FLOYD COUNTY, Ky. (WMDJ) - Floyd County Judge Executive Robbie Williams met with the Director of FEMA in Pikeville this afternoon and received word from the Trump administration that Floyd County will receive individual assistance from FEMA.

Over 400 homes suffered flood damage with water either inside or underneath their homes in Floyd County.

Floyd County has already been declared eligible for public assistance from FEMA for businesses and public infrastructure needs.

On Monday, 10 other eastern Kentucky counties were declared eligible simply because they were ahead on filing paperwork and data collection to FEMA.

Williams told WMDJ that FEMA expects to add additional counties to the individual assistance in the coming days.

FEMA will have boots on the ground in Floyd County later this week, possibly as soon as tomorrow.

J.E. Campbell Arena at old Allen Central High School will also become a staging area for Floyd County with several agencies on-hand to assist with those affected by flooding. More details will be announced on Wednesday.

FLOYD COUNTY, Ky. (WMDJ) – Beginning Monday, Floyd County officials will begin the process of collecting flood debris.

If you have flood debris, it must be placed as close as you can safely place it to a state or county road, in order for workers to collect the debris. County workers cannot go inside any buildings to remove debris.

Also, if you have a way to haul your own debris there is a dump site at the KY RT 80/680 intersection at Eastern beside the Dollar General.

FEMA is expected to be on the ground in Floyd County this week. Local officials spent the past few days collecting data from over 400 individual residences affected by flooding, in hopes of securing individual assistance from FEMA.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (WMDJ) - Governor Andy Beshear has released details of another flood-related death, bringing the statewide death toll to 21.

The latest death was a man in Logan County.

Eastern Kentucky has suffered at least seven deaths, including four fatalities in Pike County, one each in Clay, Floyd and Morgan County.

Gov. Beshear has requested more disaster money for Kentucky, lobbying the Trump administration for individual assistance for flood victims.

COAL RUN VILLAGE, Ky. (WMDJ) – Recovery efforts are underway after severe flooding left approximately 112 structures damaged, some extensively.

The Coal Run Village Fire Department Swift Water Team conducted 82 rescues throughout the area between February 15th and 16th.

Emergency supplies, including drinking water, MREs and cleaning supplies, are being distributed at City Hall, Monday through Friday, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Those unable to visit during these hours can call (606) 437-6032 for assistance. Additional cleaning supplies are expected to arrive soon.

Volunteer groups, including International Disaster Emergency Service (IDES) at Coal Run Church of Christ and Samaritan’s Purse U.S. Disaster Relief at First Baptist Church in Pikeville, are assisting with cleanup efforts.

FEMA officials have completed damage assessments and are expected to be in Pike County this week. Officials are hopeful that FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program (IHP) will be approved, providing financial assistance to those with uninsured losses. A decision is expected by the end of the week or early next week.

Additionally, the Pike County Health Department will host a mobile vaccination clinic at Coal Run City Hall on Monday from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. Those involved in cleanup efforts are encouraged to get Hepatitis A and tetanus vaccinations.

FRANKFORT, Ky. (WMDJ) – The Kentucky House of Representatives has approved House Bill 241, a measure aimed at giving school districts more flexibility in meeting instructional requirements.

The bill would allow the Commissioner of the Kentucky Department of Education to grant districts up to five Disaster Relief Student Attendance Days, functioning like NTI (Non-Traditional Instruction) days. Additionally, it permits up to five calamity days, allowing districts to extend instructional time if they cannot meet the required hours by June 4, 2025.

64 of Kentucky’s 170 public school districts had used their 10 allotted NTI days, while 40 other districts have one NTI day remaining.

The bill was approved by an 82-7 vote.

HB 241 now moves to the Kentucky Senate for further consideration.

PAINTSVILLE, Ky. (WMDJ) – A dispatcher for the Prestonsburg/Floyd County Emergency Communications Center has been arrested and charged with theft in two counties.

Rebecca Fletcher, of Paintsville, was taken into custody on Thursday, following a joint effort by the Paintsville and Prestonsburg Police Departments. The arrest came after Paintsville police responded to a shoplifting complaint at Walmart, where Fletcher was allegedly involved in the theft or attempted theft of over $1,000 worth of merchandise. Further investigation revealed she had also allegedly stolen at least $250 from the Walmart in Prestonsburg.

