FLOYD COUNTY, Ky. (WMDJ) – Officials spent the day surveying the damage from severe storms and high winds that cut through portions of Floyd and Pike County during the early morning hours of Monday.

The gymnasium at the Floyd County Board of Education, formerly Allen Central High School, sustained damage to the roof and shattered glass at the entry way of the facility in the foyer area. Three of the four light poles at the old football field were also cut in half during the storm.

There were numerous downed trees and reports of damage to private property in the Hippo, Eastern and Dana areas of Floyd County.  

The Helping Hands Thrift Store near the Pike/Floyd County line lost its roof and sustained damage because of the storm.  

A storm survey team from the National Weather Services in Jackson has been in Floyd and Pike counties assessing damage. Officials haven't declared the storm was an actual tornado, but will make a full assessment. Forecasters are predicting heavy rains and more storms by midweek.

GOODY, Ky. (WMDJ) – A stretch of highway in Pike County has been named in honor of a legendary football coach.

A portion of U.S. 119 will be named, “Coach Philip Haywood Memorial Highway” in honor of Haywood, who passed away in February following a traffic accident.

The 3-mile stretch of highway named for the former Belfry Football coach is near Belfry High School.

House Joint Resolution 5, adopted on Thursday by the General Assembly, will rename several stretches of highways to honor individual Kentuckians. Others honored include former State Representative Johnnie L. Turner in Harlan County. A one-mile stretch of U.S. 23 in Lawrence County will be named in honor of fallen Kentucky State Police Sgt. Chris Carter. 

FRANKFORT, Ky. (WMDJ) – Homeowners and renters in counties affected by February's flooding and severe storms have one month to apply for federal disaster assistance.

The deadline to apply for federal assistance is April 25. 

Applicants who wish to apply for disaster assistance should have the following information ready for their registration: Social Security number; pre-disaster address of the primary residence; name of all occupants of the pre-disaster household, types of insurance coverage; current telephone number and mailing address; bank account and routing numbers for direct deposit of financial assistance, if eligible.

Residents should keep their contact information updated with FEMA as the agency may need to call to schedule a home inspection or get additional information.

The first step to receive FEMA assistance is to apply. There are four ways to apply: online at DisasterAssistance.gov, use the FEMA mobile app, visit a Disaster Recovery Center or calling 800-621-3362. If you use a relay service, such as Video Relay Service (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service.

For an accessible video on how to apply for FEMA assistance, go to youtube.com/watch?v=WZGpWI2RCNw.

For more information about Kentucky flooding recovery, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4860. Follow the FEMA Region 4 X account at x.com/femaregion4.

FLOYD COUNTY, Ky. (WMDJ) – Floyd County Judge Executive Robbie Williams urges anyone affected by the February floods that is interested in having FEMA buyout their home, to attend an important informational meeting this evening at the Mountain Arts Center.

The question-and-answer session will be between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. Tuesday, March 25th and conducted by Kentucky Emergency Management.

Judge Williams says there is no commitment to the program if homeowners decide not to sale, or are not happy with the assessed offer from FEMA.

For any questions, call Judge Williams’ office at (606) 886-9193.

FRANKFORT, Ky. (WMDJ) – FEMA may be able to provide financial assistance to help those whose vehicles were damaged due to the severe storms, straight-line winds, flooding, landslides and mudslides that occurred February 14 – March 7.

The first step is for survivors to file a claim with their insurance company if they have a comprehensive policy. This type of policy usually covers storm-related damage to a vehicle. Federal disaster assistance may help fill the gaps for those whose coverage does not pay for any or all storm-related damage costs. Apply with FEMA even if you have insurance. FEMA cannot duplicate insurance payments, but underinsured applicants may receive help after their claims have been settled.

