PAINTSVILLE, Ky. (WMDJ) – Mother Nature couldn’t stop the music from downtown Paintsville as night one of the Highway Labor Day Festival concluded with a performance by the granddaughter of Country music Hall of Famer Loretta Lynn on Saturday night.

25-year old Emmy Russell, who recently reached the Top 5 of American Idol this past spring, concluded a homecoming night for herself performing on stage for hundreds that braved the weather throughout the evening.

There was a slight weather delay, but all acts performed on schedule.

Night two of Labor Day Fest will begin at 4 p.m. Sunday with headliners Shenandoah and the Kentucky Headhunters closing out the show.

FRANKFORT, Ky. (WMDJ) – Gov. Andy Beshear announced $720,000 in new grant funding is available for Kentucky Trail Towns to repair, enhance and promote projects that boost quality of life in Kentucky communities while attracting visitors from across the commonwealth and around the world.

“Kentuckians and visitors alike deserve world-class opportunities to get outdoors, make memories and enjoy our beautiful state. Investing in our Trail Towns will make these experiences more accessible, while also contributing to our booming $13.8 billion tourism industry,” said Gov. Beshear. “These are the types of investments that improve quality of life for our families, help attract future business and travelers and drive more folks from across the world to make our state their new Kentucky home.”

This year, Gov. Beshear signed House Bill 1, allocating $720,000 in funding to support a new Kentucky Trail Town grant program. Certified Kentucky Trail Towns are eligible for up to $30,000 in funding for recreational projects, including trail development and maintenance, project enhancements and marketing efforts. The application process opens Sept. 3, 2024, with a deadline of Nov. 30, 2024. Applications will be available online and instructions will be sent directly to each certified Kentucky Trail Town.

The Kentucky Trail Town program is a tourism and economic development program designed to provide a strategic plan for communities to capitalize on recreation opportunities. Each of Kentucky’s 29 Trail Towns have made the public commitment to share their outdoor opportunities, culture, history and stories with guests seeking adventure.

JOHNSON COUNTY, Ky. (WMDJ) – The annual Heroes and Legends Arm Drop Dragz returns this weekend to the Combs Airport in Johnson County.

The Kent Rose Foundation is proud to bring the best in drag racing back to eastern Kentucky guaranteed payouts in seven race classes, music, food, and family fun.

General admission is $10 for adults. Kids 12 & under are free. Two-day pit passes are available for $50.

Gates open Friday and Saturday at 9 a.m. A concert will be held Friday night. Saturday opening ceremony will be at noon with racing starting at 1 p.m.  There will also be a Big Wheel Race Saturday evening at 6 p.m. with more drag racing Saturday night.

Don’t forget to bring your lawn chair.

For more information visit ArmDropNation.com

FLOYD COUNTY, Ky. (WMDJ) – A Pike County man was arrested Monday after Floyd County Sheriff’s deputies discovered drugs during a traffic stop with the assistance of K-9 Zoe.

Keith Long, 30, of Elkhorn City, was stopped by deputies at Harold. During the traffic stop, K-9 Zoe alerted deputies to the presence of illegal narcotics.

Deputies discovered numerous drugs including Heroin, Crystal Meth and drug paraphernalia.

Long was charged with three counts of drug trafficking and lodged in the Floyd County Detention Center.

EASTERN, Ky. (WMDJ) – After facing backlash on social media over the price of admission for students to athletic events, the Floyd County Board of Education has reversed course to now allow all students into regular season games free of charge.

Board member Keith Smallwood made the motion to reduce the charge of $3 per student to free of charge during last night’s regular meeting of the Floyd County Board of Education.

Board members unanimously approved the measure.

Adult ticket prices for games will remain at $5. Senior citizen prices $3.00.

Tournament and postseason games will not be free for students as those prices are determined by a rules committee and the KHSAA.

JOHNSON COUNTY, Ky. (WMDJ) – Officials in Johnson County have announced plans to construct a 62,500 square foot entertainment center.

Johnson County Judge Executive Mark McKenzie, the Johnson County Fiscal Court in partnership with the Johnson County Board of Education and a local developer revealed details of the new state-of-the-art entertainment facility Monday evening. 

KP Funplex will offer a wide range of activities including 24 bowling lanes, a two-level go-kart track, laser tag, arcade games, 4D and VR gaming experiences, axe throwing and party rooms. 

