FLOYD COUNTY, Ky. (WMDJ) – A scheduled hearing in the Amber Spradlin murder trial has been posted until March.

Special Judge Eddy Coleman has delayed a hearing originally scheduled for February 27th to March 13th.

No reason was given for the postponement.

Michael “M.K.” McKinney has been charged with murder. He along with his father Dr. Michael McKinney and Josh Mullins have also been charged with eight counts of complicity to tampering with physical evidence.

MARTIN, Ky. (WMDJ) – Funding given to the Martin Volunteer Fire Department has been returned to the Floyd County Fiscal Court.

A grant of $10,000 was given to the city fire department on December 18th to help with operational cost. After fueling fire trucks and purchasing two pieces of equipment for the station, the difference of $9,230.53 was returned Thursday evening.

Floyd County Judge Executive Robbie Williams says the funding, if or when returned, will not be given to Martin City government, but to the Martin Volunteer Fire Department only to be used for support and maintenance of the department.

Sixteen of the department’s seventeen firefighters have resigned from the department citing a lack of confidence in Martin City government’s ability to financially run the department.  

PIKEVILLE, Ky. (WMDJ) – Kentucky State Police have arrested a man charged with kidnapping and assault in connection with a child abuse case in Pike County.

Jerome Norman, 43, of Raccoon, was found by troopers at the intersection of U.S. 23 and U.S. 119 at Buckley’s Creek Thursday evening after KSP released a notice asking for the public’s help in locating Norman.  

Norman is the live-in boyfriend of Mary Hall, 42, of Raccoon, who was arrested on Wednesday after a child in her care, “showed signs of torture.”

The child was hospitalized this week, unable to keep solid food down and showed signs of torture.

Hall was arraigned yesterday on charges of child abuse, kidnapping and assault. Norman’s arraignment was this morning. Both are currently being held in the Pike County Detention Center.

MARTIN, Ky. (WMDJ) – Martin Mayor Sam Howell has requested that $10,000 appropriated from the Floyd County Fiscal Court be deposited in a designated bank account controlled by the city, while members of the volunteer fire department have resigned, claiming firefighters have lost confidence in Mayor Howell’s ability to financially run the department properly.

Assistant Fire Chief Brandon Salisbury claims department members have constant issues with the city when asking for funding to keep fuel in fire truck tanks and help with operational cost.

Salisbury says he asked for funding to fuel trucks on December 13th, yet was told money wouldn’t be available to fill trucks until February 10th.

Salisbury said these issues are nothing new.

He says that back in October of 2024, a request for fuel was denied by the city and two of the city’s three fire trucks were not operational. One fire truck also lost a fuel pump and wasn’t fixed until December.

On December 18th, 2024, Floyd County Judge Executive Robbie Williams and the Fiscal Court unanimously passed a resolution to give each of the sixteen fire departments in Floyd County a $10,000 grant for insurance and operational cost, prompting Salisbury to inform Howell that the department was funded for several months.

Salisbury claims Howell has since demanded the money be turned over to the city and not be in a separate bank account, established by the Martin Volunteer Fire Department in 2022, that Howell does not have access to.

In a statement released through the law firm of Osborne & Webb, the city of Martin claims the funds were not given to the city in proper procedure and Mayor Howell has requested those funds be, “immediately produced to be designated in an account for the department.”  The statement also says, “Should the funds not be produced as requested, the City of Martin will refer the matter to either the Floyd County Attorney and/or the Floyd Commonwealth Attorney for action as they deem necessary.”

Fire Chief Jay Samons and Assistant Chief Salisbury have been told to turn over their keys to the fire department and that they are not allowed on city property. Meanwhile, Captain Kevin Shepherd, Lieutenant Charlie Baker, Exec. Assistant Margaret Hancock and Firefighters Nikki Owens, Deven Hutchinson, Craig Caldwell, Kevin Cox, Taylor Damron, Keith Frasure, Alex Reid, Michael Ratliff, Patrick Lanham, Bobby Prater, Eddie Taylor and Steven Taylor have all resigned.

This leaves the department with only one member remaining on staff.

Salisbury says that after receiving funds from the Fiscal Court, $270.01 was spent on fueling trucks, while $499.46 was spent on equipment for the station. He is returning the remaining $9,230.53 to the Fiscal Court.

