FRANKFORT — Two key officials in Gov. Paul Patton's administration are resigning.

        State Insurance Commissioner George Nichols, appointed in April 1996, will step down effective Dec. 31, he said Wednesday.

        Mr. Nichols, 40, was the first African-American to serve as the state insurance commissioner and the first to serve as president of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.

        “... This summer I started thinking about leaving, and I discussed it with the governor,” Mr. Nichols said. “But I wanted to stay for a while and wrap up some things.”

        Mr. Nichols said Kentucky's insurance market has been on the brink of collapse but seems to be improving. He cited the start of a high-risk pool insurance plan as a sign the state individual insurance market is about to stabilize.

        Corrections Commissioner Doug Sapp will also step down.

        Tom Campbell, executive director of the Kentucky Parole Board, will replace him, the governor's office said.

        Mr. Sapp, 53, is a 27-year veteran of state government who became corrections commissioner in April 1996. He plans to return to his home in Adair County, according to a statement.

        As commissioner, Mr. Sapp oversaw Kentucky's first two executions since 1962.

Hospitals plan for flu attack
N.Ky. gets needed vaccine
Panel will push for fewer tests
Quakes here? You bet
Stadium price tag increases not over
Voinovich brings methodical focus to Senate
Crayon children send thank-you
Norwood mayor: Let's make up
No cases of infection found after girl's death
Police: Fake cop pulled car over
Arena for NKU boosted
Banker to head bureaucracy
Booze policy revised for UK athletes
Clermont official to leave
Community center adds space
I-275 reconstruction will be model for Ky.
Mardi Gras input sought
Ohio sales-tax revenue below expectations
Parks take census of bird population
Patton officials prepare to leave
Residents seem open to idea of light rail
Speaker blocks annexation vote
Six want Deerfield trustee position
Tristate A.M. Report