The center will also feature a full-service restaurant.

Construction for the center will begin in 2025 on a site adjoining the new Johnson Central High School campus, near Walmart.

FLOYD COUNTY, Ky. (WMDJ) – Officials with Southern Water have started the process all over again as workers continue to deal with a major water line break.

Crews began working on the break around 7 p.m. Sunday evening near Cracker Bottom Road and replaced the line this afternoon, however crews are back at the scene after the line ruptured again following the repair.

No timetable has been announced for when the line will be fully repaired and service restored.

FRANKFORT, Ky. (WMDJ) – Counties and cities in Kentucky have until August 31st to decide whether to make medical cannabis available to cultivate or dispense to consumers under a law enacted by the General Assembly in 2023.

The Kentucky Office of Medical Cannabis says is has received 196 total applications as of August 21, including 138 dispensaries, 26 tier I cultivators and 17 processors.

Floyd County Judge-Executive Robbie Williams says voters in Floyd County will decide whether to open Floyd County to cannabis sales and cultivating. The issue will be on the ballot this November.

Johnson, Knott, Letcher, Magoffin, Martin and Pike Counties have all chosen to opt into the state’s Medical Cannabis program.

A total of 20 counties will allow voters to decide on the issue. 12 counties have opted out of the program.

PIKEVILLE, Ky. (WMDJ) - AT&T employees across the south including workers in southeastern Kentucky are on strike this week, claiming AT&T refuses to negotiate in good faith over a new contract.

The Communications Workers of America (CWA) union has filed an unfair labor practice charge with the National Labor Relations Board for not “bargaining in good faith and not sending representatives to the bargaining table with the authority to make decisions.”

A spokesperson for AT&T spokesperson released a statement saying the claims are, “not grounded in fact” and that AT&T has engaged in bargaining and are eager to reach an agreement.

CWA officials say there is no timetable for the strike to end.

FLOYD COUNTY, Ky. (WMDJ) – A Floyd County man was arrested Tuesday morning after he boarded a school bus posing as a student.

20-year-old Damon Adams was arrested without incident after he boarded bus number 217 with his brother, who is enrolled in the school system.

Prestonsburg City Police say Adams jumped on the bus to avoid a trespassing complaint at Watergap.

Adams was taken into custody at Prestonsburg High School on charges of criminal trespassing and an outstanding indictment warrant.

PRESTONSBURG, Ky. (WMDJ) – The defense attorney in the Amber Spradlin murder trial was held in contempt of court and fined $500 during a hearing this morning in Floyd Circuit Court.

Special Judge Eddy Coleman chastised defense attorney Randy O’Neal for using three, “basically phony citations to case law,” in his motion to dismiss the charges of murder and tampering with physical evidence against M.K. McKinney, along with charges of tampering with physical evidence against Dr. Michael McKinney and Josh Mullins.

The motion to dismiss the charges was withdrawn.

All three defendants entered not guilty pleas to an additional charge of tampering with physical evidence.

Special Judge Coleman ruled that Dr. Michael McKinney will be allowed to work as an, “operator” of his dental office in Prestonsburg with varying starting times until 5 p.m. each day while on home incarceration. The Kentucky Board of Dentistry suspended his license earlier this month, however McKinney can still oversee the daily operations of his business. He will be required to wear GPS monitoring at all times.

Also, during the hearing, defendant Josh Mullins was granted a reduction in bond from $100,000 to $50,000 cash.

A pretrial hearing has been scheduled for October 24th in Floyd Circuit Court.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WMDJ) – A Floyd County farmer has become a blue-ribbon winner at this year’s Kentucky State Fair.

Dwight Slone captured one of the fair’s biggest competitions, winning the biggest pumpkin contest.

Slone’s pumpkin weighed in at a massive 1,133 pounds.

For his efforts, Slone was presented a check for $1,133.00, a dollar per pound.

The Kentucky State Fair continues this week through Sunday, August 25th.

SIDNEY, KY. (WMDJ) – Kentucky State Police have opened a death investigation in Pike County.

Troopers discovered 41-year-old William Chaney of Pikeville, dead from fatal gunshot wounds at a residence on North Big Creek Road in Sidney last week.