Salisbury says the money was never missing and that the grant funding was deposited in the Martin Volunteer Fire Department business account because of the constant issues the department faces from the lack of funding and resources from city officials.

PIKEVILLE, Ky. (WMDJ) – Kentucky State Police is asking for the public’s assistance in finding a Pike County man wanted on multiple charges, including kidnapping, abuse and assault.

Authorities are searching for Jerome Norman, 43 years old of Raccoon. Norman has an active arrest warrant for Kidnapping (with serious Physical Injury), Criminal Abuse 1st Degree (Child 12 or Under), Assault 1st Degree, and Fleeing or Evading Police 2nd Degree.

If anyone has any information on his whereabouts, please contact Kentucky State Police Pikeville at 606-433-7711.

PIKEVILLE, Ky. (WMDJ) – One person has died in a house fire in Pike County.

911 received a call at 10:10 p.m. Wedneday of a structure fire on Caney Drive in Pikeville.

Fire personnel discovered a body inside the residence. The body has been sent to the State Medical Examiner’s Office for an autopsy and identification.

The cause of the fire and death is under investigation by Kentucky State Police. No foul play is suspected.

MARTIN, Ky. (WMDJ) – The city of Martin currently is without fire protection and is not answering or responding to calls from residents.

Sources say there is no money in the Martin Fire Department account and that fire truck tanks are empty of fuel with no funds to fill them.

Officials with the Floyd County Fiscal Court told WMDJ that $10,000 was given to city of Martin officials to operate and support the fire department just three weeks ago. A spokesperson with the city of Allen Fire Department said a meeting was held Wednesday with other area fire departments to discuss ways to provide services to the Martin area, since the Martin Fire Department is not responding to calls.

When contacted, Martin city officials said, “they know nothing”, while calls to city fire department, police and city hall go unanswered.

MARTIN, Ky. (WMDJ) – A Floyd County man died Tuesday in a single vehicle accident.

The accident happened around 11:35 a.m. on KY Route 80 in the Warco straight stretch between Martin and Maytown.

David L. Spencer, 68, of Martin, was traveling westbound when he lost control of his vehicle and went over an embankment.

Spencer was later pronounced deceased at ARH Our Lady of the Way in Martin.

The cause of the accident is under investigation.

VIRGIE, Ky. (WMDJ) – One person has died following a two-vehicle collision in Pike County.

The accident happened Monday at approximately 6:05 p.m. on Penny Road in Virgie.

Susan Belcher was operating a 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee when her vehicle crossed the center line and struck a 2017 Kia Sorento being operated by Mina Pinson.

Pinson was pronounced deceased at scene by the Pike County Coroner’s Office. 

PRESTONSBURG, Ky. (WMDJ) – Residents of Arnold Avenue attended Monday’s Prestonsburg City Council meeting expressing concerns over a halfway house that’s been established in a residential area.

Speakers brought up concerns of drugs being dealt out of the home and occupants violating curfew rules.

Mayor Rick Hughes also noted an increase in patrols by city police around the home, which is the former Doug Adams Law Office at 158 North Arnold Avenue.

The operator of the halfway house, Benjie Ferguson, said he is working on becoming a certified sober living house and will continue to house occupants who are going through the Floyd County Drug Court and in recovery.

When asked, Ferguson indicated curfew is 10 p.m. weekday nights and 11 p.m. on weekends, which prompted a crowd response that the curfew is being violated every night and at all hours of the night.

Ferguson says he is in the process of getting camera surveillance of the property to help enforce the curfew. Occupants abide by a three-strike penalty system to stay in the home which is set by Floyd County Drug Court.

There are currently six occupants in the home, which has staff on site between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.  City officials indicated that ownership of business did receive a business license and that the home is not violating any residential zoning codes.

Mayor Hughes said he would schedule a meeting with District Judge Jimmy Marcum about rules and whether occupants must live within walking distance of drug court.

McDOWELL, Ky. (WMDJ) — Two men have been arrested for stealing stolen mining equipment in Floyd County.  

Malen Mitchell, 50, of Beaver led Kentucky State Police troopers on a chase after troopers attempted to pull Mitchell’s vehicle for driving on a suspended license.

