UPDATE - BOTH GIRLS HAVE BEEN LOCATED AND ARE SAFE.

SHELBY VALLEY, Ky. (WMDJ) – Kentucky State Police is asking for the public’s assistance in locating two missing 12-year old girls in Pike County.

Mollie Evans and Layla Johnson, both 12-years old from Shelby Valley, were last seen around 11 p.m. Thursday night, June 27th in Pike County.

Mollie Evans is described as a white female, 5’2” tall, 120 lbs., with brown hair and blue eyes. She was last seen wearing a white shirt and pajama pants.

Layla Johnson is described as a white female, 5’3” tall, 150 lbs., with brown hair and blue eyes. She was last seen wearing black shirt and gray sweatpants.

Anyone with information about their location is asked to contact KSP Pikeville Post at 606-433-7711.

SHELBY GAP, Ky. (WMDJ) – Kentucky State Police have opened a death investigation after a husband and wife died of fatal gunshot wounds Tuesday in Pike County.

Troopers and investigators responded to a residence on Kelly Mountain Road where they discovered Rickie Potter, 57, and Sabrina Potter, 51, both of Shelby Gap dead.

The initial investigation indicated Rickie Potter died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound and KSP is not actively searching for any suspects at this time.

Detective Joseph Coleman is leading the investigation. He was assisted on scene by KSP personnel and Lifeguard Ambulance Service.

PRESTONSBURG, Ky. (WMDJ) – Kentucky State Police seized 1 kilo of suspected methamphetamine, along with 1.8 ounces of fentanyl and cash during after a traffic stop in Prestonsburg turned into a chase.

KSP followed a vehicle that evaded a traffic stop to a residence in Pike County resulting in three arrests.

Ahmad Moore, 25, of Ohio, was arrested and lodged in the Pike County Detention Center on charges of Fleeing or Evading Police 1st Degree, Wanton Endangerment 1st Degree, Possession of Marijuana, Trafficking Controlled Substance 1st Offense (Methamphetamine), Trafficking Controlled Substance (Fentanyl), Tampering with Physical Evidence, and other traffic related violations.

Dean Blair, 23, of Georgia, was arrested and lodged in the Pike County Detention Center on charges of Fleeing or Evading Police 1st Degree, Possession of Marijuana, Resisting Arrest, Trafficking Controlled Substance 1st Offense (Methamphetamine), Trafficking Controlled Substance (Fentanyl), and Tampering with Physical Evidence.

Nevah Twitty, 20 years old, was arrested and lodged in the Pike County Detention Center on charges of Fleeing or Evading Police 1st Degree, Possession of Marijuana, Resisting Arrest, Trafficking Controlled Substance 1st Offense (Methamphetamine), Trafficking Controlled Substance (Fentanyl), and Tampering with Physical Evidence.

Drug tips can be reported to investigators at Post 09 by calling (606) 433-7711.  Callers can remain anonymous.

**UPDATE **

Authorities have arrested escaped inmate Thomas Price, who evaded a Deputy Jailer while receiving medical treatment at Highlands ARH Sunday night. 
 

According to Prestonsburg City Police, Price was apprehended in West Virginia on Monday and will be extradited back to Kentucky in the coming days. 
 

Authorities were able to gain access to his Facebook Messenger account and learned he had purchased a prepaid phone which officials were able to establish a ping on, leading West Virginia State Police to his location. 
 

An accomplice with Price was also arrested. 

PRESTONSBURG, Ky. (WMDJ) – Authorities are searching for an inmate that escaped custody Sunday evening in Prestonsburg.

Thomas Price was receiving medical treatment at Highlands ARH when he was able to escape the custody of a Deputy Jailer.

Prestonsburg City Police say Price is believed to be in the company of a woman named Cindy Rodriguez in a red 2006 Chevrolet Aveo with Kentucky tags K0F709. His jail jumpsuit was located inside her apartment early this morning along with several suitcases.

Police indicate they have an active trace established on the vehicle Price is in and he has fled the area. There is no active threat to public safety in our area.

Price, who is a persistent felony offender, was arrested back in February following an extensive manhunt in which Price barricaded himself inside a home of an elderly woman in the Abbott Creek area before being taken into custody.

