PRESTONSBURG, Ky. (WMDJ) – The three men accused in connection to the murder of Amber Spradlin were arraigned in Floyd Circuit Court Wednesday afternoon.

Special judge Eddy Coleman set bond for each defendant.

Michael K. “MK” McKinney III, who’s been charged with murder and seven counts of tampering with physical evidence, had his bond set at $5 million.

His father, Dr. Michael K. McKinney II, who faces seven charges of tampering with physical evidence, had his bond set at $250,000.

The third defendant, Josh Mullins, had his bond set at $100,000. He has also been charged with seven counts of tampering with physical evidence.

If any of the charged meet bail requirements, they’ll be given a GPS tracking device and be on home incarceration. Judge Coleman considered each of them a flight risk and that both father and son pose a threat to themselves or others.

All three have pleaded not guilty in the case.

COAL RUN VILLAGE, Ky. (WMDJ) – The city of Coal Run Village is preparing to welcome two new businesses this fall.

City mayor Andrew Scott announced on social media Tuesday that Ashley Furniture and Planet Fitness will be opening in the Weddington Plaza.

Both locations will occupy the space formerly occupied by Gordman’s.

WAYLAND, Ky. (WMDJ) – A Floyd County man has been arrested after assaulting his mother and her husband.

Jason Allen Martin, 48, of Wayland is accused of beating the victims, then riding to McDowell ARH with his mother following the incident.

The mother told authorities her son attacked her husband with a spade and when she attempted to intervene, he struck her in the head.

Martin was taken into custody and charged with two counts of second-degree assault. He’s currently being held in the Floyd County Detention Center on $10,000 bond.

FLOYD COUNTY, Ky. (WMDJ) – After 13 months of rumors and conspiracy in the highly publicized murder of Amber Spradlin, Kentucky State Police arrested three individuals on Tuesday following indictments from the Floyd County grand jury, hoping to dispel the myth felt by the community that the case has been politically influenced.

Floyd County Commonwealth’s Attorney Brent Turner addressed the matter in a prepared statement saying, “The public has understandably questioned why it took so long to present this case to a grand jury, but the entire reason for the delay is the KSP forensic lab’s inability to complete test quickly.”

Turner laid the blame with the current state legislature for lack of funding the state agency receives to clear a backlog of forensic tests.

Turner said case involves, “an extremely large amount of evidence requiring forensic testing” and he did not feel a grand jury could be convened until enough proper forensic evidence was available.

Turner indicated in his release that his office started receiving test results over the past six months, but only received results of the most critical items needed for prosecution within the last few weeks. He also praised the investigators with Kentucky State Police and those involved in the forensic testing for the long hours of work in the case.

Michael K. “MK” McKinney III, 24, of Martin, was arrested in Morehead on charges of murder and seven counts of tampering with physical evidence. He was lodged in the Rowan County Detention Center.

His father, Dr. Michael K. McKinney II, 56, of Martin and Josh “Square” Mullins, 23, of Martin, were arrested in Floyd County and charged with seven counts of tampering with physical evidence in the case. Both were lodged in the Floyd County Detention Center.

According to the indictment, the individuals removed, concealed or destroyed the handle of a broken knife. Other details to the tampering charges include:

• Removed, concealed or destroyed the clothing MK was wearing when Spradlin was killed.
• Removed concealed or destroyed a surveillance camera that would have captured Spradlin’s murder from the room in which she was killed.
• Removed concealed or destroyed a digital video recorder which contained footage from surveillance cameras in the home where the murder occurred.
• Removed concealed or destroyed the hard drive from the only desktop in the home which contained info about the surveillance cameras that were on the wireless network in the home.
• Cleaned Spradlin’s blood from the kitchen sink.
• Cleaned Spradlin’s blood from the laundry/utility room sink.

FLOYD COUNTY, Ky. (WMDJ) – A prominent Floyd County dentist, his son and another person were arrested Tuesday afternoon in connection to the highly publicized murder of Amber Spradlin.

Kentucky State Police arrested Dr. Michael McKinney, 56, of Martin, and officially charged him with seven counts of complicity to tampering with physical evidence in the murder of Spradlin.

Dr. McKinney’s son, Michael “MK” McKinney III, 24, of Martin, was arrested in Morehead and charged with murder along with seven counts of complicity to tampering with physical evidence. He was lodged in the Rowan County Detention Center.