To be eligible for FEMA assistance, applicants must meet the following conditions:

• The vehicle was damaged during the February 14 – March 7 storms within the disaster-designated area.
• The applicant can provide proof of ownership of the vehicle with valid registration and title.
• The vehicle was in compliance with the commonwealth of Kentucky’s registration and insurance requirements at the time of the disaster.
• The applicant has no other usable vehicle.

Applicants with more than one storm-damaged vehicle, must write a statement explaining why the household needs more than one working vehicle. The statement should include the number of vehicles and an insurance settlement or statement for each vehicle.

???????How to Apply for FEMA Individual Assistance

• Visit a FEMA Disaster Recovery Center. To find your nearest Disaster Recovery Center, visit fema.gov/drc.
• Call FEMA at 800-621-3362. Multilingual operators are available. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service.
• Apply at DisasterAssistance.gov.
• Download and use the FEMA app.

Homeowners, renters, businesses, and nonprofit organizations can apply for long-term, low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to cover losses not fully compensated by insurance and other sources. Apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via the SBA’s secure website at sba.gov/disaster.

For more information about Kentucky flooding recovery, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4860. Follow the FEMA Region 4 X ac

PIKE COUNTY, Ky. (WMDJ) – A juvenile who was reported missing over the weekend in Pike County has been found safe.

13-year-old Dewayne Salyers was last seen Saturday afternoon near his home in Robinson Creek. Kentucky State Police opened an investigation to determine his whereabouts, asking for assistance from the public.

KSP reports that Salyers has been, “returned home and is safe.”

FRANKFORT, Ky. – A Disaster Recovery Center is opening March 22 in Johnson County to offer in-person support to Kentucky survivors who experienced loss as the result of Feb. 14 – March 7 severe storms, straight-line winds, flooding, landslides and mudslides.

The new Disaster Recovery Center in Johnson County is located at:

KCTCS Mayo Campus Auditorium, Building C, 508 Third St., Paintsville, KY 41240

Working hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Saturday and 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern Time, Sunday.

FEMA representatives can explain available assistance programs, how to apply to FEMA, and help connect survivors with resources for their recovery needs. Representatives from the Kentucky Office of Unemployment Insurance, the Kentucky Department of Insurance and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) will also be available at the recovery centers to assist survivors.

Additional Disaster Recovery Centers are scheduled to open in other Kentucky counties. Click here to find centers that are already open in Kentucky. You can visit any open center to meet with representatives of FEMA, the commonwealth of Kentucky and the U.S. Small Business Administration. No appointment is needed. 

To find all other center locations, including those in other states, go to fema.gov/drc or text “DRC” and a Zip Code to 43362.

FEMA is encouraging Kentuckians affected by the February storms to apply for federal disaster assistance as soon as possible. The deadline to apply for FEMA assistance is April 25.

Kentucky homeowners and renters in Breathitt, Clay, Estill, Floyd, Harlan, Johnson, Knott, Lee, Leslie, Letcher, Martin, Owsley, Perry, Pike, Simpson and Woodford counties can apply for federal assistance.

If you are unable to visit the center, there are other ways to apply: online at DisasterAssistance.gov, use the FEMA App for mobile devices or call 800-621-3362. If you use a relay service, such as Video Relay Service (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA the number for that service.

When you apply, you will need to provide:

• A current phone number where you can be contacted.
• Your address at the time of the disaster and the address where you are now staying.
• Your Social Security Number.
• A general list of damage and losses.
• Banking information if you choose direct deposit.
• If insured, the policy number or the agent and/or the company name.

For an accessible video on how to apply for FEMA assistance, go to youtube.com/watch?v=WZGpWI2RCNw.

For more information about Kentucky flooding recovery, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4860. Follow the FEMA Region 4 X account at x.com/femaregion4.

ALLEN, Ky. (WMDJ) – A Laurel County man was taken into custody Wednesday following a drug related complaint in Allen.

Deputies with the Floyd County Sheriff’s Department arrested Kevin Quellin of London, after locating a vehicle matching the description that was given in the complaint.