WEST VAN LEAR, Ky. (WMDJ) – Multiple agencies responded to a 911 call of a drive-by shooting that occurred Sunday night in Johnson County.

Paintsville City Police say the shooting happened at approximately 9 p.m. in West Van Lear.

No details of the incident have been released and no word on any injuries.

Authorities are asking anyone with information regarding the incident to contact the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office at (606) 789-3411 or Johnson County non-emergency line at (606) 789-4221. You can remain anonymous.

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WMDJ) – Attorney General Russell Coleman announced today that 51 organizations across Kentucky were awarded a total of $12,029,053 in grant funding from the Kentucky Opioid Abatement Advisory Commission to bolster prevention, treatment, and enforcement efforts.

The recipients include Appalachian Research & Defense Fund of KY (AppalReD Legal Aid), which received $125,000 in funding. ARH received $94,572 to expand Peer Recovery services in four additional hospitals. Eastern Kentucky Concentrated Employment Program received $450,000. The program provides career and support services for individuals who are in recovery and entering or re-entering the workforce.

PAINTSVILLE, Ky. (WMDJ) – A Paintsville man has been arrested after authorities discovered over a pound of meth in his home during a drug raid.

Edward Carl Ramey, 45, was arrested and charged with first-degree meth trafficking after Kentucky State Police and Johnson County Sheriff’s deputies recovered over a pound of meth and several thousands of dollars in cash.

Ramey was lodged in the Big Sandy Regional Detention Center.

PRESTONSBURG, Ky. (WMDJ) – A Floyd County man has been sentenced on child pornography charges.

Floyd Circuit Judge Johnny Ray Harris sentenced B.J. Wood to 10 years following a plea agreement.

Wood was sentenced on a charge of distribution of matter portraying a minor and five years on a charge of possessing or viewing matter portraying a minor in a sexual performance, with the sentences to run concurrently.

Officers with the Kentucky State Police Electronic Crime Branch located and arrested Wood in Marion County on July 22, 2021, on charges following an undercover Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) investigation.

WOLFE COUNTY, Ky. (WMDJ) – East and westbound traffic along the Mountain Parkway in Wolfe County, from Mile Marker 45 to Mile Marker 49, will switch over to the newly constructed eastbound lanes starting Wednesday, June 19. 

The switch will be in place for several months to allow crews to complete bridge construction.

Message boards, barricades, barrels and arrow signage will be in place to alert motorists to the change. 

Drivers should reduce speeds and use caution when traveling through active work zones.

FRANKFORT, Ky. (WMDJ) – Kentuckians are urged to be vigilant against scams involving fake arrest warrants bearing the forged signatures of court personnel and law enforcement officers.

Scammers are sending fraudulent warrants, demanding payment to avoid arrest. While such scams are not uncommon or isolated to Kentucky, the forgeries are becoming more sophisticated. The fraudulent warrants may display the Kentucky Court of Justice seal, a case number and list various charges including such offenses as failure to appear and missed jury duty.

In these types of scams, recipients are typically instructed to call a number to get a settlement, provide personal identifying information, wire money or provide gift card numbers.

A valid arrest warrant would not be served by phone, text or email. Kentucky courts and law enforcement will never demand payment over the phone or a gift card number to satisfy an obligation.

To verify legal actions, contact the Circuit Court Clerk in the county indicated in the communication. Individuals who have been contacted or victimized by scammers should immediately contact their local law enforcement agency.

FRANKFORT, Ky. (WMDJ) – Gov. Andy Beshear signed an order in May designating Juneteenth as an executive branch holiday in recognition of the horrors of slavery and the many contributions of Black Americans.

The order closes all executive branch offices on the holiday beginning this year on Wednesday, June 19th.

Juneteenth celebrates the day in 1865 that Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, to bring news that the Civil War had ended and that all enslaved Black Americans were free and entitled to equal rights.

Gov. Beshear signed the executive order after Kentucky’s Republican-controlled Legislature failed to act on the measures earlier this year.

