By Rick HowlettThe state has cited the operator of a western Kentucky coal mine where two miners were killed in an April roof collapse.A report today from the Office of Mine Safety and Licensing says the mine operator, Webster County Coal, was "in violation of Kentucky statutes that require companies to have a roof control plan that adequately provides protection to miners from falls of the roof or ribs." The company has been issued a Notice of Non-Compliance. The findings have been referred to the state Mine Safety Review Commission for possible action.The April 28 collapse at the Dotiki Mine in Hopkins County killed 28 year old Michael Carter and 27 year old Justin Travis.The full OMSL report can be viewedhere.
Rick Howlett was midday host and the host of LPM's weekly talk show, "In Conversation." He was with LPM from 2001-2023 and held many different titles, including Morning Edition host, Assignment Editor and Interim News Director. He died in August 2023. Read a remembrance of Rick here.