PRESTONSBURG, Ky. (WMDJ) – Floyd County Judge Executive Robbie Williams wants to urge those affected by February flooding, who have had their request for disaster assistance from FEMA denied, to continue to appeal the decision.

“Appeal, appeal, appeal,” said Williams during an update given on social media Wednesday.

FEMA is still operating the Disaster Recovery Center, located at the Floyd County Board of Education office until May 25^th.

Williams also noted that county road damage has been assessed, including damage from the most recent storms that occurred on April 4^th. Repairs are being prioritized in terms of which roads pose the most risk to traffic. If you feel your road needs immediate attention, please call the Judge Executive’s office at (606) 886-9193.

The flood debris site located at the intersection of KY Route 80 and KY Route 680 will close April 30^th. Any flood debris that residents are still needing to dump can be taken to the Transfer Station at Garth on Mondays and Fridays.

Williams said that his office is aware of debris in creeks and that funding has been requested to assists with clean-up efforts, along with permits to allow the county to clear the debris from waterways.

HINDMAN, Ky. (WMDJ) – The Hindman Settlement School is facing a major setback after learning that federal funding for its reading and math intervention programs has been cut effective immediately.

The AmericCorps grant made up nearly one-third of the school’s annual budget. While most operations will continue unaffected, the school is working to sustain the children’s programs through the end of the school year, with emergency support from its Board of Directors.

Officials hope to raise $250,000 through community donations to keep the programs alive.

PRESTONSBURG, Ky. (WMDJ) – The Louisville Orchestra returns to Prestonsburg this week.

The ‘In Harmony Tour 2025’ marks the return of award-winning conductor Teddy Abrams to the Mountain Arts Center. The orchestra will be joined by Grammy-winning bluegrass sensation Michael Cleveland and Flamekeeper.

The orchestra will perform thrilling classics like Tchaikovsky’s ‘1812 Overture’ and Liszt’s ‘Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2’ to innovative new works like a Pipa Concerto by Baldwin Giang.

Reserve your free ticket at MACArts.com. Show time is set for 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 29th.

PRESTONSBURG, Ky. (WMDJ) – A Floyd County man accused of fatally shooting another man during an altercation in Auxier on Friday has been charged with murder.

67-year-old Larry Johnson, of Auxier, was arraigned Monday in Floyd District Court and charged with murder in the death of Steven Adkins, 48, of Prestonsburg.

According to investigators, Johnson and Adkins were involved in an altercation, leading to Johnson shooting Adkins at 2 p.m. Friday near the Auxier bridge.

An arrest warrant for Johnson indicates that he, "intentionally shot and killed," Adkins.

Adkins was taken to Highlands ARH where he was pronounced dead. Johnson fled the scene in a vehicle, which was later located, however he fled the scene into the woods. Johnson was located Saturday afternoon hiding along KY Route 321 and taken into custody by Prestonsburg City Police.

District Judge Tyler Green set a $5 million cash bond for Johnson. His preliminary hearing is set for May 5^th at 1:30 p.m.

AUXIER, KY. (WMDJ) – One person has died following a fatal shooting in Floyd County on Friday.

Kentucky State Police received a call at 2:57 p.m., regarding a shooting in the Auxier community.

Steven Adkins, 48, of Prestonsburg was found shot near the Auxier bridge. Adkins was pronounced dead at Highlands ARH.

Investigators indicate Adkins got into a physical altercation with Larry Johnson, 67, of Auxier, which led to Johnson allegedly shooting Adkins.

Johnson fled the scene in a vehicle, which was later located; however, he fled on foot into a wooded area near Jane Brown Branch. He was last seen wearing a blue flannel shirt and blue jeans.

KSP investigators have obtained an active arrest warrant for murder on Larry Johnson.

As of 6:44 p.m. KY Route 321 and the Auxier bridge are back open after being closed for several hours.

*** ORIGINAL STORY ***

AUXIER, Ky. (WMDJ) - One person has died following a shooting Friday afternoon in Floyd County.

Floyd County Coroner Greg Nelson confirmed that one person died as a result of the shooting, which occurred in Auxier. 

According to sources, the cause of the shooting was a domestic dispute. 