Fletcher was arrested at her home following arrest warrants issued based on evidence and lodged in the Big Sandy Regional Detention Center.

She has been suspended without pay, and her security clearance has been permanently revoked pending administrative proceedings.

FLOYD COUNTY, Ky. (WMDJ) - Judge Executive Robbie Williams and Prestonsburg Mayor Rick Hughes will have different personnel visiting homes across the county surveying flood damage.

Over 400 addresses that have been reported will be surveyed on Thursday and Friday.

EMS, firefighters and volunteers will visit all locations to collect pictures and data to help make the case for Floyd County to receive individual assistance from FEMA, providing eligible families the funds necessary to help with flood damaged homes.

Each visit is a 5-minute process for assessment for personnel.

To report damage to your home, please call the Floyd County Judge Executive office at (606) 886-9193, Floyd County PVA office at (606) 886-9622 or report damage in-person at the Martin Community Center.

*** FLOYD COUNTY FLOOD RECOVERY ANNOUNCEMENTS ***

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 20TH 12 p.m.

CIVIC AN PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Floyd County Justice Center will be open Friday at 8 a.m.

If you have been affected by flooding, please document your flood damage and contact the Floyd County Fiscal Court at (606) 886-9193. You can also contact the Floyd County PVA office at (606) 886-9622 or come by their location on the first floor of the Floyd County Courthouse. You may also visit the Martin Community Center to report damage. Photo proof is required.

The Transfer Station at Garth is open today for those needing to bring flood debris.

Martin Community Center and Old Mann Toyota Building on South Lake Drive have flood recovery items for free.

ARH HEALTH SERVICES AVAILABLE

ARH will be offering free tetanus and Hepatitis A vaccinations for those who are providing flood clean up. ARH is available today at Old Mann Toyota on South Lake Drive in Prestonsburg. ARH will also be available this Friday February 21st from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Harold ARH Retail Pharmacy from 9-to-5.

FREE MEALS AVAILABLE

Floyd Central High School and Prestonsburg High School are open today as designated warming centers 10 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Meals will be provided to those in need.

Chris Hall with 606 Storm Chasers along with Martin City Police have a free food tent set up at The Market parking lot at the “Y” in Martin. Meals are available for anyone affected by flooding.

Warehouse Church at 1674 Watergap Road in Prestonsburg will have cleaning supplies, food, clothing, hygiene products and hot meals available today from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m.

Garrett First Baptist Church has 100 hot meals and drinks available NOW to those in need on a first-come-first-serve basis. The church plans to be handing out meals on Friday and Saturday as well around 11 a.m.

SATURDAY FLOOD RELIEF EVENT

Floyd County Farm Bureau in Prestonsburg will be hosting a flood and food relief event this Saturday, February 22nd from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Free cleaning supplies and food will be available for volunteers and flood victims. The Floyd County Health Department will have Tetanus shots, Hepatitis A vaccines, car seats for children, birth certificates and marriage licenses. Mountain Comprehensive Care will also be available to help anyone with mental health concerns. Free hamburgers, hot dogs, chips and drinks for anyone who comes by in need.

FLOYD COUNTY, Ky. (WMDJ) - Floyd County Judge Executive Robbie Williams is asking residents that if you have been affected by flooding, please document your flood damage and contact the Floyd County Fiscal Court at (606) 886-9193.

Residents should take pictures of any damage to their property before cleanup efforts begin. If you have experienced water inside your home, under your home, damage to an outside building or a bridge is washed out to your property, please call the Fiscal Court.

You can also visit the Martin Community Center to let officials know of your damage.

It is necessary for officials to know about all property damage in Floyd County, as officials work to receive assistance from FEMA.

President Trump has already declared Floyd County a federal disaster area, which means Floyd County will receive public FEMA assistance. Public assistance covers roads, bridges and public infrastructures. This declaration does not automatically qualify the county for individual assistance. Documentation will be given to FEMA officials when they arrive to do their assessment.

Floyd County received individual FEMA assistance in 2021 and 2022 because of flooding.

