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Post by Greg Stamper on Jun 20, 2014 20:27:43 GMT -5
Video Link: www.lex18.com/news/nc-silver-alert-man-found-in-wolfe-county------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------ NC Silver Alert Man Found In Wolfe County A man who had a Silver Alert issued for him in North Carolina is back home safe after some sharp-eyed rescue crews spotted him near the Red River Gorge Wednesday. The 73 year old, who suffers from dementia, would up at the Sky Bridge Station near the gorge. The place was closed but the owner and a friend happened to still be there when Robert Donaldson came in saying he needed medical assistance. "He showed something wasn't quite right," Isaac McShane said. "He explained that he was 73-year-old and his 83-year-old mother would want to know where he was, so something didn't quite add up obviously." "I'm glad that he at least had the right state of mind to stop into a public place and ask for help," Clifton Gifford said. Fortunately for Donaldson, both McShane and Gifford are search and rescue members and were able to help him out. While talking with him, they said Donaldson thought he came from Illinois. He actually took a care from his care giver in North Carolina and drove all the way there. Both men gave him water, checked his vitals and wrote down medications he was on. Donaldson was able to go home with family who drive up to get him Thursday. www.lex18.com/news/nc-silver-alert-man-found-in-wolfe-county
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Post by Greg Stamper on Jun 6, 2014 7:34:27 GMT -5
Red River Gorge Bridge Building Slade, Kentucky Jun 07, 2014 9:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. Location KY 77, Red River Gorge, Slade, KY 40380 Email: charlierowe@fs.fed.us www.rrgtc.com/About Below is the information for the Bridge Building Day with the Red River Gorge Trail Crew as part of the National Trails Day Celebration! Hosting Individual or Organization Name: USDA Forest Service Does this event take place on a National Scenic, Historic or Recreation Trail?: Yes, A National Recreation Trail Trail Name: Rough Special Directions to Site: Martins Fork Parking lot, on KY 77 Activity 1: Stewardship/Trail Project Activity 1 Mileage Traveled or Maintained: 2 Activity 1 Special Instructions: Work boots and gloves RSVP Required?: Not Required Preferred Method of RSVP: Email Contact Email: charlierowe@fs.fed.us Contact Phone: (606) 663-0576 e106 Contact or Event URL: www.rrgtc.comwww.kentuckytourism.com/events/details/red-river-gorge-bridge-building/21960/
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Post by Greg Stamper on May 5, 2014 20:08:43 GMT -5
Wolfe Co. Search and Rescue Team saves man injured by machete Updated: Mon 6:23 PM, May 05, 2014 WOLFE COUNTY, Ky. (WKYT) - Officials say a Red River Gorge camper is lucky to be alive after a machete accident over the weekend. A camper severely cut himself in the leg. He was able to drive his car to the Sky Bridge Station restaurant for help. Lucky for him, members of the Wolfe County Search and Rescue team were inside. They offered medical attention until an ambulance arrived. "The first words out of his mouth were, 'I don't think I can make it to a hospital. I cut myself pretty badly,'" said David Fifer, a paramedic and member of the Wolfe County Search and Rescue Team. Fifer, Wilderness First Responder Drew Stevens, and kitchen manager Eric Jones treated the man for shock and slowed the bleeding. Fifer says the camper stumbled out of his car and was covered in blood. He tells WKYT the camper's pants were shredded because the camper made an improvised bandage. We're told the man was fasting for two days and was on a "spiritual journey" in the gorge, before he accidentally cut his lower leg. His wound almost reached the bone. "He avoided any major arteries. He was losing such a significant amount of blood from the size of the wound. It was pretty extensive," explained Fifer. The man received several stitches and was discharged from the hospital. Video link: www.wkyt.com/home/headlines/Wolfe-Co-Search-and-Rescue-Team-saves-man-injured-by-machete-258021391.html
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Post by Greg Stamper on Apr 29, 2014 9:42:59 GMT -5
