Gasoline prices skyrocketed in Kentucky in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, topping the $3 a gallon mark at some locations, while motorists, trying to beat the higher prices, went on a buying frenzy.

Regular unleaded gasoline went for $3.29 a gallon on Wednesday afternoon at some Pikeville-area stores. At least one Vanceburg station was selling gasoline for $3.19 a gallon, while most others were at $3.09.

Some stations, whose pumps would only register up to $2.99.9, indicated that when their supplies were depleted they would not be ordering more fuel unless the pumps could be modified to register the higher prices.

Attorney General Greg Stumbo said he thought gasoline retailers were "price gouging" and asked the governor to declare a state of emergency for the entire state. Gov. Ernie Fletcher signed an executive order to that effect a short time later.

That action, Stumbo said, would trigger a state law allowing investigators from his office to determine whether retailers were inappropriately charging higher gas prices in the wake of the storm.

On Thursday and Friday, September 8 and 9, the employees of People's Self-Help Housing Inc. (PSHH) and Citizens Deposit Bank will assist Connie Mack of Tollesboro in raising her new home.

In the spirit of yesteryear, friends and neighbors will volunteer their time to raise the walls and roof of this new home, located on old Route 10 in Tollesboro just east of the Tollesboro Post Office.

On Thursday, crews and volunteers will construct floors, walls and the roof of the new home. The roof will be shingled, doors and windows installed, porches built and vinyl siding hung on Friday.

The remainder of the home will be completed during the month of September by one of PSHH's three construction crews.

Work starts each day at 9:00 a.m. and runs until 4:00 p.m. Everyone is invited to bring a hammer and join in the excitement. Lunch will be provided.

Watch for the sign in the yard or follow the sound of hammering as the house is raised. Parking is being graciously provided by the Tollesboro Methodist Church at the corner of Route 10 and Route 57 north.

In addition to volunteer labor, Citizens Deposit Bank will be providing below market rate financing for Connie Mack's home. A forgivable loan from the Federal home Loan Bank of Cincinnati will make the home affordable on a limited income.

A native of West Portsmouth, Ohio, Rick Ferrell is a great songwriter and artist in Nashville, Tennessee.

Rick has written songs for Tim McGraw (Something Like That), Martina McBride (Where Would You Be), Montgomery Gentry and more.

He has teamed up with Jennifer Hicks, who was the runner-up of Nashville Star last season.

The duo has just finished their album and will perform Friday evening, September 16, at the Lewis County School and Agricultural Fair.