No one has been arrested. The investigation will be presented to the Pike County Grand Jury for consideration.

PRESTONSBURG, Ky. (WMDJ) – A Floyd County grand jury has indicted 41-year old Michael Colley on one count of murder and three counts of tampering with physical evidence in the death of 53-year old Patrick Shepherd of McDowell earlier this month.

         The indictment indicates that Colley repeatedly hit and kicked Shepherd in the head and body, resulting in the death of Shepherd. Colley allegedly destroyed, mutilate, conceal, remove or alter evidence at the crime scene, including the clothes he was wearing.

         Another count indicates that Colley removed Shepherd’s body from the scene after his death, altering the scene.

         Colley remains lodged in the Floyd County Detention Center. No future court date has been set.  

PRESTONSBURG, Ky. (WMDJ) – Big Sandy Community and Technical College is thrilled to announce the renewal of its partnership with the Mountain Arts Center.

The renewed partnership aims to enhance cultural and educational opportunities for the local community, further solidifying the MAC’s role as a cornerstone of artistic and economic vitality in the region. Both BSCTC and the MAC are dedicated to exploring new programs and initiatives that will support local talent and provide valuable resources to the community.

Dr. Todd Brand, Interim President & CEO of BSCTC, expressed his enthusiasm about the extended partnership: “The Mountain Arts Center is a true gem in Eastern Kentucky. I appreciate Mayor Hughes's leadership in renewing the partnership. These types of collaborations are what define our mission of building community. I am extremely optimistic about the future of the MAC, including what educational opportunities we can explore for the people in our region. Talent is abundant, and it is vital to our economic health that the MAC continues to catalyze artistic growth for folks in this area. It is wonderful that Big Sandy Community & Technical College can play a role.”

FRANKFORT, Ky. (WMDJ) – Judge Executive Robbie Williams has announced that Floyd County has received $2.5 million to assist in flood recovery efforts.

The funding was part of $23 million awarded by Gov. Andy Beshear to help a seven county area affected by the devasting flooding of 2022 in Eastern Kentucky.

This funding comes from the Eastern Kentucky State Aid for Emergencies (SAFE) Fund established by Gov. Beshear and the General Assembly in August 2022.

“I would like to thank the Governor for the Eastern Kentucky SAFE award,” said Floyd County Judge/Executive Robbie Williams. “This award will help us to recover from the devastating floods that hit Eastern Kentucky in July of 2022. My office and staff are working daily to help our residents to get their lives back on track and this funding will help us to achieve our goal. Thank you, Gov. Beshear and Team Kentucky, for your continued support.”

The awards will help the local governments and school board recover from financial strains caused by the natural disaster. The award amounts are based on requests by each entity and verified by the Department for Local Government for cities and counties and by the Kentucky Department of Education for the school district.

PRESTONSBURG, Ky. (WMDJ) – The defendant charged with the murder of Amber Spradlin has hired new legal counsel.

High profile criminal defense attorney Steve Romines of Louisville will be, “counsel of record” representing Michael K. “M.K.” McKinney in, “all future pleadings, discovery, correspondence and communication” concerning the case.

Romines recently represented PGA golfer Scottie Scheffler, who faced multiple charges stemming from a traffic accident at the PGA Championship in Louisville back in May.

All charges against Scheffler were dismissed.

Attorney Randy Martin O'Neal issued a statement to WMDJ, clarifying that he still represents M.K. McKinney, along with Romines.

This week Special Judge Eddy Coleman called into question cases cited in a motion filed by O’Neal to dismiss the charges against M.K. McKinney, his father Dr. Michael McKinney and Josh Mullins.

Judge Coleman remarked that O’Neal could possibly face a contempt of court charge after O’Neal erroneously listed the wrong citations on the first version of his motion to dismiss the case.

This week, the Floyd County grand jury issued a superseding indictment against all three defendants, adding an eighth charge of evidence tampering.

The new charge alleges all three defendants planted a different knife in the couch where Spradlin’s body was discovered, alluding that the planted knife was the murder weapon, rather than a different knife that was used.

The next date in court is set for Monday, August 19th at 10:00 a.m.  