FRANKFORT, Ky. (WMDJ) – On Thursday, Gov. Andy Beshear announced that $8.5 million will go to 12 projects across Kentucky to improve community facilities, which includes funding for the historic Wayland Gymnasium.

The city of Wayland, in collaboration with the Wayland Historical Society and the Mountain Sports Hall of Fame Foundation, will use $750,000 to help build an addition to the Gym. The two-floor addition will include a walking track and provide an elevator, an accessible entrance and accessible restrooms on both floors.

The funding comes from Kentucky’s Community Development Block Grant – Community Projects (CDBG-CP) program.

In total, over $29.7 million dollars has been approved in CDBG-CP funding since 2020 for help communities improve fire stations, community centers and food pantries across Kentucky.

LAWRENCE CO. Ky (WMDJ) – Next month’s Country Music Highway Tribute Show in Louisa will serve as a homecoming for three headlining performers.

Shaping Our Appalachian Region (SOAR) revealed the lineup Thursday for what’s being dubbed the, “Million Dollar Holler Homecoming” featuring three Lawrence County natives: Noah Thompson, Larry Cordle and Country Music Hall of Fame inductee Ricky Skaggs.

The two-day event will featuring local musical acts on Friday, July 12th and Saturday, July 13th. The headliners will perform on Saturday evening with Larry Cordle performing at 6 p.m. followed by Noah Thompson at 7:15 p.m. and Ricky Skaggs at 8:30 p.m.  

Admission is free and the event will be open the public.

For more information visit cmhtributeshow.com

BELCHER, Ky. (WMDJ) – One person died in a three-vehicle accident Wednesday morning in Pike County.

The accident happened at 7:14 a.m. on Ferrell’s Creek Road in Belcher.

According to Kentucky State Police, Jeremy Gunter was driving a 2002 Ford F-150 when he crossed the center line and struck a 2007 Ford 500 driven by Donald Thacker. Gunter’s vehicle then collided with a 2021 Toyota RAV4, driven by Ella Taylor.

Gunter and Thacker were transported to a nearby hospital for medical treatment. 

Taylor was pronounced dead at the scene by the Pike County Coroner’s Office.

MILLARD, Ky. (WMDJ) — One person is dead following a hit-and-run accident that occurred Wednesday night in Pike County.

The accident happened on US 460 at Millard just before 10:00 p.m.

Kentucky State Police say Clinton Justice was driving a 2013 Ford Edge when he struck Eric Justice, who was riding a bicycle.

Clinton Justice fled the scene but was located later and arrested on charges of DUI, vehicular homicide when under the influence and leaving the scene of an accident.

Clinton Justice was lodged in the Pike County Detention Center. Eric Justice was pronounced dead at the scene.

FLOYD COUNTY, Ky. (WMDJ) – Floyd County Schools’ Dr. Patricia Watson and the district’s Young Authors Program has been recognized with the 2024 Action Award, presented by the Prichard Committee.

Action Awards are given to individuals and programs that are constantly working to improve education outcomes. This prestigious award was one of nine given at the 2024 Groundswell Summit in Owensboro on Monday.

Dr. Watson says the virtual library aspect of the Young Authors program drew the attention of the committee.

The virtual library allows community members, families and peers to read the stories from anywhere. Teachers can use the writings as examples for students in the future. It will also serve as a historical record for the works.

Floyd County Schools adopted the Young Authors program in 1986.

STANVILLE, Ky. (WMDJ) – The manager of a Floyd County convenience store has been arrested on charges of stealing more than $100,000 to cover gambling debts.

Nancy Powell of Banner, who served as manager of the Cardinal Country Store at Stanville, was arrested on Monday after an investigation discovered Powell failed to deposit over $117,000 that was collected from her shifts between May 19th and June 5th.

Powell confessed to authorities she stole the money to cover her gambling addiction.

Powell faces between five and 10 years in prison if convicted. She will appear in court on June 17th.

PRESTONSBURG, Ky. (WMDJ) - On Monday, Highlands ARH Regional Medical Center held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its new Level 2 Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). 

Level 2 NICU can provide care for moderately sick infants who are expected to improve quickly. These babies are typically born between 32 and 35 weeks gestation and weigh at least 3.3 pounds.