LEXINGTON, KY, (WMDJ)  – In response to the devastating flooding that has once again impacted Eastern Kentucky, Appalachian Regional Healthcare (ARH) is mobilizing flood relief efforts, launching a supply and fundraising drive to support families and communities in urgent need.

ARH is accepting donations of essential cleanup and recovery items, including non-perishable food and water, baby care products, personal hygiene supplies, and NEW warm coats, gloves, and hats of all sizes. We are not accepting clothing at this time, and no used items will be accepted.
 

A full list of needed supplies can be found at www.arh.org/floods
 

As was seen during ARH’s July 2022 flood relief efforts for Eastern Kentucky, these items will be collected in designated sites in Lexington, Hazard, and Prestonsburg and transported to ARH relief centers in Hazard and Prestonsburg, where these supplies will be distributed to those impacted by the flooding.  
 

Drop-Off Location & Hours:

• ARH System Center – Lexington

2260 Executive Drive, Lexington, KY

Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
 

   •   ARH Disaster Relief Center (Former JC Penney Building)

        278 Black Gold Blvd, Hazard, KY
       Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
 

   •   Former Highlands ARH Cancer Center building (on the Highlands ARH Regional Medical Center campus)

        5000 KY Route 321, Prestonsburg, KY
        Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Make a Monetary Donation

Financial contributions to the ARH Foundation Relief Fund will help provide shelter, food, medical care, and long-term assistance to those affected by the disaster. Every dollar donated will go directly to flood relief efforts.

Donate Online: Easily donate at the ARH Foundation Donation Site

Flood Relief Distribution Centers

Flood-affected community members can access relief supplies at the following locations:

In Kentucky:

   •   ARH Disaster Relief Center (Former JC Penney Building)

       278 Black Gold Blvd, Hazard, KY

   •   Former Highlands ARH Cancer Center building  (Highlands ARH Regional Medical Center campus)

        5000 KY Route 321, Prestonsburg, KY          

McDOWELL, Ky. (WMDJ) - Southern Water has temporarily shut down the main water line intake at the plant in Allen. Water coming into the intake line is too muddy to clean and will cause further damages. This is a temporary interruption of service.

Outages are being reported all across Floyd County including: Allen, Bevinsville, Drift, Eastern, Grethel, Ligon, McDowell, Melvin, Minnie, Price, Right Beaver, Spewing Camp, Spurlock, Wayland and Weeksbury.

Southern Water has said they’ll be receiving water from Prestonsburg City Utilities to feed the David area for the moment.

Expect long interruptions of service as company officials ask for patience as they work on a variety of issues.

GARRETT, Ky. (WMDJ) – Crews responded to an apartment fire in Floyd County Sunday night.

The Fire happened in an apartment building, next to Maddy’s Pizza, at the junction of KY Route 7 and KY Route 550 at Hueysville.

            Garrett Volunteer Fire Department along with mutual aid from Maytown Volunteer Fire Department were able to assists those living in the apartment and contain the fire.

            No one was hurt in the fire. The cause of the fire is undetermined. The building was a total loss.

FLOYD COUNTY, Ky. (WMDJ) - Betsy Layne Elementary School, Floyd Central High School and South Floyd Elementary are offering essential services to those in need.

Open daily for the foreseeable future, from 8:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. these locations will provide a welcoming space with resources designed to offer comfort and care.

Community members can access the following services:

• Warming Station: A safe and warm place to stay during the day.

• Showers: Clean and private facilities available.

• Meals: Nutritious food served throughout the day.

Floyd County Schools will be closed for this week, February 17th - 21st. 

FLOYD COUNTY, Ky. (WMDJ) – There has been a confirmed flood-related fatality in Floyd County.

Officials indicate Len Cline, of Stanville, drowned in his vehicle on Mare Creek road Sunday after neighbors attempted to rescue him. Cline had reached his dog to those who were trying to rescue him, but Cline was not able to be saved in the swift waters. 

Gov. Andy Beshear announced the fatality during a news conference this morning, bringing the death toll to 11 statewide, including five fatalities in eastern Kentucky. Three fatalities occured in Pike County and one flood-related fatality in Clay County.