FLOYD COUNTY, Ky. (WMDJ) – Appalachian Regional Healthcare proudly honored Katie Bailey, the Floyd County Schools’ Certified Employee of the Year, and Shirley Hall, Classified Employee of the Year at the school district’s opening day event at the Mountain Arts Center in Prestonsburg, Monday, August 12.

Danielle Harmon, ARH's Community Development Director, says, “Congratulations, Katie and Shirley! We are thrilled to honor these two outstanding individuals who are making a difference in children’s lives. ARH is a proud partner of Floyd County Schools, and we will continue to work to support our schools and communities as we believe healthcare is more than being seen by a healthcare provider.”

Candidates for the Certified Employee of the Year award must demonstrate excellence in work performance, school and community involvement, leadership and commitment, and student health and well-being. 

Katie Bailey, the health science teacher at the Floyd County School of Innovation, is committed to providing students with hands-on healthcare experiences and valuable opportunities to connect with the professional healthcare industry. She's the driving force behind the HOSA (Health Occupation Students of America) chapter, which enables students to participate in educational events and competitions. Together with her students, she coordinates an annual health fair for the employees of Mountain Enterprises, Inc., delivering real-world experience while making a positive impact on the local community.

Bailey ensures that students in health care and law enforcement at FCSI receive crucial certifications in CPR and Stop the Bleed, and she also prepares her students to obtain certifications in Allied Health, Pharmacy Tech, and Medical Nurse Aide. 

“Mrs. Bailey not only teaches students the content and technical aspects of healthcare, she akso teaches them the essential human elements of patient care and interpersonal respect,” comments FCSI principal Christina Crase.

Katie Bailey, originally from Wayland, is entering her 23rd year as a nurse and her 6th year as a health science teacher. She and her husband Chris have two daughters, Emma and Ava.

Candidates for the Classified Employee of the Year must demonstrate the ability to build relationships, invest time in people, turn ordinary moments into memorable ones, and lead by example.

Miss Shirley Hall, a school custodian at John M. Stumbo Elementary (JMS) and a US military veteran, goes above and beyond in her role. Not only does she keep the cafeteria clean and orderly, but she also takes the time to connect with students, giving hugs, tying shoes, and opening milk containers. Her exceptional work ethic and dedication to building meaningful relationships make her a true leader and leave a lasting impression on both students and staff.

Miss Shirley brightens up the preschool classrooms during her breaks, and the kids adore her. She's dedicated to their educational success, and it's no wonder the students look up to her with admiration and trust. Whether she's sharing a story, playing with the kids, or offering a kind word, Miss Shirley brings so much joy to the children's day and leaves them beaming with smiles.

“Shirley is a hero at our school. She takes pride in her work, and when you ask her why, she’ll say without hesitation that it’s for our kids. Shirley gives so much, and we’re grateful to see her receive the recognition she wholeheartedly deserves,” sad Kolby Huff, guidance counselor at John M. Stumbo Elementary.

Shirley Hall is from Beaver, Kentucky. She has two sons, Adam and Michael, and one grandson, Karter. She served as a Mess Management Specialist in the US Navy for three years and just started her 4th year as the lead custodian at JMS.

PRESTONSBURG, Ky. (WMDJ) – An attorney representing defendants in the Amber Spradlin murder case is facing a possible contempt of court charge.

Special Judge Eddy Coleman has called into question cases cited in a motion filed by attorney Randy Martin O’Neal to dismiss the charges against M.K. McKinney, his father Dr. Michael McKinney and Josh Mullins.

Judge Coleman ordered that O’Neal provide copies of supporting cases or correct citations, instead O’Neal filed an amended motion, citing cases that do not exist. According to the order, “Counsel has offered no explanation to the Court for what appears to be a breach of his duty to be candid with the Court.”

The order goes on to state that, “A lawyer shall not knowingly make a false statement of fact of law to a tribunal of fail to correct a false statement of material fact or law previously made to the tribunal by the lawyer.”

The next court date is set for Monday, August 19th at 10 a.m.

PRESTONSBURG, Ky. (WMDJ) – The last original member of Billie Jean Osborne’s Kentucky Opry ensemble said goodbye over the weekend.

Longtime soloist and drummer Tony Whited enjoyed his final performance as part of the cast Saturday night. Whited was honored on-stage at the Mountain Arts Center with the presentation of a sign designating the backstage hallway the “Tony Whited Hallway” for his 34 years of service to the show.

