Former Speaker of Kentucky House Found Dead

By AP/Dan Modlin

Danville, KY – A Police report indicates that Former Kentucky House
Speaker Joe Clarke took his own life. Clarke's body
was found in his Danville residence, and a handgun
was found near his body.

Boyle County Coroner James Ramey believes Clarke
died at about 7 PM Sunday evening. Clarke was
a Democrat who was elected Speaker after his
predecessor, Don Blandford, was convicted in a
bribery scandal. Joe Clarke was seventy years old.