FLOYD COUNTY, Ky. (WMDJ) – Gov. Andy Beshear has declared a state of emergency as a flood watch is in effect for early Saturday, Feb. 15, through midday Sunday, Feb. 16. Another 2 to 5 inches of rainfall is expected, and, combined with previous rainfall over the past several days, will likely result in flooding across the state.

Floyd County Judge Executive Robbie Williams has also declared a local state of emergency in preparation of the storm.

Forecasters with the National Weather Service say the storm track has shifted further northwest, leading to lower confidence in forecast rainfall totals with the prediction of moderate risk for excessive rainfall downgraded to a slight risk over much of southeast Kentucky.

Widespread rainfall amounts from 2 to 4 inches are forecast, with locally higher amounts possible. Given the already saturated soils, flash flooding, areal flooding, and extensive flooding of rivers/creeks/streams are all possible.

Specifically, Floyd County should expect at least 1.6 to possibly 3 inches of rainfall on Saturday.

In Prestonsburg, the Levisa Fork of the Big Sandy River is expected to crest at 34.60 ft. on Monday, February 17^th. Minor flood stage for the Levisa is 40 ft.

In Paintsville, the river is predicted to crest at 38.20 ft, which is moderate flood stage, meaning water would be expected enter houses along Bridge Steet, Frank Street, and Euclid Avenue. Also, KY Route 40 underpass would be closed. If reached, it would be the highest recorded crest level in Paintsville since 2021, when the river crest at 39.72 ft.

A Flood Watch is in effect from 4AM EST Saturday through 10PM EST Sunday due to the potential for high-impact flooding.

JOHNSON COUNTY, Ky. (WMDJ) – Officials in Johnson County have announced that over $1 million has been granted for preservation work on the Industrial Park Road Bridge.

The bridge serves as main access to Big Sandy Community & Technical College at Hager Hill.

The project is one of 23 awards given statewide by the new County-City Bridge Improvement Program.

FLOYD COUNTY, Ky. (WMDJ) – A strong storm system is expected to bring widespread heavy rainfall this weekend to eastern Kentucky and officials are asking those living in flood-prone areas to prepare now.

Forecasters with the National Weather Service are predicting widespread rainfall totals of 3-to-4 inches, mostly falling within a 24-hour period on Saturday and Saturday night. Locally higher amounts approaching or exceeding 5 inches cannot be ruled out.

The expected rainfall on top of soils saturated from recent precipitation and elevated flows on area streams and rivers could lead to high impact flash flooding and river flooding.

PIKEVILLE, Ky. (WMDJ) – Pikeville Medical Center is addressing concerns after a video on social media has called the safety of the hospital’s parking garage into question. 

The video, which has gone viral, shows movement of a joint in the parking garage as vehicles drive across the area.

PMC released a statement on social media saying, “Movement of certain joints in the garage is not a new issue,” and that movement is necessary, “given expansion and contraction with weather changes.”

PMC also said claims that the hospital has been fined or cited over the safety of the garage are false and that there has, “never been any failures or construction-related incidents in the garage that have led to damage, injury, or death of anyone.”

The hospital says they have been working with installers of the garage for the past year and have installed an additional reinforcement beam to support the joint shown in the online video.

MARTIN, Ky. (WMDJ) — A custodian at a Floyd County elementary school is facing drug trafficking charges after he allegedly gave a student a package that contained illegal pills.

Josh Johnson, 39, of Grethel, was charged last week with two counts of trafficking a controlled substance and one count of unlawful transaction with a minor. Johnson allegedly gave a student at May Valley Elementary a package of earrings that contained eight suboxone pills.

The student alerted the school's SRO after discovering the pills.

Johnson pleaded not guilty on Monday. He’s scheduled to return to court for a preliminary hearing next week.

PRESTONSBURG, Ky. (WMDJ) — The Grammy Award winning Louisville Orchestra is thrilled to announce the schedule for the 2025 edition of “In Harmony – The Commonwealth Tour of the Louisville Orchestra.”

There will be three stops in eastern Kentucky featuring the Louisville Orchestra. The first stop is April 29^th at the Mountain Arts Center in Prestonsburg. The orchestra will return to the mountains in September with stops at The Forum in Hazard on September 13^th and Harlan Elementary School in Harlan on September 20^th.

