Major renovation plans to the Russell County High School were agreed upon by the board at the October meeting of the Russell County Board of Education last week.

The plans center on installing a new roof, as well as updating electrical and technology service wiring and other renovations.

The board voted to go along with a revised time plan that minimized impact on students in the classroom, beginning renovations in the summer break of 2014 and ending at the end of 2015. The revision significantly simplifies coordination by reducing the number of phases to complete and reduce the chance of errors, according to Kevin Cheek, Project Manager of Sherman Carter Barnhart Architects.

Initially the plan for the $6 million was to get work started as soon as possible, but after much discussion with school personnel and developers the alternate plan was developed, according to School Superintendent Michael Ford.

The board voted to go with the phasing option B, schedule, and contract documents including BG-3 for submittal to the Kentucky Department of Education for review and final approval, as well as to advertise for bids pending KDE approval.

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Authorities arrested a Russell Springs couple a week ago Tuesday afternoon and charged them with first degree criminal abuse of a child under 12 years of age.

Matthew Jones, 26, and Erica Jones, 25, both of Russell Springs, were arrested by State Trooper Mike Woodrum on a warrant that charged them with the abuse.

The couple is accused of causing injury to four children in their care, all under the age of 12, back on October 14.

Both remained lodged in Russell County Detention Center as of last week’s press deadline.

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Alcohol was a contributing factor in a one-vehicle, rollover wreck a week ago Wednesday afternoon on Hales Highway two miles south of Russell Springs, according to Russell County Deputy Sheriff David Cain.

Cain’s investigation is ongoing as he tries to determine whether Travis Peterson or Derek Peterson was driving when the crash occurred. According to Cain, the Peterson Mitsubishi Mirage crossed the center line, left the roadway and then overturned.

Travis Peterson was transported by Russell County EMS to Russell County Hospital and was later taken to UK Medical Center. Derek Peterson declined medical treatment at the scene.