For Immediate Release Contact: Kimberly Morgan 859-745-3100 National forest visitors urged to watch for flash flooding WINCHESTER, Ky., April 29, 2014 – With all of the recent rainfall, U.S. Forest Service officials with the Daniel Boone National Forest are reminding visitors to watch for flash floods. The National Weather Service describes a flash flood as a rapid rise of water in a low-lying area, usually caused by an intense storm that produces heavy rainfall in a short amount of time. Rushing flood waters over roadways can be powerful enough to roll vehicles, destroy bridges and tear out roads. Low-lying areas can become extremely dangerous in a matter of minutes. Campers especially should be aware of the potential for flash floods. Creeks and rivers can rise quickly, and it is much harder to determine water depths and the force of currents during the evening hours. Some safety tips to consider during the potential for flash floods are: • Check the weather forecast before leaving home and be alert for changing weather conditions. • Use weather radios for a smartphone application to stay tuned-in during outdoor activities. In case of an emergency, have a communication plan in place with family and friends. • Avoid camping near a stream or river when thunderstorms are expected. • Act quickly if a flash flood warning is issued or water starts to noticeably rise. • If water begins to rise, move to higher ground immediately. Do not drive across flooded roads. Make safe choices. • Having a cellphone is recommended, but you may not have a signal in remote locations. Take precautions by avoiding areas with high flood potential. Visitors may check for alerts and warnings on the Daniel Boone National Forest website at www.fs.usda.gov/dbnf/. When visiting the great outdoors, remember that your safety is your responsibility. Kimberly J. Morgan Public Affairs Specialist Daniel Boone National Forest 1700 Bypass Road Winchester, KY 40391 kmorgan@fs.fed.us Phone 859-745-3107 Fax 859-744-1568
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Post by Greg Stamper on Apr 21, 2014 22:59:47 GMT -5
Man injured while hiking at Red River Gorge Updated: Sun 11:32 PM, Apr 20, 2014 WOLFE CO, Ky. (WKYT/WYMT) - A man is injured after falling on a trail while hiking. It happened Saturday night at Rock Bridge in the Red River Gorge. Rescuers from the Wolfe County Search and Rescue team say the man hurt his leg after falling about ten feet. He was later taken to a hospital by ambulance after the rescue mission. People looking to get out of the house and on to the trails, after a long cold winter,need to be careful. Training Officer John May says preparation is key for hikers. "Do a little research before you visit the area, know the trails you are going to be on, and how long it should take you to get off that trail," May says. The team has been dispatched five times this year; they average more than 30 rescues all year. May says one of the most common mistakes people make is losing daylight. "If you feel yourself becoming disoriented or running out of daylight. Stop and try to get cell service and contact 911," May says. During the spring and fall cliff edges are slippery, so it's crucial to stay on trails and obey signs. In severe cases it's important to be equipped to spend the night. If you do find yourself lost in the woods, to make the rescue team's job easier; stay where you are. "If you are lost. Call for help and stay put. Hug a tree. It's the best advice we could give you at that point," May says. The Wolfe County team often works with volunteers from Lee, Menifee and Powell counties. Story and Video Link: www.wkyt.com/home/headlines/Man-injured-while-hiking-at-Red-River-Gorge-255942631.html
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Post by Greg Stamper on Mar 21, 2014 6:34:41 GMT -5
Excellent!
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Post by Greg Stamper on Mar 14, 2014 6:57:51 GMT -5
Via ferrata course at Red River Gorge offering rappelling, night climbs in spring THE ASSOCIATED PRESS March 14, 2014 - 4:09 am EDT CAMPTON, Kentucky — A unique rock-climbing destination in the Red River Gorge Geological Area is offering special discounts and climbing clinics this spring. Torrent Falls Climbing Adventures is home to a via ferrata, which is a climbing course that uses a series of cables and hand rungs that allows even beginners to climb to the highest points. Via ferrata courses were popularized in Europe, and Kentucky is home to one of the few courses in the U.S. Torrent Falls also offers rappelling and night climbs on its course. Rappelling courses are being discounted 20 percent in March and guided night climbs are 33 percent off in April. There will also be a one-day sport climbing clinic on March 23 and a traditional climbing clinic on April 19. Each clinic is $80 per person. www.therepublic.com/w/KY--Rock-Climbing-Clinic
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Post by Greg Stamper on Mar 13, 2014 17:13:57 GMT -5
Thursday, March 13, 2014 All roads in Red River Gorge have reopened.
