PRESTONSBURG, Ky. (WMDJ) – Hundreds of customers remain without power in Floyd County following Friday’s high winds and storms brought by the remnants of Hurricane Helene.

As of midnight Monday, Big Sandy RECC reported 883 outages for customers in Floyd County. Most of those affected include over 700 outages in the Cow Creek and Endicott areas.

AEP reported 16 outages affected 102 customers in Floyd County.

The National US National Weather Service Jackson Kentucky has issued a HIGH WIND WARNING for Floyd, Knott, Perry and Pike Counties in our listening area beginning at 2 a.m. until 8 p.m. Friday.

East winds will be 15 to 25 MPH with gusts as high as 55 to 60 MPH expected. For most locations, the strongest wind gusts are expected to be during the morning and afternoon, though locations at and above 1,500 feet may experience strong gusts prior to dawn.

Eastern Kentucky will be dealing with the remnants of Hurricane Helene with the possibility of heavy rainfall expected throughout the day on Friday. Forecasters are saying that periods of heavy to, at times, torrential rainfall are expected from this, which may lead to incidents of flash flooding. Isolated mudslides will also be possible during this time. Widespread power outages can also be expected with Friday's winds and storms.

HAZARD, Ky. (WMDJ) - The ARH Foundation for Healthier Communities proudly announces a $10,000 donation to each of the school districts impacted by the devastating 2022 floods in Eastern Kentucky. The school districts receiving this support include Floyd County, Perry County, Knott County, Letcher County, Leslie County, Breathitt County, and Hazard Independent School District.

Flooding in 2022 left a lasting impact on these communities, displacing families, damaging schools, and creating ongoing challenges for students and educators. This donation from the ARH Foundation for Healthier Communities is part of its continued commitment to helping rebuild and strengthen the region.

“We understand the critical role that schools play in the recovery of a community,” said Angela Bailey, Executive Director of the ARH Foundation for Healthier Communities. “By providing these funds, we hope to ease the burden on these districts as they work tirelessly to support students and ensure they have a safe and effective learning environment.”

Each school district will receive $10,000, which can be used for educational materials, physical education equipment, classroom supplies, infrastructure repairs, mental health services, or any other needs deemed necessary to enhance the well-being of students and faculty.

Delta Dental of Kentucky is also generously donating mouthguards to the school districts. This donation aims to protect students as they participate in sports, helping prevent dental injuries and safeguarding their oral health during athletic activities. By providing these essential mouthguards, Delta Dental of Kentucky is not only promoting safety but also reinforcing its commitment to the well-being of the youth in these flood-impacted communities through their partnering with the ARH Foundation.

“Education is the foundation of any thriving community,” continued Angela Bailey. “We are honored to stand by these schools as they continue their recovery efforts and work to provide brighter futures for the students of Eastern Kentucky.”

The ARH Foundation will be presenting the checks on September 30th from 9:30-10:30 at the Hazard ARH Regional Medical Center.

For more information on the ARH Foundation for Healthier Communities and its work to support local communities, visit www.arh.org/donate.

FLOYD COUNTY, Ky. (WMDJ) – The Floyd County School Board took action during Monday’s regular monthly meeting to bolster the presence of School Resource Officers.

Board members unanimously approved a proposed $20,000 increase to the Floyd County Sheriff’s Office and Prestonsburg City Police Department for pay and retention of SRO services.

As part of the agreement, Floyd County Sheriff John Hunt has agreed to assign four additional full-time, on-site SROs to cover schools without dedicated officers. New deputies will be on site within the next 14 days, according to Sheriff Hunt.

A proposal to create a School District Police Department was tabled in favor of the immediate option to have officers in buildings now provided by an extension of the current agreement, however the creation of a School District Police Department in the future is not off the table completely.

Board members and Interim Superintendent Larry Hammond announced they will set a date for a board work session to discuss the option soon.

FLOYD COUNTY, Ky. (WMDJ) – For the second time in as many days, another Betsy Layne Elementary School student has been charged for making threats towards another student.

The Floyd County Sheriff’s Office took another student into custody on Tuesday, who’s been charged with Second Degree Terroristic Threatening following an investigation.

The student was not on school grounds at the time of the incident.

No firearm was discovered on school property and no students or staff were in any type of danger at any time.

BETSY LAYNE, Ky. (WMDJ) – Floyd County Schools and the Floyd County Sheriff’s Department are investigating another incident involving a juvenile making threats against other students on school grounds.

Earlier this morning, deputies charged a juvenile at Betsy Layne Elementary with one count of Terroristic Threatening, Second Degree after it was determined that the student made implicit threatening statements to other students.

The juvenile was taken into custody.

At no time was a firearm discovered on school property and no students or staff were in any imminent danger during the incident.

FRANKFORT, Ky. (WMDJ) – The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet has provided an update on the final 13-mile stretch of the Mountain Parkway, known as the Magoffin-Floyd segment.

The segment is currently under development and officials are advancing the project through a method known as design-build, in which designers and builders work hand in hand.

The project is currently funded to advance, but an overall construction timeline and completion date are dependent on additional state or federal funds.