Mitchell’s truck became stuck on an icy portion of road on Spewing Camp Branch.

Mitchell, along with Jason Stumbo, 47, of Hi Hat, who was a passenger in the truck, were both taken into custody after troopers discovered a variety of mining equipment, which had been reported stolen.

McDOWELL, Ky. (WMDJ) – Officials from McDowell ARH Hospital gathered Thursday to celebrate the facility’s certification as an Acute Stroke Ready Center.

The certification, bestowed by hospital accrediting agency DNV based on standards set forth by the Brain Attack Coalition and the American Stroke Association, signifies a hospital is equipped with a dedicated stroke-focused program.

“This stroke certification has been a team effort involving many years of data, hours of training and meetings,” said McDowell ARH Emergency Room and Stroke Medical Director Dr. Karen Gooslin. “We strive daily to bring the best care to our community and to push ourselves to provide the best care for the people in our community.”

According to the American Stroke Association, stroke is the No. 2 cause of death worldwide and is a leading cause of disability. Because stroke or “brain attacks” affect blood flow to the brain, rapid and effective treatment can save lives and offer the best chance of limiting the extent of long-term damage.

McDowell ARH CEO Danita Hampton said the certification will allow the hospital to provide the best possible care to patients at a time when every second counts.

“This certification is more than a piece of paper,” she said. “It shows that our staff has the knowledge and training to provide lifesaving care to our patients, right here close to home.

“I’m so very proud of the hard work and dedication of our staff here at McDowell ARH.”

IVEL, Ky. (WMDJ) – Two people have been arrested for selling drugs at a Floyd County motel.

Floyd County Sheriff’s deputies arrested Raymond Conn, 35, and Jennifer Bays, 46, both from Prestonsburg, following numerous tips that pair had been selling drugs at the Alpike Motel.

Deputies discovered a variety of drugs inside the motel room. An 11-year old child was in a separate room which had 20 uncapped, used syringes scattered within reach of the child.

Conn and Bays are facing various drug charges and are being held in the Floyd County Detention Center.

HUDDY, KY. (WMDJ) – A Pike County man is facing assault charges.

Carson Jones, 45, of Stone, was taken into custody after Kentucky State Police responded to a 911 call regarding a shooting at Forest Trace Apartments in the Huddy area on Thursday.

Troopers indicated Jones discharged a firearm, striking Chad Hurley with a non-life-threatening injury.

Jones has been charged with first-degree Assault, Possession of a Defaced Firearm and drug trafficking charges of Fentanyl and Methamphetamine. He’s currently being held in the Pike County Detention Center.

PIKE COUNTY, Ky. (WMDJ) – A giant in coaching and mentor to countless youth in eastern Kentucky has passed away.

Legendary Belfry High School football coach Philip Haywood has passed away following injuries sustained in an auto accident on Saturday, January 18th.

Haywood’s vehicle hit a patch of black ice, running off the roadway and striking a tree in Pike County early Saturday morning.

Haywood was Kentucky's all-time winningest high school football coach with a record of 491-162 in 50 seasons. Haywood’s Belfry teams captured eight state championships and six runner-up finishes.

Haywood began his head coaching career at Prestonsburg High School in 1975, where he won 72 games over nine seasons.

Funeral arrangements will be announced.

PRESTONSBURG, Ky. (WMDJ) – A Floyd County judge has been named to the Kentucky Judicial Commission on Mental Health.

31^st Judicial Division 2 Judge Tyler Green has been appointed by Chief Justice Lambert as a member of the commission to better improve the lives of those dealing with mental health issues in the justice system.

According to the Administrative Office of the Courts website, “The KJCMH is charged with exploring, recommending, and implementing transformational changes to improve system wide responses to justice-involved individuals experiencing mental health needs?, substance use, and/or intellectual and developmental disabilities.

The commission will take into consideration the vision, values, and goals of a multiyear assessment to enhance the practice, quality, and timeliness of the judicial response to cases involving these needs.?

“Through the work of the KJCMH, along with the General Assembly and Governor, ten new sites were funded across Kentucky in 2024 for mental health courts,” according to Green.  