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Post by Greg Stamper on Mar 12, 2014 17:30:25 GMT -5
CAMPTON, Ky. (WKYT) - A man is recovering after being lost in the Red River Gorge for two days. The captain of the Estill County Rescue Squad says the man and a friend went hiking near the Patsy area on Sunday. He says the man's friend came out of the woods, but he didn't. However, that man did call his friend and told him he was okay, that he was going to build a fire and wait for daylight before making his way out. However, daylight came and the friend never showed up. Kentucky State Police used his cellphone to track his last known location. Rescue teams from Estill, Powell, and Lee counties went into the woods and found him around 1:30 Tuesday morning. The captain says the man was taken to the hospital. He was dehydrated, but is expected to make a recovery. This incident wasn't the only rescue made Tuesday night. A group of hikers is safe, after getting lost. Wolfe County Search and Rescue says two men and two women called for help around 9:30 Tuesday night. They became disoriented while on the Wildcat Trail. Dispatchers say the group was safely found around 1 a.m. Wednesday morning. No one was hurt. Video Link: www.wkyt.com/home/headlines/Lost-hikers-rescued-in-Red-River-Gorge-249709281.html
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Post by Greg Stamper on Jan 16, 2014 6:22:39 GMT -5
Local Baristas Join Forces to Aid Injured Coffee Comrade By Sean Peters · January 15th, 2014 Rhett Harkins, general manager of Price Hill’s BLOC Coffee Company, plummeted 60 feet from a cliff while hiking Haystack Rock in Kentucky’s Red River Gorge on Dec. 14. The injuries he sustained included a broken ankle, femur, hand and shoulder, along with a shattered heel. Luckily, he did not seriously damage his spine or head. “It could have been a 300-foot drop if I fell differently,” says Harkins, who returned to work Jan. 7. He currently needs the aid of a wheelchair. A fundraising competition for Harkins, titled the “Thursday Night Throwdown: Put Rhett Back Together Again Edition,” will pit local baristas’ latte-art skills against one another. The proceeds from registered contestants, along with any donations, will aid Harkins — who does not have medical insurance — with the mounting financial strain of hospital bills. A latte is a coffee beverage made with fresh espresso and steamed milk, which, when poured carefully, can create beautiful and often quirky images made with contrasting shades of brown and cream; baristas are known to become quite adept at creating traditional and original works of latte art. Adam Shaw, lead roaster of Deeper Roots Coffee, was with Harkins when he fell. “Rhett handed me his phone so I could get a photo of him nearer the edge,” Shaw says. “Rhett wasn’t super close to the edge, but slipped on an ice-covered rock graded toward the edge, so he basically just slid 15 feet before falling off.” “It was very beautiful where I landed,” Harkins adds. “I found a cave I had never noticed before.” Shaw contacted emergency aid after he realized he was unable to get to Harkins himself And it took four hours in rainy, 35-degree weather for a rescue crew to reach Harkins. He was suffering from hypothermia, on top of his broken bones, but managed to resist going into shock and remained conscious. After a short hospital visit, Harkins was taken home. A wheelchair ramp built by loved ones now helps him come and go. In his living room there is a bed where a couch used to be, as he is currently unable to go upstairs to the room he usually shares with his wife. This isn’t the first time the Harkins family has been touched by the generosity of their community; just last year their daughter was born several months early, resulting in difficulties that were soothed by the kindness of friends and family. Soon after the cliff ordeal, members of Missio Dei, the church Harkins attends in Walnut Hills, arranged a transportation van suitable for him in his current condition. “To see the same folks and a lot of new folks come out of the woodwork to help me is amazing,” Harkins says. “I believe that we have some incredible coffee professionals here,” Shaw adds. “The infamous kindness of Midwesterners fused with the small feel of our city has allowed those professionals to maintain a fairly tight-knit community willing to build into each other when needed.” Deeper Roots Coffee, where Shaw roasts, provides beans and blends to many of the city’s coffee shops, including Harkins’ spot at BLOC Coffee Company. Shaw and his colleagues arranged to raise funds to help with Harkins’ situation shortly after the injuries occurred. “I learned about Thursday Night Throwdown through the Deeper Roots newsletter,” Harkins says. “I called and texted everybody immediately to thank them. It’s such an appropriate event. I’m so appreciative. ” Any interested baristas need only show up and register at the event Thursday; there is a $5 registration fee. Contestants will be competing for prizes provided by La Marzocco USA espresso equipment. “The requirements to enter are just that you’re willing to compete at a latte art competition and have enough competence to steam milk,” Shaw says. “All friends and family are welcome to come watch and hang out. We intentionally don’t want only coffee nerds to show up.” According to the hosts of the event, there will be potluck finger foods, beer from Rhinegeist and Mt. Carmel Brewing Company and “conversation for those not gifted in the art of lactose manipulation.” Will Harkins ever explore the hidden cave he found when he fell? “I’d love to rappel back down to that spot,” he says, “when I’m able.” citybeat.com/cincinnati/article-29462-local_baristas_join_forces_to_aid_injured_coffee_comrade.html