Past members, including former MAC director Keith Caudill, remarked on video about Tony’s passion for performing and steadfast dedication to making the show great every season.

Tony thanked the audience for making the show a success by supporting the performers each year.

PRESTONSBURG, Ky. (WMDJ) – A man accused of killing his mother’s boyfriend at a home in McDowell earlier this week will have his case presented to the grand jury.

Michael Colley, 41, of Louisville, is accused of beating 53-year old Patrick Shepherd with an object, causing blunt force trauma to the head, resulting in Shepherd’s death, then attempting to hide Shepherd’s remains early Monday morning.

Colley led authorities on a manhunt before being discovered Monday evening.

Colley has additionally been charged with six counts of contempt of court after causing several obscene outbursts during his arraignment and preliminary hearing. Each count totals up to three years in prison.

No future court date has been set.

PRESTONSBURG, Ky. (WMDJ) – For the second time this summer, numerous street signs in Prestonsburg have been stolen and police say they the prank will come to an end.

Earlier this week, close to 20 street signs were stolen within an eight-block radius in the downtown area. Prestonsburg City Police say that security video from the area has given them a clue to the identity of the person involved.

Stolen signs were recovered at a home Thursday afternoon, but the suspect was not there. The stolen signs cost the city over $1,000 to replace.

PRESTONSBURG, Ky. (WMDJ) – Attorneys for three suspects accused in the 2023 murder of Amber Spradlin are asking a judge to dismiss the case.

Attorney Randy Martin O’Neal filed the motion in Floyd Circuit Court on Monday, claiming authorities did not follow proper procedures in obtaining the indictment.

O’Neal also claims the indictment was not returned in open court as required and the secrecy of the grand jury proceedings were violated when Spradlin’s cousin, Debbie Hall, wrote on social media that she had known the case would be presented to the grand jury two weeks prior.

O’Neal also noted in his motion that Hall and one media outlet were already in place for the arrests of Dr. Michael McKinney and Josh Mullins, prior to the indictment being executed.

Attorneys are also asking for a bond reduction for M.K. McKinney, accused of the murder and tampering with physical evidence, to $1 million and that Mullins be allowed to post 10 percent of a $5,000 cash bond.

Attorneys say the bond reduction request falls in line with other defendants facing similar charges.

Judge Eddy Coleman will rule on the request once prosecutors respond to the motions. No court date has been set.

FRANKFORT, Ky. (WMDJ) – Gov. Andy Beshear has announced that $40 million has been awarded to (SOAR) Shaping Our Appalachian Region to connect Eastern Kentucky residents to resources and training for good jobs.

The funding was awarded through the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA).

“This investment will ease barriers to employment and support the hardworking people of Eastern Kentucky,” said Gov. Beshear. “This is a region that deserves our country’s thanks and investment. The people of Eastern Kentucky mined the coal that powered our country through two world wars and helped build the strongest middle class the world has ever seen."

SOAR’s plan will advance local industries, small business support and job placement for people in recovery, former coal miners and others across 12 counties including Floyd, Johnson, Knott, Letcher, Magoffin, Martin and Pike counties. The plan will grow employment in remote jobs and expand pathways into higher-paying careers, especially in the health care, energy and technology sectors.

FLOYD COUNTY, Ky. (WMDJ) – Authorities arrested a Louisville man wanted for the murder of a man Sunday night in Floyd County.

Officials found Michael Colley, 41, at a home in McDowell yesterday evening after he prompted a manhunt by Kentucky State Police and other agencies in the killing of 53-year-old Patrick Shepherd of McDowell.

Shepherd was the live-in boyfriend of Colley’s mother, who passed away a few months ago.

Colley is accused of beating Shepherd to death Sunday night, then fleeing from the scene early yesterday morning.

He is currently being held in the Floyd County Detention Center.

MCDOWELL, Ky. (WMDJ) – Kentucky State Police are searching for Michael Colley, who is accused of killing a man at a home in McDowell around midnight Sunday.

According to KSP, a physical altercation between Colley, 41, of Louisville and 53-year old Patrick Shepherd of McDowell led to Shepherd suffering fatal injuries.

Shepherd was pronounced dead at the scene by the Floyd County Coroner's Office. His body has been sent to Frankfort for an autopsy.