Deputies discovered 40 grams of crystal meth, along with digital scales.

Quellin is facing drug trafficking charges and is currently lodged in the Floyd County Detention Center.

FLOYD COUNTY, Ky. (WMDJ) – The Floyd County Board of Education has approved an extension of the instructional day for all district schools, effective Monday, March 24^th. The change will add 30-minutes to the school day.

All K-8 elementary schools, including Prestonsburg Elementary K-5, will begin at 8 a.m. and dismiss at 3:15 p.m.

All high schools, including Adams Middle School, will begin at 8:15 a.m. and dismiss at 3:30 p.m.

This change will allow Floyd County to shorten this year’s school calendar, pending approval of House Bill 241 by the state legislature and the KDE.

FLOYD COUNTY, Ky. (WMDJ) – If you’re home was affected by the February floods and you’re interested in having FEMA buyout your home, there will be an important informational meeting next Tuesday at the Mountain Arts Center.

The meeting will be Tuesday, March 25th, between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. 

Floyd County Judge Executive Robbie Williams says if you’re interested in signing up for the FEMA Home Buyout program, please call his office at (606) 886-9193 and have your home placed on the buyout list.

Anyone with questions about the program is urged to attend this meeting.

If you have been denied FEMA assistance, attorneys from AppalRed Legal Aid will be available in the Floyd County Courthouse on Thursday, March 27^th from 1 until 4 p.m.

Please bring your FEMA denial letter and information. Attorneys will be able to assist anyone in filing an appeal for free.  

SAYLERSVILLE, Ky (WMDJ) - Two eastern Kentucky hospitals are being recognized for assisting nursing home and rehab patients during the February flooding. 

As devastating floods impacted much of Eastern Kentucky including Salyersville, long-term care facility Salyersville Nursing and Rehabilitation Center faced a critical challenge: evacuating patients.

Staff members at Morgan County ARH and ARH Our Lady of the Way worked to transfer and house the most vulnerable patients as flood waters approached.

Other patients with less critical needs were evacuated to another safe location.

“We are incredibly grateful for the swift and compassionate response from ARH. Their teams went above and beyond to ensure our patients were safe and cared for during this emergency,” said Joshua Calhoun, Administrator at Salyersville Nursing and Rehabilitation.

“ARH is all about the health and well-being of our communities. When we were notified SNRC needed help, every one of our decision makers was focused on one thing and one thing only: the health and safety of those residents. I give credit to the front-line staff at ARH Our Lady of the Way for providing exceptional, high-quality care, and to everyone at the system level that helped facilitate the transfer,” said Rocco Massey, CEO of Our Lady of the Way ARH.

To show their appreciation, staff at Salyersville Nursing and Rehab Center wanted to pay it forward by hosting a food drive to support ARH’s drive focused on assisting those battling food insecurity.  After a facility-wide drive, SNRC staff worked with Morgan County ARH staff to transport donations and ensure they made their way to God’s Pantry to be redistributed to the community.

For more information on how to support the ARH Foundation for Healthier Communities or to learn more about how we are supporting flood victims and our work for flood recovery, please visit www.arh.org/floods.  

PIKEVILLE, Ky. (WMDJ) – Two people died in a house fire over the weekend in Pike County.

Kentucky State Police were called to a home on Brushy Road in Gulnare early Sunday morning around 6:21 a.m.

First responders discovered two deceased individuals inside the residence. The bodies were sent to the State Medical Examiner’s Office for an autopsy and identification. The cause of the fire and death is under investigation. No foul play is suspected.

FRANKFORT, Ky. (WMDJ) – FEMA Individual Assistance is available to Kentucky renters, including students and homeowners in Floyd, Johnson, Knott, Letcher, Martin, Perry and Pike counties with losses from the February flooding and severe storms.