KYTC and its partners are now collecting detailed environmental and geotechnical information from the cross-country corridor in eastern Magoffin County and Floyd County. Residents will likely see field survey, geotechnical and environmental staff in the area. Once those potential impacts are known, individual property owners will be notified.

The final stretch will be a four-lane, undivided, limited access highway that spans from U.S. 460 in Salyersville (Magoffin County) to KY 404 in Prestonsburg (Floyd County).

PRESTONSBURG, Ky. (WMDJ) – The Floyd County Health Department in collaboration with the City of Prestonsburg will conduct a free Car Seat Check Event this Saturday, September 21st from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.

The event will take place at Prestonsburg City Hall.

Certified Child Passenger Technicians will be on hand to help answer questions, check recalls and assist in making sure car seats are installed correctly. No appointment is necessary.

Statistics indicate that four out of five car seats are installed incorrectly.

FRANKFORT, Ky. (WMDJ) – The Kentucky Board of Dentistry has reinstated Dr. Michael McKinney’s dental license.

The board ruled that, “in consideration of the fact that Dr. McKinney has been released on bail by the Court, has pled not guilty to all pending charges and further has been permitted by the Court to return to work with the provision that he is home each day by 5 p.m.,” the suspension is lifted.

Should Dr. McKinney face further charges and/or indictments, or violates any terms of his release, his license to practice could be temporarily suspended again.

Dr. McKinney faces eight charges related to the murder of Amber Spradlin.

PRESTONSBURG, Ky. (WMDJ) – The prosecution in the murder case of Amber Spradlin has made known the physical evidence that could be introduced at trial.

Prosecutors will be presenting an autopsy and final report from the State Medical Examiner’s office, a copy of the floor plan of the residence of Dr. Michael McKinney, 911 calls, security video and surveillance screenshots along with cell phone data.

The prosecution will also present an assortment of Forensic testing and utilize testimony from different Forensic specialist.

Those listed to be called as witnesses by the state include the FBI, several KSP detectives and a former Prestonsburg City Police Chief.

Spradlin was found dead at the residence of Dr. McKinney at Arkansas Creek on June 18th, 2023.

Dr. McKinney, M.K. McKinney and Josh Mullins each face eight counts of tampering with physical evidence. M.K. McKinney has also been charged with murder.

Dr. McKinney and Mullins have been released to home incarceration on full cash bond. M.K. McKinney remains at the Floyd County Detention Center.

A pretrial date is scheduled for October 24th at 2 p.m. in Floyd Circuit Court.

FLOYD COUNTY, Ky. (WMDJ) – For the second time this week a Floyd County student has been charged for making threatening statements to other students.

Prestonsburg City Police say a juvenile at Prestonsburg Elementary School made, “implicit threatening statements to other students during the school day” on Wednesday.

The juvenile has been charged with Terroristic Threatening, Second Degree.

Floyd County Schools through a press release said that at no time was a firearm discovered on school property and no students or staff were in any imminent danger.

HAROLD, Ky. (WMDJ) – A Floyd County man has been arrested on drug and weapons charges.

Joshua Vajda, 34, of Harold was taken into custody at his home last week while Kentucky State Police were conducting a drug raid.

Troopers discovered approximately one pound of suspected Methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, five firearms and $5,000 in cash.

Vajda was charged with First-Degree Trafficking, possession of a handgun by a convicted felon and other charges. He’s being held in the Floyd County Detention Center.

PRESTONSBURG, Ky. (WMDJ) – Floyd County Schools has addressed another safety threat, resulting in a student being taken into custody at Adams Middle School on Monday. 

According to a press release, Floyd County Schools, in coordination with Prestonsburg City Police, addressed an issue involving a juvenile student who has been charged with Second Degree Terroristic Threatening.

The School Resource Officer at Adams indicated that the juvenile made threatening statements to other students during the school day, with the intent to bring a firearm to school the following day.

The student was taken into custody by Prestonsburg City Police.

At no time was a firearm discovered on school property, and no students or staff were in any imminent danger during the incident.

FLOYD COUNTY, Ky. (WMDJ) – The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet will be closing Frasures Creek Road, KY Route 1929 on Tuesday, September 17th near the entrance to Neds Fork.

The closure will allow a crew to repair a cross-drain.

Work will begin at 9:30 a.m. and is expected to be concluded by 2 p.m. During that time, the road at mile point 2.5 will be closed except for emergency vehicles.

Drivers should seek an alternate route or adjust their schedules. Work is subject to change based on weather conditions.

HARLAN COUNTY, Ky. (WMDJ) – State Senator Johnnie Turner had to be taken to a local hospital on Sunday following an accident involving a riding lawnmower.

Turner reportedly drove his lawnmower into the deep end of an empty pool.

He was transported to Harlan ARH before being airlifted to the University of Tennessee Medical Center Sunday night.

Turner is listed in stable condition.

EASTERN, Ky. (WMDJ) – Officials are investigating a social media threat that was made against Allen Elementary on Thursday.

Floyd County Schools alerted the Floyd County Sheriff’s Department and Prestonsburg City Police, prompting an investigation.