“Floyd County is lucky enough to be one of the ten sites selected, and I am honored to preside over mental health court for Floyd County. Thank you to Chief Justice Lambert for the appointment. I look forward to continuing our work to better the lives of our fellow Floyd Countians and Kentuckians.”

MINNIE, Ky. (WMDJ) – A three vehicle accident last Friday claimed the life of a Floyd County man.

According to Kentucky State Police, Terry Samons, 76, of Martin, was driving a 2002 Toyota Tacoma attempting to merge onto KY Route 680 from KY Route 1101 near the Minnie bridge when his vehicle was struck by a 2020 Ford Escape operated by Elsie Watts.

Samons’ vehicle then collided with a 2023 Toyota Highlander driven by Elizabeth Isaac.

Samons was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Floyd County Coroner’s Office.

The accident happened around 2:24 p.m. on January 17th.

FLOYD COUNTY, Ky. (WMDJ) – Members of the Floyd County Board of Education have selected a new superintendent.

Tonya Williams was named new superintendent in a 4-1 vote on Monday.

Dr. Chandra Varia voted against the measure. Board Chairman William "Junior" Newsome, Linda Gearheart, Steve Slone and Keith Smallwood voted in favor of selecting Williams.

Williams has 28-years of experience working in the Floyd County school system and retired in 2019 as Chief Academic Officer.

In a statement, Williams said, “I am confident my experience, leadership and dedication will propel the district to even greater levels of success.”

Williams will receive a 2-1/2 year contract, which begins on Jan. 31st through June 30th, 2027, with a 1-year option for extension.

PRESTONSBURG, Ky. (WMDJ) - Attorney General Russell Coleman has filed a brief with the Kentucky Court of Appeals, siding with the judge who denied a bond reduction for the Floyd County man accused of killing Amber Spradlin.

Attorneys for Michael “M.K.” McKinney appealed Judge Eddie Coleman’s ruling to overrule a motion for bond reduction to Court of Appeals.

His bond is currently set at $5 million.

Russell Coleman said that the trial court’s decision was not an abuse of discretion.

FLOYD COUNTY, Ky. (WMDJ) – Members of the Floyd County Board of Education are formally interviewing candidates to become next school superintendent.

Four candidates were scheduled to be interviewed today during a special-called Board of Education meeting.

The board has announced the naming of a new superintendent during another special-called meeting on Monday at 9 a.m.

WHEELWRIGHT, Ky. (WMDJ) – Officials in the city of Wheelwright are preparing for the next winter storm.

This week, city commissioners approved the purchase of snow removal equipment, which will enhance snow removal efforts.

Commissioners also announced the hiring of Danny Martin as the new chief of police. The move was necessary to accommodate former chief Keith Justice, who will remain on the police force, but is also serving as a School Resource Officer at South Floyd Elementary.

HINDMAN, Ky. (WMDJ) – Over $12,000 worth of electronics, power equipment and tools have been reported stolen from Knott County Central High School.

Kentucky State Police believe the theft took place between Jan. 1-5.  

An assortment of hand tools, power tools, garden tools and electronics were stolen from the agriculture department classroom and shop area.

If anyone has information concerning this incident, you’re encouraged to contact KSP in Hazard at (606) 435-6069 or the Knott County Board of Education at (606) 785-3153.

PIKE COUNTY, Ky. (WMDJ) – A third suspect has been arrested in connection with a Pike County murder.

25-year-old Michael Shortridge was taken into custody on Wednesday. 

Shortridge, along with Michael Brown and Anthony Browning have all been charged in the murder of 42-year-old Christopher Lester of Steele, who body was found in a home in the Feds Creek area last weekend.

All are lodged in the Pike County Detention Center.

PIKEVILLE, Ky. (WMDJ) – Get ready for biggest outdoor and recreation show in eastern Kentucky as The Big Boy Toy Show will get underway next month.

The event will begin Friday, February 7^th through Sunday, February 9^th at Appalachian Wireless Arena.

Vendors from across the region will feature everything for outdoor adventure, including RV’s, ATVs, side-by-sides, boats and pontoons, hunting and fishing gear.

For more information on the event or to become a vendor, log on to bigboytoyshow.com

FLOYD COUNTY, Ky. (WMDJ) – The final construction phase of the Mountain Parkway expansion project is set to begin by the end of this year.