Federal grants can help pay for temporary housing. The initial rental grant is for a one-month or two-month period and can be reviewed for further assistance. Renters may also qualify for a grant for uninsured essential personal property losses and other disaster-related expenses. 

These may include:

• Replacement or repair of necessary personal property, such as clothing, textbooks, or school supplies as well as furniture or appliances renters purchased. FEMA will not cover furniture or appliances provided by the landlord.
• Replacement or repair of tools and other job-related equipment required by the self-employed.
• Replacement or repair of primary vehicles.
• Disaster-related uninsured or out-of-pocket medical, dental, childcare, moving and storage expenses.

To apply, visit a FEMA Disaster Recovery Center or call 1-800-621-3362. Or you may download the FEMA app. The deadline to apply for assistance is April 25.

*** UPDATE: 4:10 p.m. Friday, March 14th *** 

Ryan Whitaker has been located and is safe according to Kentucky State Police.

HAZARD, Ky. (WMDJ) – Kentucky State Police are asking for assistance in finding a missing Hazard man.

Donald “Ryan” Whitaker, 38, of Hazard, was reported missing by family on Thursday. Whitaker is a white male, standing 6’1” tall, weighing 165 lbs. He has brown hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a black shirt with gold sleeves featuring Hazard High School logos.

An investigation indicates that the last known whereabouts of Whitaker was March 6^th at the Morton Combs Athletic Complex at Knott County Central High School in Hindman. His last communication was March 11^th. No communication has been reported since.

Whitaker was a star basketball player for the University of Pikeville and former boys’ basketball coach for Pike County Central High School. He currently serves as an assistant coach of the boys' program at Hazard High School.

If you have an information, you’re asked to contact KSP in Hazard (606) 435-6069.

PRESTONSBURG, Ky. (WMDJ) – Defense attorneys in the Amber Spradlin murder trial asked for a change of venue during a hearing in Floyd Circuit Court on Thursday.

The defense also asked for a speedy trial for suspects Michael “M.K.” McKinney, Dr. Michael McKinney and Josh Mullins.

Defense attorneys claim that the defendants wouldn’t receive a fair and impartial trial in Floyd County due to, “continuous and widespread gossip, innuendo and social media campaigns.”

In the motion for a speedy trial, attorney’s claim keeping M.K. McKinney in jail while Kentucky State Police continues to analyze forensic testing is a violation of state law.

Judge Eddy Coleman gave the defense and prosecution 14 days to write responses.

The next hearing is set for April 22^nd at 2 p.m.

PRESTONSBURG, Ky. (WMDJ) – A Prestonsburg man has been arrested for possession and distributing child sexual abuse material.

Prestonsburg City Police arrested 22-year-old Simon Roxas, after a complaint was made by someone with close personal knowledge, leading detectives to investigate.

A forensic analysis of Roxas’ phone found nearly 200 items of child sexual abuse material ranging from pictures to videos.

Following the investigation, a Floyd County Grand Jury returned an indictment with charges of possessing and distributing material portraying a sexual performance by a minor under the age of twelve.

Roxas was arrested and lodged in the Floyd County Detention Center.

WAYLAND, Ky. (WMDJ) – Gov. Andy Beshear made a visit to Wayland on Friday, thanking first responders and swift water teams for their efforts to save lives in Floyd County.

Gov. Beshear greeted members of the Floyd County Emergency & Rescue Squad, Prestonsburg Fire Department, Garrett and Maytown Volunteer Fire Departments at the Wayland Gym, conveying his gratitude to first responders for their tireless efforts and dedication during the February flooding.

Floyd County Judge Executive Robbie Williams said first responders rescued a total of 307 individuals and 20 animals during the flood.

Gov. Beshear and First Lady Britainy Beshear met with swift water rescue teams from across the commonwealth this week. In total, Kentucky swift water teams rescued more than 1,000 Kentuckians during last month’s storms. The Governor thanked them for their work.

