FRANKFORT, Ky. (WMDJ) — Unemployment fell across the Big Sandy region in August, according to preliminary labor force estimates released by the state.

The Big Sandy Area Development District recorded an unemployment rate of 6.1%, down from 7.3% in July and 6.4% in August 2025. The region had a civilian labor force of 45,588, with 42,792 people employed and 2,796 unemployed.

All five Big Sandy counties saw unemployment decline from July. Floyd County posted the region’s lowest rate at 5.5%, followed by Johnson County at 5.7%, Pike County at 6.1%, Magoffin County at 7.6% and Martin County at 8.5%.

Kentucky’s statewide unemployment rate was 4.3% in August, down from 5.2% in July. The figures are not seasonally adjusted and remain preliminary.

FRANKFORT, Ky. (WMDJ) — Kentucky officials are calling on Congress to increase federal black lung benefits, an issue affecting thousands of coal miners and families across Appalachia.

According to a news release from the Governor’s Office, Gov. Andy Beshear sent a letter Thursday to Kentucky’s congressional delegation urging support for the Support Our Minors Act.

The legislation would increase monthly black lung disability benefits to account for inflation and establish annual cost-of-living adjustments going forward. The Governor’s Office says a single miner currently receives $794 per month, compared with more than $1,200 if benefits had kept pace with inflation.

Several Eastern Kentucky communities have already passed resolutions supporting increased benefits, including Pike, Magoffin and Letcher counties, along with the cities of Hazard, Jenkins and Whitesburg.

Kentucky has more active recipients of federal black lung benefits than any other state, according to the Governor’s Office.

STAFFORDSVILLE, Ky. (WMDJ) – Firefighters battled an overnight fire at Conley Tire on KY 40 West Thursday morning.
 

According to Oil Springs Fire and Rescue, crews were dispatched around 1:19 a.m. and arrived to find the main building fully engulfed, with a collapsed roof and downed power lines.

Low water pressure initially hampered firefighting efforts. Crews shuttled water to the scene and requested increased system pressure while multiple departments worked to contain the flames.

Firefighters battled the main building fire from outside while another crew entered the workshop building to fight fire there.

The fire was brought under control around 3 a.m. and fully extinguished by 7 a.m., allowing KY 40 to reopen.

Oil Springs received assistance from W.R. Castle, Rockhouse, Paintsville and North Magoffin firefighters. The department’s newly purchased ladder truck also responded.

The department’s statement did not provide a cause or information about injuries.

Picture courtesy of Oil Springs Fire and Rescue.

MAGOFFIN COUNTY, Ky. (WMDJ) – A Magoffin County man faces an attempted murder charge after deputies say he assaulted his ex-wife and fired a handgun during a domestic incident Monday.

According to the Magoffin County Sheriff’s Office, Garland Dwayne Elsea and his ex-wife had attended court earlier that day to dismiss a protective order before returning to his Bloomington home.

Deputies say Elsea allegedly assaulted her during an argument. Their daughter and her boyfriend intervened before Elsea retrieved a handgun from a closet and fired toward his ex-wife, according to police.

The boyfriend restrained Elsea until deputies arrived. Investigators say the gun fired once and malfunctioned on a second attempt.

Elsea was charged with attempted murder, second-degree strangulation and first-degree wanton endangerment.

Officials say the handgun was separate from firearms previously seized under the protective order, which remain in the sheriff’s custody. The arrest citation did not detail injuries from the reported incident.

PAINTSVILLE, Ky. (WMDJ) – Two men were arrested Monday after Paintsville police reported finding suspected drugs during a traffic stop on U.S. 23.

According to the department, an officer stopped a gold Dodge Ram traveling south around 3:47 a.m. Sept. 21 because its rear license plate was not illuminated.

Police say the officer noticed an odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle. The passenger consented to a search, which reportedly uncovered suspected Xanax pills in his pocket.

A search of the truck turned up pills identified as oxycodone, suspected Suboxone, a substance believed to be methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.