Representatives with the KY Transportation Cabinet indicate that crews are on schedule to begin the last leg of the parkway by the fall of 2025 in Magoffin County, with construction starting at the intersection of U.S. 460 and KY Route 114 in Salyersville.

The Floyd County section to Prestonsburg will see construction begin in the fall of 2026.

STEELE, Ky. (WMDJ) – Two people are in custody following the death of a Pike County man on Saturday.

Kentucky State Police responded to a call regarding a shooting at a home on Laurel Fork in the Feds Creek area. Troopers discovered 42-year-old Christopher Lester, of Steele, dead from fatal gunshot wounds at the scene.

Lester’s body was sent to the State Medical Examiner’s Office for an autopsy. 

Michael Brown was arrested by Buchanan County Sheriff’s deputies in Virginia on Sunday, while Anthony Browning was taken into custody after being discovered in Mingo County, W.Va.

Both are facing charges of Murder and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.

EASTERN, Ky. (WMDJ) – The Floyd County Board of Education will formally interview three candidates to become the next school superintendent later this week.

A special called meeting of the Board of Education was scheduled for Tuesday, yet the meeting has been rescheduled due to conflicts.

A superintendent screening committee formally interviewed five candidates earlier this month, with the choices for the next superintendent narrowed down to three final candidates.

FLOYD COUNTY, Ky. (WMDJ) – Anyone needing assistance with heating bills can now apply for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program through March 15th.

Applications are approved on a first-come, first-served bases with income eligibility capped at 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.

Residents in Floyd County can apply at the Big Sandy Area Community Action Program office at 60 Court Street in Allen.

You’ll need to provide Social Security numbers for all members of your household, proof of all household income from the prior month, a current electric bill or documentation such as a lease agreement or utility statement if heating costs are included in rent and account numbers and names associated with primary heating fuel sources.

*** UPDATE: FRIDAY, JAN. 10TH - 9:15 A.M.

FLOYD COUNTY, Ky. (WMDJ) - Heavy snowfall is now expected to begin Friday morning and last into the weekend for most of southern and eastern Kentucky. 

A Winter Storm Warning is in effect for eastern Kentucky with projected snowfall totals of 3-to-5 inches by Saturday afternoon. The Winter Storm Warning begins at 10 a.m. Friday and last until 1 p.m. Saturday.

Scattered flurries will persist into Saturday evening with sunny skies expected on Sunday and temperatures pushing 40 degrees, which will help thaw any snow and ice. 

Unlike last weekend's storm, this blast of winter weather will only contain snow, without ice or sleet, which caused thousands to lose power for several days earlier this week. 

FRANKFORT, Ky. (WMDJ) – Gov. Andy Beshear delivered his annual State of the Commonwealth Address Wednesday evening, saying was proud to report “the State of the Commonwealth is strong … and it’s growing stronger.”

The Governor highlighted record-breaking economic and job growth in 2024. Gov. Beshear has now announced over $35 billion in private sector investment, which marks the largest investment amount under any Kentucky governor. He has also announced over 59,800 new, good, full-time jobs and that Kentucky broke its all-time exports record and celebrated the two best years for tourism.

Also, during Wednesday’s speech, the Governor continued to push for pay raises for educators and universal pre-K for all Kentucky 4-year-olds, as well as a statewide talent attraction program.

ANNOUNCEMENTS, CANCELLATIONS & DELAYS
THURSDAY, JANUARY 9TH

All Post Offices will be closed on Thursday, January 9th in observance of the National Day of Mourning for President Jimmy Carter.

SCHOOL CLOSINGS FOR THURSDAY

Floyd County – Closed (rest of the week). NTI Days.

Johnson County – Closed (rest of the week). NTI Days.

Knott County – Closed (rest of the week). NTI Days.

Magoffin County – Closed (rest of the week). NTI Days.

Martin County – Closed. NTI Day.

Pike County – Closed. (rest of the week). NTI Days.

BSCTC & Morehead extended campus in Prestonsburg will operate virtually on Thursday, January 9th.