Troopers searched the scene at a home near McDowell Elementary, including numerous vacant structures for Colley early this morning, but he fled the scene.

Colley is described as a white male, 6'0" tall, weighing 212 pounds. was last seen wearing a dark colored jacket, dark colored sweat pants along with reflective athletic shoes.

Colley is considered dangerous.

If you have any information on the whereabouts of Colley, please call 911 or Kentucky State Police at (606) 433-7711.

LOUISA, Ky. (WMDJ) – The FBI Louisville Division has opened an investigation into healthcare fraud by ARC Addiction Recovery Care.

ARC is a substance abuse treatment provider, headquartered in Louisa with locations throughout east Kentucky, including Prestonsburg, Pikeville and Inez.

The FBI says ARC has not been charged with any crime, yet victims may be eligible for certain services, restitutions and rights under federal and state law.  The FBI says all identities of victims who provide information will be kept confidential.

ARC said in a statement that they are cooperating fully in the investigation.  

PRESTONSBURG, Ky. (WMDJ) – The Kentucky Board of Dentistry has temporarily suspended the license of Dr. Michael McKinney in the wake of charges brought against him for the 2023 murder of Amber Spradlin.

A complaint was filed this week, prompting the board to, “issue an immediate temporary suspension” for both of his dentist offices at Prestonsburg and Minnie.

“The Kentucky Board of Dentistry, hereby orders that your license to practice dentistry in Kentucky be immediately and temporarily suspended for the reasons set forth above as necessary to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public for alleged violations of KRS 313.080,” said the letter. “You may not practice dentistry as that term is defined in KRS 313.010(11) effective upon delivery of this Notice of Immediate Temporary Suspension, unless you hold a current license in good standing issued by the Board.”

Dr. McKinney can appeal the decision by August 22nd.

He has been charged with seven counts of tampering with physical evidence in connection to the murder of Amber Spradlin. He was released on $250,000 cash bond Thursday.

His son, Michael K. “MK” McKinney III, faces a single count of murder along with seven counts of tampering with physical evidence. His bond was set at $5 million and he currently is still being lodged in the Floyd County Detention Center.

A third defendant, Josh “Square” Mullins, is also facing seven counts of tampering with physical evidence and his being held under $100,000 cash bond.

PRESTONSBURG, Ky. (WMDJ) - The Floyd County Sheriff’s Department will be hosting their annual computer-oriented defense or offense training class, August 6th through the 16th.  

This is a video simulated class that helps you with de-escalation techniques and other realistic scenarios. No live ammunition will be used.

Participants will be utilizing a Multiple Interactive Learning Objective simulator, which is being provided by the Kentucky Association of Counties.

If your church or business is interested in sending team members for this training, please contact Deputy Randy Powers at (606) 886-8965.

FRANKFORT, Ky. (WMDJ) – As part of his commitment to connect every home and business in Kentucky to high-speed internet, Gov. Andy Beshear announced Friday that the state has opened the Broadband Grants Management Portal for user registration.

Registering is the first step in applying for funds from Kentucky’s $1.1 billion allocation from the federal Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program. Internet service providers, local governments and nonprofits are all eligible.

The second step – the pre-qualification phase – will open Aug. 14 and close on Sept. 13. Managerial, technical and operational information from prospective applicants will be collected during this step. The third step will be the submission of applications for BEAD funding, which is expected to open in November.

PRESTONSBURG, Ky. (WMDJ) – One of the three suspects arrested this week in the murder of Amber Spradlin has been released on bond.

Dr. Michael McKinney, 56, of Martin, has been released from the Floyd County Detention Center after posting a $250,000 cash bond. Dr. McKinney will be on home incarceration and will be required to wear a GPS monitor.

His son, Michael K. “MK” McKinney, 24, of Martin, who’s been the only person formally charged in the murder of Spradlin, had his bond set at $5 million by Judge Eddy Coleman on Wednesday. He remains in custody.

Also still in custody is a third suspect, Josh Mullins, 23, of Martin, who’s bond was set at $100,000 cash.

All three men enter not guilty pleas during yesterday’s arraignment.

Dr. McKinney and Mullins were each charged with seven counts of tampering with physical evidence to potentially cover-up the murder. MK McKinney was charged with tampering and one count of murder.