Governor Ernie Fletcher and Acting Transportation Secretary Bill Nighbert have announced the awarding of eight contracts for highway improvements totaling $3,845,488.08 in the Department of Highways District 9.

"These projects are examples of our administration's goal of providing a safe and reliable transportation system for all Kentuckians," Governor Fletcher said. "Through these projects and others like them, we can continue to move the state forward and provide greater opportunities for everyone who calls Kentucky home."

Contracts were awarded for the following projects in Lewis County:

The contract calls for resurfacing three sections of roads totaling 12.46 miles.

The first section includes 6.61 miles of KY 344, Foxport Road, from the Fleming County line extending east to KY 559.

The second section includes 3.66 miles of KY 344, Foxport Road, from KY 559 extending northeast to Black Lick Branch.

The third section includes 2.19 miles of KY 984, Cabin Creek Road, from the Mason County line extending northeast to KY 3309.

H.G. Mays Corp., Frankfort, was awarded the low-bid contract for $602,923.18. The project is scheduled to be completed by November 30. "These new projects will help to repair and upgrade our aging highway infrastructure and provide safer roads that will further economic development and enhance safe travel for Kentuckians," said acting Secretary Nighbert.

Construction activities are scheduled on a tentative basis and are subject to change depending on weather conditions. Once work starts, motorists are urged to use caution in the work zones and are asked to "Drive Smart" when workers and equipment are present.

Governor Ernie Fletcher announced recently that the Buffalo Trace Area Development District has been awarded $323,772 in preparedness funding from the Kentucky Office of Homeland Security to enhance the five county district's 911 emergency services capabilities.

Specifically, the award will implement Enhanced 911 service for Lewis and Robertson counties, the two counties remaining in the district without Enhanced 911.

The technology will allow 911 emergency services to get information about a caller quicker, give them a more precise location of the emergency, and allow information to transfer from county to county more efficiently.

"Communication during any emergency is critical, and the ability of a first responder to gather information instantly often means the difference between life and death," Fetcher said.

"As a law enforcement officer, I can attest to the necessity of Enhanced 911," said Major Alecia Webb-Edgington, interim director of the Kentucky Office of Homeland Security. "This equipment will help make these communities safer and more secure by enabling 911 personnel and first responders in this area to be better prepared.

Lewis County Deputy Sheriff Johnny Bivens is investigating a burglary last week on Ky. Rt. 989, Big Salt Lick.

Bivens said the incident happened Wednesday afternoon when the burglar, or burglars, forced their way into a residence and stole several firearms.

He said long guns, and guns and jewelry were reported missing when the break-in was discovered.

Bivens asks that anyone who may have seen any suspicious activity in the area to contact him at the Sheriff's office at 606-796-2912 or call the Sheriff's Tip Hotline at 606-796-0123. Callers may remain anonymous.