School officials released a statement late Thursday evening saying, “At this time, law enforcement is actively investigating the situation, and no verifiable threats have been confirmed.”

Officials also indicated that there were safety concerns, yet an increased law enforcement presence is at all schools in the county on Friday.

PIKE COUNTY, Ky. (WMDJ) – Kentucky State Police are searching for a Pike County man wanted on multiple charges, including kidnapping.

Amos Jason Bentley, 45, is considered armed and dangerous. His last known location was Elkhorn City.

Bentley is listed at 5’8” with blue eyes and brown hair. He is wanted for kidnapping, assault, menacing and other charges.

If you have any information, you’re urged to contacted Kentucky State Police in Pikeville at (606) 433-7711.

WHEELWRIGHT, Ky. (WMDJ) – Two former high-ranking officials at Southeast State Correctional Complex in Wheelwright reportedly left their jobs earlier this year after claiming pay for hundreds of hours they never worked.

Former warden Charles Craig Hughes was fired by the Kentucky Department of Corrections and deputy warden Danny Dean McGraw resigned after an internal investigation discovered that both men falsified work records.

The Lexington Herald-Leader obtained records through the Open Records Act showing state officials acted on a tip that both Hughes and McGraw usage of state vehicles and daytime locations in 2023 and early 2024 didn’t match self-reported work timesheets during the same periods.

Both men claimed overtime pay when they weren’t completing eight-hour workdays.

FLOYD COUNTY, Ky. (WMDJ) – In the wake of the I-75 shooting incident this past weekend, other multiple shootings in Eastern Kentucky and last week’s school shooting in Georgia, officials locally have had to address numerous copycat threats being made either online or in text messages across schools in the Big Sandy region.

Officials at both Paintsville and Pikeville Independent Schools have had to inform parents that administrators have dealt with separate incidents of either text messages of students making threats or online threats of bringing guns to school over the past two days.

Today, Floyd County Schools reported that officials were aware of a viral screenshot circulating on social media that referenced a potential school threat. School officials say the screenshot has been shared across various counties, including other states.

Also, the Floyd County Sheriff’s Office addressed a potential threat directed towards John M. Stumbo Elementary. Deputies determined that no credible threat was substantiated and no danger to students or staff at any school in Floyd County exist.

KNOTT COUNTY, Ky. (WMDJ) – Kentucky State Police are investigating an officer-involved shooting in Knott County.

The shooting occurred in Littcarr Monday morning, prompting Carr Creek Elementary to go into lockdown around 9 a.m.

Very little details are known at this time, however, according to reports, the shooter died during the incident.

Trooper Matt Gayheart released a statement saying no officers involved were injured and that there was no further threat to the public.

The identity of the shooter has not been released.

HUEYSVILLE, Ky. (WMDJ) – A Floyd County man has died in an ATV accident.

Bryan Sparkman, 53, of Hueysville, was operating a side-by-side ATV on Community Church Road around 1 a.m. Thursday when the accident occurred.

A second occupant, Ronnie Vince Bradley, was injured and transported to a local hospital.

The Floyd County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the cause of the accident.

FLOYD COUNTY, Ky. (WMDJ) – The Floyd County Community Center is getting a much-needed face lift.

Judge Executive Robbie Williams and members of the Floyd Fiscal Court provided an update on the refurbishment of the 50-year-old building, saying a new metal roof has been completed and more work continues.

Williams says the entire exterior of the building will be replaced. Also, flooring for the gym is planned along with upgrades to restrooms and offices.

Once the project is complete, Williams said the hope is for county to be able to have more after-school programs for area youth.

Total restoration of the building is set to be completed in a couple of months.

PRESTONSBURG, Ky. (WMDJ) – The Battle of Middle Creek Re-enactment returns this weekend in Prestonsburg.

Fought on January 10th, 1862, the Battle of Middle Creek served as a turning point locally for Union soldiers, reinforcing their hold on the Big Sandy region.

Since 2005, the group Friends of Middle Creek have worked tirelessly to revitalize the Civil War battlefield and turn it into an annual gathering for history enthusiasts, reenactors, and the local community.

Educational events will take place on Friday starting at 9 a.m.

Camp will open at 10 a.m. Saturday with a re-enactment of the Battle of Ivy Mountain scheduled for 2 p.m. followed by a night skirmish at dark and a ghost walk.

Church services will be held Sunday at 11 a.m. and the Battle of Middle Creek re-enactment will take place at 2 p.m.

PRESTONSBURG, Ky. (WMDJ) – Authorities are investigating a stabbing that occurred Friday afternoon in Prestonsburg. 

The incident took place at Skeans Marathon on U.S. 23 around 4:30 p.m. Prestonsburg City Police say a man was treated for a stab wound to the neck and was later airlifted to a hospital. 

Police identified 36-year-old Wesley Gatlin, of Louisville, in connection with the stabbing.

Gatlin was later found Friday evening after authorities were called to Alpike Motel at Ivel over an altercation. 

Gatlin faces one charge of first-degree assault and is currently being held in the Floyd County Detention Center.