Police identified the two men arrested as Robert Hall and Roger Johnson. Both denied ownership of the suspected controlled substances found inside the truck, according to the department.

The release did not list specific charges.

PAINTSVILLE, Ky. (WMDJ) – The Johnson Central High School Honor Choir has been selected to perform at the 2026 White House Holiday Open House in Washington, D.C.

According to the school, the choir was chosen from more than 1,000 applications submitted by groups across the country.

Students will perform two hours of Christmas music during the holiday celebration, representing Johnson Central, Johnson County and Kentucky.

School officials credited the students’ talent, dedication and hard work, along with support from families, educators and the community.

A performance date was not included in the announcement.

PRESTONSBURG, Ky. (WMDJ) — A Pikeville man faces drug charges after Kentucky State Police say they found approximately 159 grams of suspected methamphetamine during a traffic stop in Prestonsburg.

Police said investigators received information indicating a 2007 Nissan Titan was transporting illegal drugs into Pike County. During the stop, troopers allegedly found the suspected methamphetamine concealed behind a plastic panel inside the vehicle.

Timothy Beavers, 43, was arrested and taken to the Floyd County Detention Center. His charges include trafficking in methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, operating a motor vehicle under the influence and additional traffic violations.

Anyone with information about suspected drug activity can contact KSP Post 9 at (606) 433-7711. Callers may remain anonymous.

JOHNSON COUNTY, Ky. (WMDJ) – A man is facing a felony charge after authorities say he stole copper from utility lines in Johnson County.

Nathan Cox was arrested Sept. 18 following an investigation by the Johnson County Sheriff’s Department into the alleged theft from Foothills Communications.

According to police, the copper was valued at more than $1,000, and its removal caused damage to utility infrastructure. Authorities say Cox admitted to the theft on video.

A warrant was issued for Cox on Sept. 18. He was arrested later that day around 6:25 p.m. along KY 201 in Sitka and served with the warrant.

Cox was charged with first-degree criminal mischief in connection with the alleged tampering with key infrastructure assets.

He was taken to the Big Sandy Regional Detention Center and ordered held for Johnson District Court.

EASTERN, Ky. (WMDJ) — The Floyd County Board of Education has approved tax rates for the 2026-2027 school year.

The district’s general fund tax levy will remain unchanged at 68.5 cents per $100 of assessed value for both real and personal property.

The board also approved a lower tax rate for motor vehicles and watercraft. That rate will be 54.9 cents per $100 of assessed value for calendar year 2027, down from 55 cents last year.

Floyd County Schools had previously announced that the board voted unanimously in September to leave its proposed general fund tax rate unchanged. The Board of Education is responsible for establishing district tax rates.

PAINTSVILLE, Ky. (WMDJ) — A Prestonsburg man was arrested Sept. 20 after police said he was purchasing gift cards in exchange for sexual activity.

According to police, officers noticed a silver Chevrolet Impala near Speedway on Ky. 321 around 4:30 a.m. An employee told police the driver had been at the business for much of the night purchasing Xbox and other prepaid gift cards.

Police later stopped the vehicle and identified the driver as 58-year-old Michael Compton.

Police said Compton admitted he was providing gift card numbers to other men in exchange for sexual activity. Officers also reported finding conversations on his phone discussing similar exchanges.

Compton was charged with prostitution and second-offense loitering for prostitution purposes.

FRANKFORT, Ky. (WMDJ) — Kentucky has secured nearly $17 million in federal grant funding to expand mental health and addiction services across the state.

The funding includes more than $7.3 million to improve Kentucky’s 988 crisis response system, which handles calls, texts and chats from people experiencing mental health or addiction crises.

Another $3 million will support youth behavioral health mobile crisis teams, while $2.6 million will help identify and treat young people considered at high risk for psychosis.

More than $3.2 million will support addiction and maternal mental health services for pregnant and postpartum women.

The state will also receive $600,000 for a School Crisis Response Network designed to help schools prepare for and respond to traumatic events, including disasters, violence and fatal accidents.