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Post by Greg Stamper on Dec 14, 2013 22:26:19 GMT -5
Video Links: www.wkyt.com/home/headlines/Man-seriously-injured-in-fall-at-Red-River-Gorge-235890381.htmlwww.wtvq.com/content/localnews/story/Hiker-Falls-Off-Cliff-In-Powell-County/7fRkQSJKVUev9caAwFOHcA.cspx------------------------------------- ------------------------------------- POWELL COUNTY, Ky. (WKYT) - On Saturday, rescue crews from across eastern Kentucky worked tirelessly to help a man who suffered life-threatening injuries at Red River Gorge. We’re told the man was camping with a friend near Tunnel Ridge Road near Stanton when he slipped on an icy rock and fell 60 feet down a cliff. “They were setting up camp and he stepped on an icy rock and slipped and fell off,” said Eddie Conner with Wolfe County Search and Rescue. According to workers, the hiker had fallen into a crevasse dozens of feet deep and was lodged between two large rocks. To complicate the rescue mission even more, the man was way off the beaten track about three miles into a trail within the gorge. “It took us about an hour just to hike in and then a couple hours on scene to get him out and then a couple more to hike him back up. It was a mess,” said John May with Wolfe County Search and Rescue. And Saturday’s weather only made matters worse. “The weather really played a factor in our rescue. It made things muddy, there was some ice on rocks and the cold weather played a toll on our patient,” Conner told us. After more than eight hours and with the help of a group of 20 workers--the man made it out alive. “I fully expect him to make a recovery from this. He’s very lucky. When you fall 60 feet like that it’s typically a fatal fall so he was very lucky,” May said. Officials could not tell us the extent of the man's injuries but they did say he is in critical condition at this point and that's mostly because of how long he was out in the cold. The hiker is now recovering at UK Hospital. www.wkyt.com/home/headlines/Man-seriously-injured-in-fall-at-Red-River-Gorge-235890381.html------------------------------------- ------------------------------------- Hiker Falls Off Cliff In Powell County Reported by: Ellen Bryan Email: ebryan@wtvq.com Crews rescued a man in Powell County who fell off a cliff early Saturday morning at Red River Gorge. A member of the Wolfe County Search and Rescue Team said a man was on the Auxier Ridge Trail, just off Tunnel Ridge Road. He said around 9:30 a.m. the man was taking a picture when he slipped on the icy rocks and fell 60 feet off a cliff on Haystack Rock. Crews said it was a hard rescue because the man fell into a crack and the cliff line was very tight. It took search and rescue teams from Wolfe, Powell, Menifee and Morgan Counties nearly nine hours to free him. They said the man did have severe injuries, but was alert and talking during the rescue. He was taken by ambulance to the hospital for treatment. www.wtvq.com/content/localnews/story/Hiker-Falls-Off-Cliff-In-Powell-County/7fRkQSJKVUev9caAwFOHcA.cspx------------------------------------- ------------------------------------- Man rescued from Red River Gorge crevice, taken to UK Hospital By Greg Kocher gkocher1@herald-leader.com December 14, 2013 A Cincinnati man was taken to University of Kentucky Chandler Hospital in Lexington after he fell 50 feet at Red River Gorge in Powell County, a Wolfe County rescuer said. "He fell into a crack or crevice in a rock," said Eddie Conner of Wolfe County Search and Rescue. "He stepped on top of a ledge and slipped on some ice-covered rocks and then rolled down a slight slope and fell into that crevice." The accident was reported shortly before 9:30 a.m. Saturday to the Powell County dispatch center, Conner said. The accident happened at the end of Tunnel Ridge Road on a trail that leads to Haystack Rock, Conner said. A friend who was with the man called 911 to report the accident. It took rescuers until about 7 p.m. to get the man out of the woods, Conner said. Two paramedics rappelled down to the spot where the man was, and then eased him out using a backboard. "It was a very slow, long process, because the crevice he fell in wasn't wide enough for his own body, much less anybody else in there with him," Conner said. The man, who was not identified, was taken by ambulance to the UK hospital because it was too foggy for a helicopter to come in for an airlift, Conner said. "He had a broken leg" Conner said. "He also had a lot of bruises, cuts and scrapes on him. ...He had mild hypothermia and was going into shock from his injuries. They had him bundled and tarped real good." Some 33 people responded from Menifee, Morgan, Powell and Wolfe counties, Conner said. Local restaurants and a grocery supplied food to the hungry rescuers Saturday night. Greg Kocher: (859) 231-3305. Twiter: @hlpublicsafety www.kentucky.com/2013/12/14/2988961/man-rescued-from-red-river-gorge.html
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Weather
Dec 10, 2013 23:31:31 GMT -5
Post by Greg Stamper on Dec 10, 2013 23:31:31 GMT -5
Most roads are passable in the area. But not been in gorge itself not sure of the gravel service roads. Around an inch should have fallen in the area or perhaps a bit more.
