October 8, 2009

Wrongful death suit filed against Marcum/Wallace
By Rhonda Smyth, CV&T News Editor

A Beattyville couple filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Marcum & Wallace Memorial Hospital, Dr. Roi Reed and Marshall Emergency Services Associates in Estill Circuit Court on Oct. 2.
Jessyca Phillips and Christopher Phillips filed the suit on behalf of themselves and as administrators of the estate of their infant son who died Nov. 3, 2008.
Court papers state that Jessyca Phillips was almost 24 weeks pregnant when she went to the MWMH emergency room on Oct. 30. 2008 complaining of “sharp, low abdominal pain and back pain.” She was seen by Dr. Reed and some unidentified nurses.
The papers also state Dr. Reed noted that Jessyca Phillips was pregnant and named her obstetrician as Dr. Gordon. He or a nurse recorded the fetal heart rate.
The papers state that she wasn’t attached to a fetal monitor and that at that time the baby was viable. They state that Dr. Reed ordered a urinalysis to check for a urinary tract infection and that she wasn’t sent to a labor and delivery unit.
Papers state she was given a prescription for an antibiotic as treatment for a urinary tract infection and told to expect some bleeding and additional pain.
On the morning of Oct. 31, Jessyca did experience some bleeding and pain which she thought was caused by the infection, according to the court papers. She and Christopher went out to shop and eat lunch. During this time she experienced more severe pain in her back and abdomen. She contacted her obstetrician who told her to go to Pattie A.Clay Regional Medical Center. She was confirmed to be in active labor and was sent to labor and delivery unit where her labor couldn’t be stopped.
She gave birth to Christopher David Phillips who was soon transferred to the University of Kentucky Medical Center where he died from complications of a premature birth.
The Phillipses allege that the baby’s death was due to injury inflicted by the wrongful acts and /or negligence of the above named defendants. They are asking for compensatory damages, trial by jury, reasonable attorney’s fees and other costs associated with this action.
The couple is represented by Eric C.Deters of Independence. He stated on the papers that he has had the matter reviewed by competent health care providers qualified to testify and that they are willing to support the plaintiffs’ allegation.
The defendants were served the papers by certified mail.

Couple caught allegedly ‘doing’ drugs
By Rhondan Smyth, News Editor

Estill Deputy Sheriff Russell “Doc” Morris got a tip that a man and woman were “shooting up” outside of Arvin’s Apartments on Wisemantown Road.
When Morris arrived at the apartment he alleged observed the couple, Paula L. Voils, 29 and Roy Sturgill, 35 sitting in a black Chevrolet truck.
The report states that the door of the truck was open, but when the officer parked behind it, Sturgill closed the door.
“When I approached the passenger side door, I observed a spoon with something in it and a needle,” Morris stated on the report. “The female started licking the spoon and put something behind the seat. The male wouldn’t open the door.”
The report states Morris found a green pill bottle and two needles in the truck.
When Morris told Sturgill to exit the vehicle, the report states, he nearly fell and told Morris he had taken some Percoset that was prescribed by a doctor.
Both subjects were arrested and taken to the Estill County Jail. Sturgill was charged with public intoxication and tampering with physical evidence.
Voils was charged with first degree possession of a controlled substance, first offense, drug unspecified, second degree possession of a controlled substance, first offense, drug unspecified and tampering with physical evidence.
Bond was set at $1,000 for Voils and $2,500 for Sturgill.

Kiwanis Club 8th annual auction is this Saturday
By Rhonda Smyth, CV&T News Editor

The Irvine-Ravenna Kiwanis Club eighth annual auction will be this Saturday, Oct. 10, at the Estill County Middle School from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m.
The auction will be telecast live on Irvine Community Television Channel 8 and broadcast on WIRV radio station, 1550 on the radio dial. Bidders may call 723-5136, 723-2187 or 723-2689 or come to the school to bid.
There will be many great items on which to bid including a leather recliner, Carhartt clothing, Snug Hollow Farm dinners, country hams, University of Kentucky football and basketball tickets, Bybee pottery, baseball throw, Coach Calipari autographed basketball, eight pairs of boots and much more.
But the main item to be auctioned is, as always, a 2004 Chevrolet Malibu with 81,000 miles on it, which was once again donated by Bunt Gross Auto Sales.
The Irvine-Ravenna Kiwanis Club uses the proceeds from this fund-raising auction to support the little league baseball/softball program, Christmas for foster children, college scholarships, the Key Club, the Estill County Ministerial Association, Elizabeth Witt Christmas Party, pre-school teachers’ supplies, Estill County Public Library, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, American Cancer Society Relay for Life, Irvine Cemetery, Friends for Life Organization party, Parents Against Drug Dealing, highway cleanup, Irvine Health and Rehab, Salvation Army, GED tests and Early Childhood books.
Kiwanis works hard to make this event successful every year and appreciates the sponsorship of Abney Auto Sales, Citizens Guaranty Bank, Davis Law, Estill County Energy and Marcum & Wallace Memorial Hospital along with Dr. Witt and MESA.
Tune in at 9 a.m. Saturday morning for the opportunity to buy some great objects and support Kiwanis in all they do for the community.