Kentucky’s 988 network has handled more than 305,000 calls, chats and texts since launching in 2022.

PIKEVILLE, Ky. (WMDJ) — Floyd Commonwealth’s Attorney Brent Turner has filed notice that prosecutors plan to introduce evidence that Michael “MK” McKinney III allegedly threatened people in the months before Amber Spradlin’s 2023 death.

A Sept. 18 filing in Pike Circuit Court describes two incidents at the McKinney residence involving McKinney allegedly brandishing a knife during gatherings following nights at the former Seasons Inn in Allen.

In one incident, prosecutors say McKinney allegedly threatened to kill those present. In another, a witness told police McKinney came downstairs with a butcher-style knife and ordered guests to leave.

Turner argues the incidents show a similar pattern of conduct to the circumstances surrounding Spradlin’s death and are relevant to McKinney’s alleged state of mind.

McKinney, 26, is accused of murdering Spradlin at the Arkansas Creek residence in Martin on June 18, 2023.

The case is scheduled for trial Jan. 11 in Pikeville.

CLAY COUNTY, Ky. (WMDJ) — A Clay County man has been charged with murder after firefighters discovered a man's body while responding to a barn fire Friday night.

According to Kentucky State Police, troopers were called to KY-577 around 8:30 p.m. after Clay County 911 requested assistance at the scene of the fire.

Police said first responders discovered a man in the fire debris who appeared to have suffered a gunshot wound to the head.

An autopsy later identified the victim as 40-year-old Nathaniel Carter of McKee.

During the investigation, authorities located and interviewed 28-year-old Dalton Bowling of Manchester.

Bowling was arrested and charged with murder.

Kentucky State Police said the investigation remains ongoing.

PIKEVILLE, Ky. (WMDJ) —  Two Floyd County based businesses received recognition at the Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce’s 2026 Annual Awards Night.

Appalachian Wireless was named Business of the Year, while StoneCrest Golf Course received Small Business of the Year.

StoneCrest General Manager Brad Reynolds said the 18-hole course underwent a $3 million renovation over the past couple of years, including a Toptracer driving range offering games for families and newcomers to golf. He credited the staff’s work with helping earn the recognition.

Reynolds estimated the course brings 35,000 to 40,000 people to Prestonsburg annually, supporting other local businesses.

Appalachian Wireless CEO Mike Johnson and COO Michael Huffman highlighted the company’s commitment to rural connectivity, education and economic development. The company, which has called Eastern Kentucky home for more than 35 years, thanked employees, customers and communities for their support.

The company thanked its employees, customers and communities for their support and reaffirmed its commitment to investing in Eastern Kentucky’s future.

To see the video for Appalachian Wireless from the Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, you can click here.

For StoneCrest Golf Course, you can click here.

PIKEVILLE, Ky. (WMDJ) — A Pike County man has been sentenced to seven years in prison in connection with a 2022 hit-and-run crash that killed a pedestrian.

Christopher Salyer was sentenced on charges of reckless homicide and leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death.

The case stems from a crash in which police said Salyer struck Cecil Norman and left the scene without stopping to check on him. Norman later died from his injuries.

According to the original arrest citation, investigators later located the vehicle believed to have been involved in the crash at a home off East Keyser Heights.

Police said Salyer was found locked inside a bathroom at the residence and was taken into custody.

Salyer was originally charged with manslaughter and leaving the scene of an accident before the case ultimately resulted in the reckless homicide conviction and seven-year prison sentence.

He's currently lodged in the Pike County Detention Center.

PIKEVILLE, Ky. (WMDJ) – A judge modified Michael “M.K.” McKinney III’s bond during a pretrial hearing in the Amber Spradlin murder case.

Judge Coleman removed the $500,000 cash requirement, leaving a $1 million property bond. McKinney is charged with Spradlin’s murder.