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Post by Greg Stamper on Dec 9, 2013 14:42:19 GMT -5
Posted: 12/09/13 11:52am
We need your help this spring and summer at the Gladie Cultural-Environmental Learning Center in the picturesque Red River Gorge Geologic Area of the Daniel Boone National Forest, located near Slade Kentucky. We are looking for volunteers to staff the Learning Center Information Desk. This area is a favorite destination for rock climbers, hikers, backpackers, floaters, nature enthusiasts and scenic viewers of all ages. Main Duties: Greeting the public, in a polite and positive manner, answering questions and providing accurate information about recreation opportunities, answering the phone, and providing accurate and professional information about recreation opportunities. Other duties can include staffing of the Historic Gladie Cabin, roving interpretation, staffing interpretative displays at trailheads and helping with events and/or evening campground programs. Light cleaning of restroom and center ensuring brochure rack is fully stocked with brochures, assisting with education and interpretation programs. This is a wonderful opportunity to visit and live in one of the most unique areas of the Daniel Boone National Forest. The Red River Gorge is known for its abundant natural stone arches, unusual rock formations, and spectacular sandstone cliffs. It is home to White-haired Goldenrod, a plant which grows nowhere else in the World. Birds, deer, foxes and other animals can be seen regularly in the area. We can provide a campsite with electric, water and sewer hookup adjacent to the center. Skills needed: Flexible and positive attitude. Enjoy working with people. Willingness to do a variety of jobs, cleaning restrooms, sweeping, etc. Organizational skills: Basic map reading. Required work hours: 32 per week and will include weekends. Positions available: start date March 28 - end date November 2, 2014.
Please contact: Mark A. Engler Director, Gladie Cultural & Environmental Learning Center - Red River Gorge Geological Area Daniel Boone National Forest 3451 Skybridge Road, Hwy 715 Stanton, Kentucky 40380 606.663.8100 ext. 102 maengler@fs.fed.us
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Post by Greg Stamper on Dec 9, 2013 14:40:54 GMT -5
Posted on: Dec. 08 2013, 9:56 pm Although I usually err on the side of caution in regard to weather, I took my chances (along with my best backpacking gear) and headed out to the Red River Gorge area of Kentucky last night to camp. A winter weather warning was in effect, forecasting a mix of snow, sleet and freezing rain to fall overnight and throughout the next day. Highs for each day were in the mid-30s and lows in the mid-20s. The hike in was brisk, with a hurried breeze blowing constantly across the ridge and the sun was hidden behind thick, gray clouds. I actually saw about a half-dozen dayhikers, which was a bit of a surprise given the weather. forums.backpacker.com/cgi-bin/forums/ikonboard.cgi?act=ST;f=692107219;t=9991168458;top
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Post by Greg Stamper on Nov 11, 2013 6:18:21 GMT -5
MENIFEE COUNTY, Ky. (WKYT) - Two hikers have been found after getting lost on a trail in the Red River Gorge Sunday night. It happened in Menifee County on Osborne Bend at Lost Branch. Officials say Troy Nowlin, of Lexington, and Mary Nash, of Pittsburgh, were the two hikers that went missing. They're both 46 years old. The Menifee County Emergency Manager says they got lost when it got dark. They called 911 and were rescued. Neither one were taken to the hospital. This is the second time a similar incident has happened at that location. www.wkyt.com/home/headlines/Two-hikers-found-after-missing-in-Red-River-Gorge-area-231383091.html
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