A third suspect, Josh Mullins, 23, of Martin, was also arrested and charged with seven counts of complicity to tampering with physical evidence. He was taken to the Floyd County Detention Center.

Dr. McKinney was taken into custody at the Brickhouse Restaurant in Prestonsburg just before 2 p.m. He was also lodged in the Floyd County Detention Center.

Officials visited the home of Dr. McKinney on Arkansas Creek road in Martin after 2 p.m.

The body of Amber Spradlin was found at Dr. McKinney’s home on the morning of June 18th, 2023 and until today, no charges or arrests had been made.

PRESTONSBURG, Ky. (WMDJ) – The efforts to reach former clients of Eric C. Conn affected by his social security fraud case continued today at the Floyd County Courthouse.

Attorney Ned Pillersdorf and AppalRed Legal Aid held a press conference and client meeting Monday afternoon to discuss policy changes from the Social Security Administration, that will impact and provide relief to many, though not all, Conn clients.

The agency will no longer demand or collect overpayments stemming from redeterminations of former clients of Conn. Also, cases that have not had a hearing will be reviewed by the SSA and some will be determined that they will not require a hearing.

Advocacy Director Evan Smith says the crisis has terrified low-income people for nearly a decade who had been told they are still responsible for overpayments and this new development is a welcomed relief.

Former clients are asked to contact Pillersdorf’s office or AppalRed Legal Aid for guidance moving forward.

WAYLAND, Ky. (WMDJ) - Gov. Andy Beshear joined Appalachia Service Project (ASP) in Wayland on Friday to celebrate new homes and new beginnings for 11 families of flood survivors and announced that more homes are on the way.

Just eight months after the Governor announced development of this high-ground site on land formerly owned by the Wayland Volunteer Fire Department, families are moving into new, resilient homes. The homes on the four-acre site in Floyd County were built in partnership with ASP. Partial funding for the homes came from generous donation made to the Team Eastern Kentucky Flood Relief Fund with each home receiving $100,000 from the fund.

“We are celebrating another significant milestone in our commitment to rebuild every home and every life after floods devastated some of our Eastern Kentucky communities,” said?Gov. Beshear. “From the moment flood waters started rising, it’s been neighbors helping neighbors and everyone living out their faith and values, with a shared goal of making our new Kentucky home better and stronger.”

The Wayland community is one of seven high-ground sites that, together, will bring over 500 new homes to four counties impacted by the 2022 flooding. At the event in Wayland, Gov. Beshear announced that more homes are on the way.

“Team Kentucky and ASP are not done helping flood survivors. Today, we can announce that more homes are coming to a second phase on this site. This will more than double the number of families with a new home and a new start at this high-ground site here in Wayland,” said Gov. Beshear.

“We are celebrating real and lasting change for these families who are moving into new, energy-efficient, well-built homes outside of the flood plain – homes that are built just like our people, strong and resilient. I am grateful for the support of the Governor, ASP, volunteers and local partners for their commitment to the people of Wayland and their vision to keep building,” said Wayland Mayor Jerry Fultz.

Floyd County Judge/Executive Robbie Williams said, “We are quickly approaching the second anniversary of the flooding that devastated our county and region. The strength and resiliency of our people has been on full display during this time of recovery, and that is what makes Floyd County so special – her people. Today’s celebration is a wonderful expression of compassion and willingness to improve the lives of those so deeply affected on July 28, 2022.  I want to thank the Governor, Appalachia Service Project and the Foundation of Appalachia Kentucky’s affiliate, the Floyd County Community Foundation, for their hard work to help our people continue to call Floyd County home.”

PRESTONSBURG, Ky. (WMDJ) – A pair of singing sisters celebrated the national release of their first album Thursday evening.

Floyd County natives Teddi Leigh Cyrus and Jo Jo Hall gathered with family, friends and fans at the Mountain Arts Center for a record release reception.

The sisters, known as JoLeigh, released their first country single, “Bonfire” to all streaming platforms and radio stations.

The tandem, who are currently performing as part of Billie Jean Osborne’s KY Opry this summer, were honored with U.S. 23 Country Music Highway replica signs and performed a free concert.