H.S. BASKETBALL

There will be NO 15th Region All “A” Classic semifinal games scheduled for Thursday and Friday this week. Officials will release a revised schedule later this week on when the boys’ and girls’ tournaments will be completed at Appalachian Wireless Arena.

The 2A Basketball Tournament games have been postponed until Thursday, January 9th due to weather and road conditions.

Thursday's schedule at Old Allen Central H.S. Gym:

Perry Central vs. Magoffin County girls - 6 p.m.

Pike Co. Central vs. Magoffin County boys - 7:30 p.m.

Thursday's schedule at Floyd Central H.S. Gym: (games on WMDJ)

Johnson Central vs. Floyd Central girls - 6 p.m.

Johnson Central vs. Floyd Central boys - 7:30 p.m.

FEDS CREEK, Ky. (WMDJ) – Kentucky State Police are searching for a wanted Pike County man.

Andrew Price, 20, is wanted for fleeing or eluding law enforcement in a motor vehicle. Price is a repeat offender in his ability to evade authorities.

Troopers said his last whereabouts were in Feds Creek, but Price could be in Indiana now.

If you have any information on this case, please contact Kentucky State Police in Pikeville at (606) 433-7711.

ANNOUNCEMENTS, CANCELLATIONS & DELAYS: 
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 8th  

The Floyd County Justice Center WILL OPEN at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, January 8th. 

Floyd District Court, Division II (Judge Green) arraignments will proceed as scheduled at 9:30 a.m. If a defendant is absent, the Court will assume said absence is weather related and not issue a bench warrant or failure to appear.

Floyd District Court, Division I (Judge Marcum) preliminary hearings will proceed as scheduled at 1:30 p.m. 

Floyd County Chamber of Commerce luncheon on Wednesday has been rescheduled for January 15th at 12 noon at Jenny Wiley State Park.

Waste Connections will be collecting Tuesday's normal trash pickup on Wednesday, January 8th, main roads only. Secondary routes will likely not be collected this week due to icy conditions.

NO SCHOOL IN THE FOLLOWING COUNTIES:
Floyd County – Closed. NTI Day.
Johnson County – Closed. Traditional Snow Day.
Knott County – Closed (rest of the week). NTI Days.
Magoffin County – Closed. Traditional Snow Day.
Martin County – Closed. NTI Day.
Pike County – Closed. NTI Day.

BSCTC & Morehead Extended Campus will be operating virtually on Wednesday, January 8th. 

If you are need of a warming station in Prestonsburg, call (606) 886-1010 and dispatchers will put you in contact with the appropriate parties. These are temporary warming stations only. A warming station is available at the Floyd County Community Center in Martin.

H.S. BASKETBALL
The 2A Tournament will begin on Wednesday, Jan. 8th with games to be played at both Floyd Central High School and old Allen Central Gymnasium.

Perry Central vs. Magoffin County girls at 6 p.m. followed by Pike Co. Central vs. Magoffin County boys at 7:30 p.m. at Old Allen Central High School Gym.

Johnson Central vs. Floyd Central girls at 6 p.m. followed by Johnson Central vs. Floyd Central boys at 7:30 p.m. at Floyd Central High School Gym. Games can be heard/seen on WMDJ.

The 15th Region All "A" Classic will resume on Wednesday, Jan. 8th with girls semifinal play between Betsy Layne vs. Paintsville at 6 p.m. followed by Pikeville vs. Martin County at 7:30 p.m. Boys semifinals are rescheduled for Thursday, January 9th with Shelby Valley vs. Paintsville at 6 p.m. followed by Prestonsburg vs. Martin Co. at 7:30 p.m.

PRESTONSBURG, Ky. (WMDJ)  - Highlands ARH has announced the arrival of the first baby of the year!

On January 1, 2025, a beautiful baby boy named Holden Kade Newsome was welcomed into the world, weighing 6 pounds, 14.5 ounces, and measured 19.5 inches long.

Holden's parents are Lyndsee Hall and Leland Newsome of Langley. 

“This is a wonderful way to kick off the new year,” says Director of Obstetrical Services Michelle Hall. “We are grateful and truly honored to have been part of this special milestone and wish the family a lifetime of health and happiness.”

Holden’s arrival marks the beginning of what is sure to be another year of joyful beginnings at Highlands ARH. In 2024, Highlands proudly welcomed 497 newborns. 