FLOYD COUNTY, Ky. (WMDJ) – The Floyd County Board of Education has voted to move forward with plans to renovate historic D.W. Howard Memorial Fieldhouse at Betsy Layne.

Flood waters destroyed the gym floor and flooded locker rooms, ruining athletic equipment and items stored in the facility.

According to sources, the cost of replacing the gym floor will cost no less than $350,000. A total restoration of the facility is estimated to cost between $750,000 to $1 million dollars, which would include replacing the foam ceiling. An estimate for bleacher replacement is expected to be released soon.

School officials plan to apply for FEMA assistance to help with offsetting the cost of the restoration.

HI HAT, Ky. (WMDJ) – The efforts of a group of Floyd County teachers prevented what could’ve been a tragic situation when they located a missing girl late Wednesday night.

South Floyd Elementary teachers and staff spent Wednesday evening searching for 12-year-old Kayleen Green, who was reported missing after 5 p.m.

Green was found on a hillside near KY Route 122 at Hi Hat, across from her home in nearby Bryant Branch. Teacher Stacy Stanley discovered the child, while fellow teachers Byron Hall and Damon Adkins scaled the hillside around 11:30 p.m. in snowy conditions to rescue her.

Green was immediately transported to Pikeville Medical Center for treatment.

Kentucky State Police is investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.

JOHNSON COUNTY, Ky. (WMDJ) – Residents in Johnson County can now apply for individual assistance from FEMA.

Johnson County has been added to the list of counties eligible for individual and public assistance following the February flooding.

A FEMA Disaster Recovery Center is open in Paintsville at KCTCS Mayo Campus on Third Street, between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. beginning Wednesday, March 5th through Friday, March 7th.

Residents in Johnson County can call (606) 789-2260 for more information. 

FLOYD COUNTY, Ky. (WMDJ) – Floyd County has suffered another flood-related death.

According to Floyd County Coroner Greg Nelson, 67-year-old Elbert O’Brien, of Prestonsburg, suffered a heart attack at his home and died on Monday, February 17^th.

Flooding and severe weather delayed the response time for first responders, who attempted to reach his home.

Gov. Andy Beshear announced the death of O’Brien on Monday during a news conference, brining to the total of flood and storm related deaths in Kentucky to 24.  

FLOYD COUNTY, Ky. (WMDJ) - FEMA representatives will begin doing Individual Assistance assessments on Saturday, March 1st.

FEMA reps will be assessing property in-person between 9 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.. All FEMA reps will be wearing FEMA logo shirts and badges for identification.

FRANKFORT, Ky. (WMDJ) – Gov. Andy Beshear has announced that the state will accept applications for Disaster Unemployment Assistance from individuals in 11 counties who are out of work because of the severe storms and flooding in February.

Individuals – including unemployed and self-employed individuals who were living or working in the affected areas and became unemployed or had work interrupted as a direct result of severe storms and flooding that began on Feb. 14, 2025 – are eligible to apply for DUA benefits through the Kentucky Office of Unemployment Insurance.

The assistance is available for those in Breathitt, Clay, Floyd, Harlan, Knott, Lee, Letcher, Martin, Owsley, Perry and Pike counties.

Affected individuals should visit the Kentucky Career Center website at kcc.ky.gov or call 502-875-0442 to file their initial claim. The deadline to apply for assistance is April 25, 2025.

PAINTSVILLE, Ky. (WMDJ) – A Paintsville man has been arrested for having nude pictures of a child on his phone.

Paintsville Police arrested 39-year-old Josh Ray Francis after a complaint was filed informing authorities that Ray possessed nude images of a 12-year-old girl on his device that he had received through social media.

Authorities discovered multiple pictures and text between Francis and the girl.

Francis faces a charge of using an electronic device to induce sexual activity by a minor, punishable by 10-to-20 years in prison. He’s being held in the Big Sandy Regional Detention Center on a $50,000 cash bond.