His attorney also requested permission for McKinney to work while under GPS monitoring. Prosecutors opposed the request. The judge directed the defense to submit the proposed workplace information under seal before deciding whether to approve work release.

According to the report, the judge also said a court order would require outstanding DNA testing and peer review to be completed within 30 days, allowing the defense time to prepare.

Another pretrial hearing is scheduled for October 30 at 10 a.m. to discuss the DNA evidence.

PAINTSVILLE & PRESTONSBURG, Ky. (WMDJ) — Two of Eastern Kentucky’s biggest fall festivals are getting ready to return in October, with several well-known performers scheduled to take the stage.

The Kentucky Apple Festival will be held October 1 through October 3 in downtown Paintsville.

Music will be a major part of this year’s festival, with Eastern Kentucky favorites Sundy Best performing Friday, October 2 at 9 p.m. on the Courthouse Stage. Country singer-songwriter Ingrid Andress will headline Saturday night at 9 p.m.

The Jenny Wiley Festival will follow the next week in downtown Prestonsburg, running October 7 through October 10.

Country singer Billy Dean is scheduled to perform Saturday, October 10 at 8:15 p.m. Dean is known for hits including “Somewhere in My Broken Heart,” “Billy the Kid” and “Only Here for a Little While.”

Festival organizers have also promoted an appearance by John Schneider, best known for playing Bo Duke on “The Dukes of Hazzard.” Schneider is expected to sing and take part in a meet-and-greet during the festival on Friday, October 9th.

Both festivals will also feature their traditional mix of vendors, food and community events, with additional schedule information expected as the events get closer.

For more information on dates, events, and times for the Apple Day Festival click here.

For more information on dates, events, and times for the Jenny Wiley Festival click here.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WMDJ) — Former Kentucky Gov. Matt Bevin is being released from jail early after a Kentucky Court of Appeals judge stayed his 60-day sentence.

Bevin was jailed earlier this month after being found in contempt of court in an ongoing family court case involving financial records and child support.

Bevin appealed the sentence last week and asked for his immediate release. Court of Appeals Judge Allison E. Jones granted a stay of his incarceration while the case moves forward.

The order does not overturn the underlying contempt finding or relieve Bevin of his obligation to provide documents previously ordered by the family court.

Bevin’s attorneys had argued that remaining behind bars prevented him from complying with orders to produce the financial records.

Bevin was arrested Sept. 3 in Bourbon County and had been serving his sentence at Louisville Metro Corrections.

PIKE COUNTY, Ky. (WMDJ) — Prosecutors are opposing a request for work release from Michael K. McKinney III, one of the men charged in connection with the murder of Amber Spradlin.

In a Pike Circuit Court filing, prosecutors argued that recent DNA testing cited by McKinney’s defense does not weaken their case.

The testing found DNA from Roy Kidd on clothing belonging to two co-defendants. Prosecutors say the finding is consistent with earlier testimony that Kidd fell and cut his chin before being helped to bed several hours before Spradlin was killed.

The filing also says DNA from Spradlin’s fingernail clippings produced a male profile consistent with McKinney family members while excluding Kidd and Josh Mullins.

Special Judge Eddy Coleman is expected to consider the request following a pretrial conference Thursday.

PIKEVILLE, Ky. (WMDJ) — A Pikeville man is facing several charges after authorities say two officers were injured while attempting to take him into custody Monday afternoon.

According to court records, 34-year-old Cory Thomas was being transported for a court-ordered mental health evaluation when he allegedly left Mountain Comprehensive Care and attempted to get away.

Pikeville Police said Thomas struck a Pike County sheriff’s deputy multiple times in the face before fleeing on foot. The deputy followed while waiting for assistance.

Police said a Pikeville detective arrived and attempted to help take Thomas into custody. During the encounter, Thomas allegedly struck the detective in the face with a closed fist and continued resisting after officers took him to the ground.

Both officers were treated at Pikeville Medical Center and released. Thomas was also medically evaluated before being lodged in the Pike County Detention Center.