PRESTONSBURG, Ky. (WMDJ) – A traveling memorial for fallen police officers made a stop in Prestonsburg on Thursday.

The group, Beyond the Call of Duty, brought its “End of Watch: Ride to Remember” traveling trailer memorial to the Floyd County Courthouse as part of a 73-day ride across the country that began on June 1st.

The group, based in Spokane Valley, Washington, displayed their memorial of 380 officers who died in the line of duty in 2022 and 2023. Included in the memorial are fallen Prestonsburg City Police officers Ralph Frasure and Jacob Chaffins along with Floyd County Sheriff’s Deputy William Petry.

The group says their purpose is to ensure that no officer, or their families, are forgotten for their sacrifice.

FRANKFORT, Ky. (WMDJ) – Gov. Andy Beshear has sent a letter to the administrator of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency, expressing his support of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ recommendation that the DEA ease restrictions on marijuana.

The move would reschedule cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III under the Controlled Substances Act, giving patients an alternative to deadly opioids and reduce crime and illicit drug use.

As a Schedule I drug, marijuana is currently in the same classification as heroin and LSD as having “no current accepted medical use.”

The letter also outlines that nationally, opioid use killed 80,000 Americans in 2022. In the same year, marijuana use alone killed zero Americans. 

FLOYD COUNTY, Ky. (WMDJ) – A Floyd County man has been arrested on drug trafficking charges.

42-year-old Randall Miner was charged with drug trafficking and possession of meth after authorities received complaints of a roadway being blocked on Dobson Branch.

Deputies with the Floyd County Sheriff’s office found Miner hiding inside a home during the incident.

He was lodged in the Floyd County Detention Center.

PIKEVILLE, Ky. (WMDJ) – A Pikeville doctor has been sentenced to two years and eight months in federal prison for prescribing drugs illegally.

Jason Noah Stamper, 52, of Coal Run, pleaded guilty to one count of prescribing amphetamine without a medical purpose or a full exam after Stamper prescribed Ritalin or Adderall to an undercover officer with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration six times between April and September 2022.

Police discovered methamphetamine, scales, pipes and baggies containing drug residue during a search of Stamper’s home in December 2022. A syringe loaded with meth was also discovered on a table next to Stamper’s bed.

JOHNSON COUNTY, Ky. (WMDJ) – Officials in Johnson County dedicated a new World War II memorial on Monday.

The memorial, located at Paintsville Lake, honors 17 men from Johnson County that served together on the USS Hornet CV-12 in the Navy.

The last living member of the group, 99-year-old Worth Goble, was in attendance for the emotional ceremony.

Family members of the deceased, along with Lt. Governor Jacqueline Coleman spoke at the ceremony, thanking the men for their sacrifice.

FRANKFORT, Ky. (WMDJ) – Attorney General Russell Coleman has launched a $15 million grant program to equip local law enforcement agencies with much-needed body armor and other gear.

Earlier this year, the General Assembly created the Body Armor Grant Program and provided funding for two years. These grants will support law enforcement and first responders in purchasing body armor, duty weapons, ammunition, electronic control devices and body-worn cameras.

Approximately 20% of Kentucky law enforcement officers have either expired body armor or none. Many of these professionals are left to purchase their own equipment.

FLOYD COUNTY, Ky. (WMDJ) – Floyd County officials are set to begin assessments for Disaster Recovery Housing by hosting an event this week.

The Floyd County Disaster Housing Intake Event will be at the Floyd County Community Center, Route 80 in Martin on Thursday between the hours of 2 – 6 p.m. The purpose of the event is to gather information and pre-qualify individuals for housing at the New Hope Estate Subdivision on Cliffside Road in Prestonsburg.

Judge Executive Robbie Williams says folks affected by recent flooding and are interested in relocating should attend this event for pre-verification.

LANCER, Ky. (WMDJ) – Crews with the KY Transportation Cabinet will begin deck repairs on the Watergap bridge at Jenny Wiley Village near Lancer on Tuesday.

Crews will be repairing potholes in the concrete bridge on KY Route 302. The bridge will be closed between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Tuesday, July 16th.

Motorist are asked to find an alternate route during this time.

FLOYD COUNTY, Ky. (WMDJ) – Two men have been arrested on drug trafficking charges in Floyd County.