The tour began in November 2022, reaching more than 34,000 Kentuckians across 43 counties through more than 154 events.

EASTERN KENTUCKY (WMDJ) – Two storm systems will be making an impact on eastern Kentucky beginning early tomorrow morning, yet it’s the rainfall amounts that could cause issues rather than accumulating snow.

The first storm system will arrive just before dawn tomorrow with a rain/snow line setting up somewhere between northern and southern Kentucky.

Johnson, Lawrence, Magoffin, Martin counties are under a Winter Storm Watch along with counties further to the north, while Floyd, Knott, Letcher, Perry and Pike Counties are under a Flood Watch.

Counties in the Flood Watch area could expect 1 ½ to 2 inches of rainfall by Wednesday evening.

Floyd, Letcher, Pike County and areas along with KY 80 corridor will generally see one inch to two inches of snow accumulation beginning Tuesday with a warmup on Wednesday to 50 degrees and rain.

JOHNSON COUNTY, Ky. (WMDJ) - ARH and the Johnson County Health Department hosted a Tuesday dinner date for Johnson County first responders. As part of ARH’s Heart Healthy Dinner Series, the evening celebrated first responders and highlighted the importance of heart health and self-care.

Danielle Harmon, Community Development Director for ARH, comments, “First responders often prioritize the health and wellbeing of others and are the backbone of community safety. We wanted to host an event that shows our appreciation for them but also gives them the opportunity and encouragement to care for their own health.”

Approximately 40 first responders enjoyed a heart-healthy dinner provided by Angie Gamble Music, a culinary arts teacher and caterer, and the Johnson Central High School culinary arts students. The entertainment for the evening was provided by Paintsville’s own Adalyn Ramey, 13-year-old singer, songwriter, and musician who has had seven singles reach the Top 20 bluegrass and gospel music charts in the past year..

Almost 20 vendors were there in support of first responders, offering stroke risk assessments, EKGs, A1Cs, hands-only CPR training, community resources, and more.

Dr. Karen Gooslin, ARH physician, was the featured guest speaker. She shared her personal struggles with cardiac disease, which was first diagnosed when she was in her early 30s. Dr. Gooslin cautioned first responders that youth is not always an indicator of good health or an absence of cardiac disease. She pointed out that both doctors and first responders often work long hours and do not always prioritize their own well-being. She urged them to pay attention to their bodies, manage stress effectively, and get preventive screenings.

Appalachian Regional Healthcare has made community health education and free clinical screenings a priority to better the health of our communities. Over the past six months, over 1500 community-based clinical screenings, free to the public, have been provided in our service area. 

Attached pictures: First responders;  Heather Samons, Regional Community Development Manager; and Lori Burgess, Cardiovascular Service Line Director, Jamie Robinette, Chest Pain Coordinator and Robin Baldridge, System Cardiovascular Quality Coordinator

MARTIN, Ky. (WMDJ) – A custodian at May Valley Elementary has been placed on administrative leave after illegal drugs were discovered at the school.

The Floyd County Sheriff’s Office along with Floyd County School Resource Officers conducted an investigation, leading to the custodian being arrested.

The name of the custodian has not been released.

PAINTSVILLE, Ky. (WMDJ) – Several fire crews worked to control a major fire on Broadway in Paintsville near Dairy Queen early Thursday.

Workers were inside Castle’s Roofing when a fire broke out.

The building was a total loss.

No one was hurt in the blaze. The cause of the fire has not been released.

(Photo credit: Dillon Baldwin)

MARTIN, Ky. (WMDJ) – The Martin Volunteer Fire Department is back on the job.

The Kentucky Fire Commission has informed Floyd County/Prestonsburg 911 that as of 6 p.m. Wednesday, the Martin department is fully serviced and able to respond to emergency calls.

The city has named Ben Meade, the lone holdover from last week’s firefighter walkout, as the new Fire Chief. Will Parker has been named Assistant Fire Chief.

Parker says there are a total of 23 new members, 12 of which that are fully certified through the state. Many of the new members come from other volunteer departments within Floyd County and three of the members have previously served in the Martin department.

Parker said that all trucks are, “full of fuel,” and that city officials have given the department fuel cards.