In addition to the opening of the NICU, Highlands ARH Regional Medical Center has an updated infant security system and newly renovated patient rooms. These private rooms for our mothers and their babies help promote a family-friendly environment. The OB Unit includes two renovated OR suites on the floor and our labor and delivery. Several experienced OB providers and pediatricians in the area have Highlands Regional Medical Center privileges to admit and see patients. 

FRANKFORT, Ky. (WMDJ) – Secretary of State Michael Adams says that 403,040 registered voters have been removed from the voter rolls since he took office in 2020.

In the 10 days voter registration was open in May, Kentucky saw more voters removed from the rolls (5,723) than added (5,496).

Adams, who received the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award in Boston over weekend noted, “While Kentucky is being celebrated nationally for expanding voter access, let’s also take pride that in our Commonwealth we have election integrity.”

Of the 5,723 voters removed, 4,819 were deceased, 451 had moved out of state, 350 were convicted of felonies, 61 were adjudged mentally incompetent, 24 were duplicate registrations, and 18 voluntarily de-registered.

FRANKFORT, Ky. (WMDJ) - The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has completed its environmental review of the Mountain Parkway Expansion’s final 13-mile segment, which found no significant environmental impacts would result from constructing the new roadway. That determination marks a necessary step toward advancing the project to construction.

In Sept. 2022, Gov. Andy Beshear announced the preferred alignment for the final 13-mile segment from Salyersville to Prestonsburg would be a cross-country route instead of expanding the current Kentucky Highway 114 corridor. This option would cause fewer disruptions and property impacts to homes and businesses.

FHWA approved KYTC’s assessment of the final segment allowing the project team to proceed with detailed design and preconstruction activities.

The overall Mountain Parkway Expansion project will widen 32 miles of existing parkway to four lanes, including this final segment which will extend the parkway by 13 miles from Salyersville to Prestonsburg.

Once the project is finished, Kentucky will have 400 continuous miles of four-lane, high speed highway connecting Pikeville to Paducah, creating increased commerce and mobility across the state.

FRANKFORT, Ky. (WMDJ) – Gov. Andy Beshear continues to lead both short and long-term recovery efforts in Eastern Kentucky following the historic flooding of 2022 while addressing the No. 1 need in the area - housing.

Kentuckians impacted by the floods of 2021 or 2022, are encouraged to visit housingcantwait.org and fill out a questionnaire. 

In total, Housing Can’t Wait partners have built 63 homes, and 270 homes have received major rehabilitation (333 total completed homes) since 2022.

At the 4-acre site formerly owned by the Wayland Volunteer Fire Department, 11 homes are getting interior and exterior finishes and families are preparing to move into newly constructed homes in June and July.

Also in Floyd County, New Hope Estates has partnered with Mountain Housing to construct 33 new homes and rehab one home to assist flood survivors. Engineering is ongoing and a groundbreaking is expected this summer.

The master plan for Chestnut Ridge in Knott County includes up to 147 homes. Ground and environmental reviews are complete. Water, sewer and road designs are complete. Water and sewer line installation and construction on the first section of the access road will begin in June.

EASTERN, Ky. (WMDJ) - Floyd County Schools Superintendent Anna Shepherd announced in an all-staff email Thursday morning that she plans to retire from her position effective August 1st, 2024.

Shepherd has enjoyed a 3-year tenure in the position and a 32-year career. Her current contract was set to expire in July 2025. 

A search committee will be assembled as the Floyd County Board of Education will begin the process of hiring their third different Superintendent five years.

Shepherd began working for Floyd County Schools as a Kindergarten teacher at Prestonsburg Elementary, before transferring to May Valley Elementary in the same position. She also spent three years as a district curriculum resource coordinator at Allen Central High School. Shepherd was also chosen to spend three years at the Kentucky Department of Education as a Highly Skilled Educator before returning to Floyd County as a Gap Coach for high schools. Prior to becoming Superintendent, Shepherd spent 11-years as the Chief of Early Childhood in Floyd County Schools.

A press release indicated that Shepherd has not formally announced what may be next for her beyond retirement. 

