyed.

The estimated loss exceeds $125,000. The Kentucky State Police and Fire Marshall were called to investigate.

According to Robert Montgomery, who is spearheading the Citizens For Justice Coalitition in Allen County, (independent of his role as Allen County USDA Farm Service Agent), the small farming community near Rough Hill Missionary Baptist Church remains in shock after individuals committed this heinous act of arson. He says that many residents have voiced concern that additional acts such as this may continue unless those responsible are found, arrested and convicted. Many in the community are living in fear that they could be next unless swift justice is served!

The coalition was formed by concerned citizens of Allen County, who are implementing a campaign targeted toward the immediate and successful apprehension and prosecution of those responsible for the November 5, arson.

Monetary pledges are being solicited to be used to establish a reward for anyone providing information that leads to the arrest and conviction of these individuals. At this time the reward is up to $12,000. The campaign will remain active until a conviction is obtained.

Pledge forms have been prepared and anyone submitting a pledge will have the option to remain anonymous or to authorize their name to be used as supporting this campaign.

You can e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for more information or to make a pledge. Call in confidence to 270-781-CLUE.

The Macon County Chronicle has received numerous tips regarding the federal investigation by the USDA into tobacco insurance fraud in Macon County. This arson fire in the southern tip of Kentucky is believed to be linked to this investigation regarding several local tobacco producers.  

The Macon County Chronicle and all of your Lafayette merchants on the Square cordially request your presence at this year’s ‘Christmas on the Square’ event, set for Friday, December 7, 2012 from 5 to 8 p.m.

Kicking off the evening, a tree lighting ceremony and musical entertainment will take place on the courthouse lawn at 5 p.m.

Several holiday inspired events are scheduled for both children and adults to enjoy, including holiday art projects inside the courthouse, sponsored by the Macon County Arts Council, free holiday Christmas temporary tattoos sponsored by the Macon County Chronicle, storytelling at Macon Department Store and McClard’s Gifts, wagon rides around the Square by Kenny Jones, visits from some of your favorite characters and photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus will be available throughout the evening.

New additions to this year’s Christmas on the Square event are train rides for both children and adults and Christmas trolley rides with Mickey & Minnie.

There is no cost to participate in any of the ‘Christmas on the Square’ events.

In the spirit of the holiday season, $500 in cash giveaways will also take place. Winners must be present to collect prizes, and entries can be made by visiting the following participating merchants: Healing Hands of Peace Ministries, Macon Department Store, Linda's Cakes & Catering, Citizens Bank, Johnson Jewelers, Cathy’s Florist & Gifts, Macon Bank & Trust, McClard’s Gifts, Inspirations, the Macon County Chronicle, Gibson’s Café, Indigo Blues, Eden’s Knives & Collectibles, Inspirations and All About Sports.

Throughout the day, refreshments will be available at participating ‘Christmas on the Square’ businesses, where early holiday shoppers will find great bargains and specials. 

This year’s event is one that you and your family will not want to miss, so mark your calendars now and come out to celebrate the season with us!

For more information contact the Macon County Chronicle at (615) 688-6397.