JOHNSON COUNTY, Ky. (WMDJ) – Utility crews continue to restore power across eastern Kentucky on Tuesday in the wake of Sunday’s winter ice storm.

There are still 3,908 residents in Johnson County still without power, with the majority of those outages from Big Sandy RECC.

Lawrence County currently has 1,468 outages while Martin County currently has 1,452 outages. Magoffin County stands with 768 outages.

Power has been restored to most of Floyd County with only 473 residents still without service.

There are currently 298 KY Power customers in Pike County without power.

WASHINGTON – All U.S. Postal Service offices will be closed on Thursday, January 9^th to honor former president Jimmy Carter.

The closure is part of an observance following the passing of the 39^th president, who died on December 29^th, 2024, at the age of 100.

The decision came after President Joe Biden announced a National Day of Mourning and a one-day closure of federal agencies and departments. January 9^th will serve as a day of reflection on Carter’s contributions to public service, peace and humanitarian efforts.

COAL RUN VILLAGE, Ky. (WMDJ) – Businesses in the Weddington Plaza at Coal Run Village are dealing with thousands of dollars in damages following a roof collapse after Sunday’s winter ice storm.

Businesses on the strip next to the new Planet Fitness all suffered water damage.

Joe Clevinger, owner of the UPS Store, told WMDJ that the damage is excessive after ice and snow on the 50-year old plaza roof caused the massive collapse.

Other businesses affected include the Catos, Head to Toes Nail Salon, Men’s Corner, New Day Nutrition and the Pallett Bin.

CANCELLATIONS & DELAYS: TUESDAY, JANUARY 7th  

The Floyd County Justice Center will be closed.

Floyd District Court, Division II (Judge Green) adult criminal case parties will receive notice in the mail of a new court date. All Division II juvenile criminal cases will be continued until Tuesday, February 4th at 1:30 p.m.

Floyd District Court, Division I (Judge Marcum) cases set for Tuesday will be heard on Thursday, January 9th at 10 a.m. 

NO SCHOOL:

Floyd County – Closed. Traditional Snow Day.
Johnson County – Closed. Traditional Snow Day.
Knott County – Closed. Traditional Snow Day.

Magoffin County - Closed. Traditional Snow Day.
Martin County – Closed. Traditional Snow Day.

Paintsville Independent Schools - Closed. Traditional Snow Day.
Pike County – Closed. Traditional Snow Day.
Piarist School – Closed. Traditional Snow Day.

All BSCTC Campuses and Morehead Extended Campus Prestonsburg Location will be closed Tuesday, January 7th.

TEK Center in Inez – Closed Tuesday.

SBDM Meeting at John M. Stumbo Elementary - Cancelled.

BUSINESS & SERVICES:

Waste Connections will be collecting Monday's normal trash pick up on Tuesday, main roads only. Trash pickup will be a day behind schedule this week.

The Floyd County Community Center in Martin is open as a warming station.

Southern Water has been issued a boil water advisory for customers beginning at the Hi Hat post office to Tackett Fork until further notice.

Fishes & Loaves Food Pantry in Prestonsburg - Closed Tuesday.

H.S. BASKETBALL:

The 2A Tournament has been postponed until Wednesday, Jan. 8^th with games to be played at both Floyd Central High School and old Allen Central Gymnasium.

• Perry Central vs. Magoffin County girls at 6 p.m. followed by Pike Co. Central vs. Magoffin County boys at 7:30 p.m. at Old Allen Central High School Gym.
• Johnson Central vs. Floyd Central girls at 6 p.m. followed by Johnson Central vs. Floyd Central boys at 7:30 p.m. at Floyd Central High School Gym. Games can be heard/seen on WMDJ.

The 15th Region All "A" Classic will resume on Wednesday, Jan. 8th with girls semifinal play between Betsy Layne vs. Paintsville at 6 p.m. followed by Pikeville vs. Martin County at 7:30 p.m. Boys semifinals are rescheduled for Thursday, January 9th with Shelby Valley vs. Paintsville at 6 p.m. followed by Prestonsburg vs. Martin Co. at 7:30 p.m.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

*** CANCELLED *** The Floyd County Board of Education will have a Special Called Meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 7th at 5:30 p.m. in the media center at Central Office. Also, the Floyd County Superintendent Screening Committee will also be meeting at this time.