Michael Ousley, 41, of Pikeville and Alexander Skeens, 41, of Wittensville, were both taken into custody this week after Floyd County Sheriff’s deputies and Martin City Police followed several tips of illegal drug trafficking occurring in the Allen and Middle Creek areas.

Deputies seized a sizable amount of crystal meth along with cash and drug paraphernalia.

Both men were lodged in the Floyd County Detention Center.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (WMDJ) – U.S. Representative Harold “Hal” Rogers, announced nearly $150 million in fiscal year 2025 Community Project Funding in Eastern Kentucky has been approved by the House Appropriations Committee.

After approval by the House Appropriations Committee, the funding moves to the U.S. House of Representatives for consideration.

Funding will be used for 15 projects including $36.5 million to complete the final phase of the Mountain Parkway Expansion between Salyersville and Prestonsburg.

The city of Pikeville will receive funding for improvements, including $3.9 million for a new city police headquarters building and $6 million for the construction of a new industrial building at the Kentucky Enterprise Industrial Park, creating 75-100 jobs.

FLOYD COUNTY, Ky. (WMDJ) – Floyd County School officials dedicated a pair of completed projects on Wednesday.

Board members and Prestonsburg city officials were on-hand to dedicate the new turf for Josh Francis Field at Blackcat Stadium. The original facility turf had been in place for nearly two decades. The field is used for football, regional soccer, and track & field events.

Officials also held an official ribbon-cutting ceremony for the opening of the new school bus garage at Garth. The new Floyd County Schools Transportation facility replaces the original building, which was lost in a fire on April 30th, 2022.

FLOYD COUNTY, Ky. (WMDJ) – A Martin man has been arrested after he attempted to burglarize the Family Dollar at Betsy Layne last weekend.

Authorities responded to a 911 call from an employee who stated the front door window had been broken out, yet couldn’t confirm if anyone else was in the building.

Billy Lee Akers, 33, was later discovered lying on the floor in the back of the store.

Akers was charged with first-degree criminal mischief and third-degree burglary.

FRANKFORT, Ky. (WMDJ) – As travel increases this summer, Kentuckians are reminded to slow down and pay attention to posted speed limits to keep all road users safe. 

Approximately 33% of crashes in Kentucky involve a speeding or aggressive driver, so the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s (KYTC) Office of Highway Safety (KOHS) is partnering with law enforcement agencies across the state on the “Not So Fast, Kentucky” speed awareness campaign through July 31.   

New legislation this year, Senate Bill 107, increases fines for speeding and aggressive driving in work zones. In addition to fines of $500 or more, drivers may have their license revoked, depending on the violation. 

EASTERN, Ky. (WMDJ) – The Floyd County Board of Education has appointed veteran educator Larry Hammond as its new interim superintendent.

The board made the announcement concluding Monday’s special called meeting.

Hammond will take over for outgoing superintendent Anna Shepherd on July 22nd.

Hammond is a well-traveled educator. He served as superintendent of Rockcastle County Schools for 17 years and was named the Kentucky School Boards Association Superintendent of the Year during his time there.

In 2012, Hammond was appointed by the Kentucky Board of Education to lead Breathitt County Schools in the fallout of a state takeover.  

Hammond also has served as superintendent for Gallatin County Schools and Glasgow Independent. 

Last year, Hammond was appointed by the KDE as interim superintendent for McCreary County Schools after their superintendent, John Gunn, was charged with unlawful possession of a weapon on school property.

Hammond is a native of Mount Vernon and spent most of his education career serving as an elementary and high school teacher in Rockcastle County. He also served as director of transportation and director of personnel and student services before becoming a superintendent.

STANVILLE, Ky. (WMDJ) – The newly-constructed connector road to Betsy Layne High School will open Tuesday, July 9th.

The new access road, which is located off U.S. 23, ties into E. Main Street at Stanville near the post office and will lead to Bobcat Blvd and the school.

Officials say the improvement provides safer sight distances and a more streamlined traffic flow.

The new connector replaces the old entrance to Bobcat Blvd., which has been the sight of numerous accidents for years.

EASTERN, Ky. (WMDJ) – The Floyd County Board of Education will meet once again this evening in an attempt to name an interim Superintendent.