PRESTONSBURG, Ky. (WMDJ) – On the eve of the one-year anniversary of her murder, the estate of Amber Spradlin has filed a lawsuit against a Who’s Who list of defendants, which includes county and former Prestonsburg city officials, claiming her death was the result of negligence, while alleging evidence tampering and obstruction of justice.

Melissa Samons, who serves as administratrix of Spradlin’s estate, filed the suit Tuesday in Floyd Circuit Court, alleging the transfer of 911 services from Kentucky State Police to the City of Prestonsburg was negligent, claiming Prestonsburg Police wasn’t, “adequately prepared” to handle 911 calls.

The suit also alleges authorities were negligent in not checking up on a 911 call placed from the home of Dr. Michael McKinney on June 17th, 2023, in which McKinney told a dispatcher there was not an emergency at his home.

Spradlin’s body was found dead the next day after suffering multiple stab wounds to the head and neck.

The lawsuit seeks compensation, punitive damages and legal cost.

No criminal charges have been filed in the murder of Spradlin.

JOHNSON COUNTY, Ky. (WMDJ) - Big Sandy Rural Electric Cooperative has named long-time employee Jeff Prater as the new President and General Manager.

During his 35-year tenure at Big Sandy RECC, Prater has served in many key roles, with the latest being Vice President of Operations for the last 14 years.

Officials say Prater offers a wealth of experience, knowledge, and expertise in all aspects of the electric distribution field and his dedication to the cooperative and its members and community is truly commendable.

Big Sandy RECC dismissed former CEO Bruce Aaron Davis in February after he was accused on charges of sexual harassment.

FLOYD COUNTY, Ky. (WMDJ) – The Floyd County School District will be providing free meals for all children from ages 1 through 18 years of age through the Summer Feeding Program.

Parents have the choice of bringing their children to select school sites or they can receive free meals at mobile site locations.

Free breakfast and lunch will be available starting June 10th at Allen Elementary, Duff Allen Central Elementary, Prestonsburg High School, South Floyd Elementary and Stumbo Elementary between the hours of 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. weekdays.

Four mobile routes will also deliver meals across the county.

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WMDJ) — Dolly Parton's Imagination Library of Kentucky is now available to every zip code in the state.

According to the program, kids ages 1 to 6-years old throughout Kentucky can enroll in the program and get their hands on the free books that the program distributes by mail.

You can register your child online at imaginationlibrary.com or contact Amanda Cook at the Floyd County Public Library.

Dolly’s Imagination Library started in 1995 and has received the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval and Best Practices award from the Library of Congress Literacy Awards, among other prestigious awards.

FRANKFORT, Ky. (WMDJ) – The Kentucky Main Street Program has recognized the Pikeville Main Street for the creation of Hippie Fest.

The Pikeville Main Street Program, the recipient of the Best Downtown Project Award, transformed a wine-tasting and retail event into a vibrant community celebration – Hippie Fest – showcasing 23 businesses, local eateries and artists.

“The Kentucky Main Street Program plays a vital role in revitalizing our downtown areas, fostering economic growth and preserving our rich cultural heritage. Pikeville Main Street’s Hippie Fest is a perfect example of this mission in action,” said Jill Dotson, Executive Director of Pikeville Main Street. “Hippie Fest is one of our favorite days. This vibrant and free-spirited event celebrates the unique spirit of our community, offering fun for families and people of all ages. It not only brings significant business to our downtown merchants but also enhances the vibrancy and sustainability of our local economy. By supporting such initiatives, we are investing in the heart of our community and ensuring a thriving future for Downtown Pikeville.”

The Kentucky Main Street Program has 24 communities: Bardstown, Beattyville, Campbellsville, Carrollton, Cynthiana, Grayson, Guthrie, LaGrange, London, Maysville, Middlesboro, Morehead, Murray, Paducah, Perryville, Pikeville, Pineville, Salyersville, Scottsville, Shelbyville, Springfield, Taylorsville, Tri-Cities of Cumberland and Williamsburg.

On Wednesday, city officials will be joined by Gov. Andy Beshear as Pikeville officially receives designation as a Trial Town.