Thomas is charged with second-degree disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, third-degree fleeing or evading police, menacing, third-degree terroristic threatening and third-degree assault of a police officer.

PRESTONSBURG, Ky. (WMDJ) — Retired Floyd District Judge Eric D. Hall has been honored with the Judge Robert W. Heaton Award.

Hall received the award Monday, September 15, during the Kentucky District Judges College. Judges Jimmy “Blue” Marcum and Tyler Green presented Hall with the honor.

The Judge Robert W. Heaton Award is presented to an elected or retired Kentucky District Judge who has demonstrated judicial leadership and lasting friendship among colleagues.

Recipients are also recognized for service to their communities, contributions to the Commonwealth, promoting the judiciary and legal profession, and maintaining a reputation for integrity, mentorship and scholarship.

The award is named for former Nelson County District Judge Robert W. Heaton, who died in 2012 while serving as president of the Kentucky District Judges Association.

PRESTONSBURG, Ky. (WMDJ) - Former Prestonsburg Mayor Jerry Fannin was arrested Monday after police received a report of a reckless driver.

Prestonsburg Police were called shortly after 11 a.m. about a vehicle reportedly swerving on University Drive before pulling into the Food City parking lot and running onto the sidewalk.

Police found Fannin, 69, of Prestonsburg, sitting in the driver's seat of the vehicle, which was still running and appeared confused with slurred speech. Police said he handed over a health insurance card when asked to provide proof of vehicle insurance.

Fannin was charged with first-offense DUI and six registration and insurance-related offenses, including expired or missing registration, improper display of registration plates, failure to produce an insurance card and failure to maintain required insurance.

Fannin was later released on his own recognizance. He is scheduled to be arraigned Oct. 16.

FRANKFORT, Ky. (WMDJ) - More than 130,000 Kentuckians are expected to have medical debt erased through a new statewide program.

Gov. Andy Beshear signed an executive order establishing the Team Kentucky Medical Debt Relief Program and directing $2.5 million to the nonprofit Undue Medical Debt.

The organization purchases medical debt from participating hospitals and collection agencies at a fraction of the amount owed. State officials say the funding is expected to eliminate about $250 million in medical debt.

There is no application process. To qualify, a Kentucky resident must have medical debt equal to at least 5% of their annual income or have an income at or below 400% of the federal poverty level, which is about $100,000 for a family of three.

The first 46,000 qualifying Kentuckians are expected to have up to $100 million in debt erased beginning this week. Notification letters are scheduled to begin arriving next week.

Recipients do not need to take any action, but are encouraged to keep the letter as proof that the debt was erased.

PRESTONSBURG, Ky. (WMDJ) – A GPS ping led investigators to a stolen copper shipment valued at $586,000 and the arrests of two California men September 11.

According to arrest citations, police found a tractor-trailer backed into a loading dock on Riverside Drive. Christopher Michael Delgado, 24, allegedly fled from a forklift and was later located hiding along the riverbank by a K-9 unit.

Haykaz Gasparyan, 43, told investigators he was picking up the shipment to transport it to California. Police say magnetic stickers concealed the truck’s actual USDOT number and shipping documents found inside were identified as fraudulent and linked to other cargo thefts.

Both men were charged with receiving stolen property valued at $10,000 or more. Delgado also faces third-degree fleeing or evading police.

JACKSON, Ky. (WMDJ) — A Breathitt County man has been arrested following a Kentucky State Police investigation involving online communications with an account believed to belong to an underage girl.

KSP says the investigation began Sept. 6 after receiving a complaint about the online conversations. Investigators say the account was actually being operated by an undercover decoy.

Police say arrangements were made to meet at a business in Jackson. Troopers and Jackson Police officers were at the location and detained 45-year-old Jason White, of Lost Creek, after he arrived.

KSP says White acknowledged sending the messages during an interview with investigators.

White was arrested and charged with procuring or promoting the use of a minor by electronic means and promoting human trafficking involving a person under 18.

He was taken to the Kentucky River Regional Jail.