FLOYD COUNTY, Ky. (WMDJ) – A Winter Storm Warning is now in effect through Tuesday morning, bringing a heavy dose of mixed precipitation to eastern Kentucky.

Forecasters have increased the total snow accumulation predictions to between 3 and 5 inches and ice accumulations between one tenth and one half of an inch.

Power outages and tree damage are likely due to the ice. Travel could be nearly impossible. The hazardous conditions could impact the Monday morning and evening commutes.

Snow will develop this morning, and then mix with or change to freezing rain in the afternoon and evening. A period of plain rain is also expected for many locations tonight. The remaining precipitation will then change back to snow on Monday. The heaviest precipitation is expected this afternoon into tonight. Although total snowfall amounts of 3 to 5 inches are forecast, the largest amount on the ground at any given time may be less due to freezing rain and rain occurring in the middle of the winter storm, atop the initial snowfall.

FLOYD COUNTY, Ky. (WMDJ) –The Kentucky State Police Pikeville Post troopers have located a missing Floyd County man.

A Golden Alert was issued Saturday afternoon for Phil Colley, 65, of McDowell. He was found deceased near a utility access road near Ned's Fork.

Colley was pronounced deceased by the Floyd County Coroner's Office. The cause of death is under investigation; however, foul play is not suspected.

An autopsy will be performed at the Medical Examiner’s Office in Frankfort.

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Jan. 4, 2025) – Gov. Andy Beshear has declared a state of emergency ahead of a severe winter storm system set to affect much of the commonwealth. The storm is expected to begin Sunday, Jan. 5, and bring snow, freezing rain, ice and arctic temperatures.

The storm could cause widespread power outages, and freezing temperatures will persist throughout the week, making roads treacherous.

The Governor is taking action by activating units of the Kentucky National Guard to stand ready to respond. State transportation workers are also preparing to act, and local emergency management officials are working to open needed warming centers. The Governor also activated the state’s emergency operations center and implemented the state’s price gouging laws to protect Kentuckians from overpriced goods and services as they clean up and recover from the storm. Consumers should report price gouging to the Office of the Attorney General.

“This winter storm will likely cause significant disruption and dangerous conditions on our roads and could cause significant power outages – just 24 hours before it gets dangerously cold,” Gov. Beshear said. “We care about every Kentucky family and those traveling through our great state, and we want to make sure everyone has the information and resources needed to stay safe.”

The Governor’s executive order directs the Kentucky Division of Emergency Management to coordinate the state’s response across agencies and private relief organizations.

“The state emergency operations center will be activated tonight at midnight and will stay open for the duration of this event,” Kentucky Emergency Management Director Eric Gibson said. “During that time, we’ll have state agencies from across the commonwealth and the representatives there to coordinate their response.”

Director Gibson also urged Kentuckians to be careful if using a generator. Many households run generators during a power outage, and homeowners should take extra precautions to avoid injury. Gasoline- or diesel fuel-powered generators can produce potentially deadly levels of carbon monoxide and should be operated only in well-ventilated, covered, unheated areas – never inside.

Team Kentucky state highway crews have been monitoring weather conditions, prepping equipment to clear snow and debris, and began some pretreating activities as early as Thursday in parts of the state where conditions allowed. Kentuckians are urged to avoid nonessential travel and to plan extra time for their Monday morning commute if they must travel.

MARTIN COUNTY, Ky. (WMDJ) – Authorities have concluded their search of a missing Johnson County man thought to have jumped into the Tug River.

The Martin County Sheriff’s Chief Deputy Chris Kidd released a statement Thursday afternoon saying authorities have exhausted all search efforts, including using sonar devices and cadaver dogs in the search of David Blevins of Staffordsville.

Blevins was reported missing on December 19^th. He had contact with police during a traffic stop on Dec. 13^th in the Warfield area.

Officials said the search area for Blevins started at the Warfield boat dock and extended to the Ohio River. Officials from Scioto, Ohio, Ashland Police and the Lawrence County Sheriff’s office have all assisted in the search.

The statement was first reported by the Martin County Mountain Citizen.