The board has interviewed multiple candidates over the past two weeks and failed to decide on an interim replacement for outgoing Superintendent Anna Shepherd last Monday.

The meeting is scheduled for 5 p.m. at the Central Office.

FRANKFORT, Ky. (WMDJ) – Gov. Andy Beshear will be traveling to Japan and the Republic of Korea later this week.

Gov. Beshear says the economic development trip will bring new jobs and future investment for Kentucky.

Since the start of Gov. Beshear’s administration, 88 projects have been announced by companies based in Asia, representing nearly $13 billion investment and 13,000 new jobs.

Kentucky is home to 200 Japanese-owned facilities that employ 47,000 people and seven Korean-owned facilities that employ 1,200 people.

PRESTONSBURG, Ky. (WMDJ) – The city of Prestonsburg is gearing up for the annual Star City Fourth of July festivities.

The celebration is set to begin tomorrow at 5 p.m. featuring live music, a magician, inflatables, food & drinks along with local vendors.

East Kentucky’s largest fireworks show is set to begin at 10 p.m.

WHITESBURG, Ky. (WMDJ) – The founder of Double Kwik convenience stores has died.

Don Childers passed away on June 29th. He was 92.

Childers was a native of Hellier, KY in Pike County. He became a sales representative for Gulf Oil in 1956 and later purchased Gulf stores in the Whitesburg area, starting Childers Oil Company in 1966.

As an independent owner, Childers turned the small group of former Gulf stations into over 40 Double Kwik locations while serving as owner/operator of other business ventures including Pine Mountain Grill in Whitesburg.

A memorial service for Childers will be 1 p.m. on Monday, July 8th at Whitesburg First Baptist Church.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WMDJ) - Governor Andy Beshear is at the center of the discussion about the possibility of replacing President Joe Biden on the Democratic ticket.   

A spokesperson from Beshear’s team says that he is traveling to Washington, D.C. to meet with President Joe Biden Wednesday.

Beshear, along with several other Democratic governors, are reportedly going to speak with President Biden about the current state of the presidential race.

Beshear has been rumored as a possible replacement for President Biden, but the Ky. governor has been careful how he responds to those claims.

EASTERN, Ky. (WMDJ) - Floyd County Schools debuted its latest outreach effort on Monday with the unveiling of the new Preschool Classroom on Wheels.

The bus will operate as a rolling classroom, offering educational and resource opportunities for communities in Floyd County. The goal is to provide a classroom experience allowing children to work, learn and play with peers.

Officials said that while Floyd County Head Start has room for 300 students each year, there are over 2,000 children countywide that can benefit from the traveling learning center.

The new Preschool Classroom on Wheels will make its first stop at Minnie on Monday, July 11th from 4 until 5 p.m. with stops scheduled for Archer Park in Prestonsburg on July 18th and the Floyd County Branch Library at Eastern on July 24th.   

EASTERN, Ky. (WMDJ) – Members of the Floyd County Board of Education could possibly name an interim Superintendent Monday evening.

Board members began the formal interview process for an interim Superintendent in executive session during last Thursday’s special called board meeting.

According to sources, there have been at least three candidates interviewed for the position, all from outside the Floyd County School district.

Superintendent Anna Shepherd announced her retirement last month after a three-year tenure.

This evening’s special called meeting will be held at the Board of Education Library starting at 5 p.m.

PRESTONSBURG, Ky. (WMDJ) – A new memorial was unveiled Friday to honor officers killed in the Allen shooting on June 30th, 2022.

Two black monuments were dedicated by Floyd County officials including Judge-Executive Robbie Williams and Sheriff John Hunt.

One memorial is dedicated to Prestonsburg City police captain Ralph Frasure and deputies Jacob Chaffins, William Petry, and K-9 Drago, with their portraits etched in the stone under the word “HEROES.”

The other monument stands in honor of all fallen first responders.

“We are not only here to dedicate these monuments to our first responders and the fallen officers, but we want to celebrate the achievements of the fallen officers,” said Judge-Executive Robbie Williams. “We are not going to allow these officers’ legacies to be defined by the events that occurred on June 30, 2022. These were men of character, compassion, and a moral compass that voluntarily placed them in harm’s way.”

The monuments were donated by Derwin Merion of Merion Brothers Monument Company. City and County leaders along with Missy Allen organized the effort.