The $10,000 grant intended for the department that was returned to the Floyd County Fiscal Court last week, is expected to be returned and used by the department.

PRESTONSBURG, Ky. (WMDJ) – One person was sent to the hospital after a fire broke out at a Floyd County motel.

Prestonsburg Fire and EMS responded Wednesday morning to a fire inside a third-floor room at the Super 8 Motel in the Prestonsburg Village Shopping Center.

The occupant was sent to Highlands ARH with non-life threatening injuries.

One room was damaged by the fire. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

FRANKFORT, Ky. (WMDJ) – The Johnson County Drug Court has attained certification from Kentucky Specialty Courts based on its use of best practices to create optimal conditions for participant outcomes.

“It’s a testament to how hard the Specialty Court has worked and continues to work to help those in need,” said Johnson County District Court Judge D. Brett Butcher, who volunteers his time to serve as the county’s Drug Court judge. “Their dedication and efforts deserve all the credit for this accomplishment. I’m happy to play a role in this outstanding program.”

Kentucky Specialty Courts certification efforts started in 2023 with the Supreme Court’s adoption of amended rules in the Supreme Court order.

Johnson County is among nine counties across the state to obtain this certification. The goal is for all Drug Court programs to become certified and Kentucky to be nationally recognized for its certification process.

MASON COUNTY, Ky. (WMDJ) – The body of a missing Johnson County man has been recovered from the Ohio River.

Kentucky State Police and emergency crews pulled the body of 47-year old David Blevins, Jr. of Staffordsville, Monday morning around 9:30 a.m. in Mason County.

Blevins had been reported missing on December 19th.

Blevins had eluded authorities during an attempted traffic stop in the Warfield area of Martin County on December 14th. Members of the Kermit Fire Department Swiftwater Rescue team searched the nearby Tug River, along with other personnel, for weeks in search of Blevins.

PIKEVILLE, Ky. (WMDJ) – A Johnson County man has pleaded guilty to child pornography charges.

Jason Ryan Campbell, 45, of Hager Hill, entered a guilty plea to one count of producing child porn and one count of possessing child porn in U.S. District Court in Pikeville on Monday.

Campbell was arrested last year after his girlfriend told Kentucky State Police she found explicit photos and videos of her daughter on his cellphone. There were also videos of Campbell having sexual contact with the girlfriend’s underaged daughter.

Campbell faces 15 years or more in prison and will be sentenced on May 8th.

PIKEVILLE, Ky. (WMDJ) – A Floyd County man has reached a plea deal which will see him serve at least 15 years in prison on federal drug and weapons charges.

Joshua Vajda, 35, of Harold, was arrested back in September after he allegedly purchased drugs from undercover officers.

With the plea deal, prosecutors will drop charges of distributing meth and use of a firearm.

FRANKFORT, Ky. (WMDJ) – Gov. Andy Beshear says more than 2,200 medical cannabis cards have been approved for Kentuckians with qualifying conditions.

At this time, only 66 applications have been denied, 51 of which were due to technical issues, and those Kentuckians will be able to re-apply.

Currently, any law-abiding citizen who elects to participate in any state-legalized medical cannabis program – like Kentucky’s – is prohibited by federal law from exercising their Second Amendment right to purchase or possess a firearm. On Jan. 29, the Governor sent a letter to Kentucky’s congressional delegation urging them to address this issue.

FLOYD COUNTY, Ky. (WMDJ) – Adams Middle School has been named one of 50 State Winners in the 15th annual Samsung Solve for Tomorrow competition. This achievement earns the school a $12,000 Samsung technology prize package and the opportunity to compete for additional national honors.

6^th grade students Mila Campbell, Zoey Daniels, Annason Fish and Sophia Keathley, under the guidance of instructor Heather Wheeler, created the prize-winning Comfort Bear Project, which is an interactive comfort bear that will guide children through breathing exercises and provide sensory stimulation, addressing the growing need for effective anxiety-relief tools.

As Kentucky’s State Winner, Adams Middle School has received a Samsung Video Kit Prize Package, including a Samsung Galaxy Z Flip6 and a Samsung Galaxy Book, to assist in producing their State Winner video.

The students will via for a chance to become one of the top 10 National Finalists.