KY Route 321 between the Auxier Bridge and the BP gas station at the junction with KY Route 3 is closed at this time. Access across Auxier Bridge is also closed, according to the Auxier Volunteer Fire Department. The area will be closed for an extended time as the, "active investigation" continues.

(Photo courtesy of Darryl McCoy)

PRESTONSBURG, Ky. (WMDJ) – A Johnson County woman is facing charges after she reportedly crashed her car while endangering a child.

Elizabeth Baker, 30, of Hager Hill, was charged with DUI and endangering a minor after Prestonsburg City Police responded to a call over Baker’s vehicle being stuck on a curb at a Dollar General on North Lake Drive.

Officers found Baker intoxicated with a baby in the car. She admitted crashing into the store's parking lot fence.

Baker was lodged in the Floyd County Detention Center.

ALLEN, Ky. (WMDJ) – A long-standing civil servant for the city of Allen has passed away.

Elmer “Fudd” Parsons, who could be found keeping watch of “the curve” in Allen, died Tuesday at the age of 79.

Parsons was a friendly, familiar face in the small town, working as a welder for over 50 years, while being a public servant.

Parsons has been part of Allen City government for over 30 years, most recently serving as the town’s mayor for the last two years.

Outside of his civic duties, Fudd, along with his late-wife Cindy Parsons and volunteer Donnie Calhoun, operated Jacobs Ladder Food Pantry for 25 years in Allen, providing much-needed food support to families around the area.

Funeral services for Elmer “Fudd” Parsons will be Saturday, 11 a.m. at Hall Funeral Home in Martin, with burial in the Parsons Family Cemetery in Allen. Visitation begins after 6 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

FLOYD COUNTY, Ky. (WMDJ) – A Floyd County highway maintenance worker is facing theft charges.

Prestonsburg City Police arrested 40-year-old Daniel Darby, after he allegedly stole tools that belonged to the county and pawned them. The incident happened on February 19^th.

Darby has been charged with theft by unlawful taking and lodged in the Floyd County Detention Center.

PRESTONSBURG, Ky. (WMDJ) – In a hearing Tuesday, Special Judge Eddy Coleman agreed with a change of venue for the upcoming Amber Spradlin murder trial.

Judge Coleman indicated the trial, and all future hearings will be moved to Pike County.

Defense attorney Steve Romines continued to argue for the right to a speedy trial for defendants Michael “MK” McKinney, who’s been charged for the murder of Spradlin, along with Dr. Michael McKinney and Josh Mullins, who have been charged with tampering with physical evidence.

Judge Coleman is expected to rule on a trial date at the next hearing, set for July.

It’s anticipated the trial date could be December 1^st. Commonwealth Attorney Brent Turner noted that all forensic evidence in the case may not be available by that time.

FRANKFORT, Ky. (WMDJ) – The deadline for FEMA assistance to those affected by the February flooding and severe storms has been to May 25^th, 2025.

The original deadline was set to expire this Friday, April 25^th.

FEMA assistance for individuals affected by the severe weather can cover rental assistance, temporary housing, home repairs, personal property losses and other disaster-related needs not covered by insurance. FEMA grants do not have to be repaid. FEMA assistance is nontaxable and will not affect eligibility for Social Security, Medicaid or other federal benefits.

Residents are encouraged to file insurance claims for damage to their homes, personal property and vehicles before they apply for FEMA assistance. FEMA Individual Assistance cannot duplicate insurance benefits or other sources of assistance.

KNOTT COUNTY, Ky. (WMDJ) — Authorities are searching for clues after several pieces of equipment were stolen from the Knott County Water and Sewer District.

Over $8,000 in equipment, including a 2-inch 12-volt pump, a DeWalt hammer drill kit, a DeWalt light stand and a small torch set were taken.

A $1,000 reward is being offered for information leading the return of stolen items or the arrest of the person or persons responsible.

PRESTONSBURG, Ky. (WMDJ)  — The Kent Rose Foundation will host a special ceremony on Thursday, April 24 at 4:30 PM to unveil plans for “Imaginarium Park,” a fully ADA-accessible, all-inclusive park designed to serve children and families of all abilities across eastern Kentucky. The event will be held on the campus of Big Sandy Community and Technical College.

The park is a partnership project between the college, the City of Prestonsburg, and the Kent Rose Foundation, which is leading the $1.5 million fundraising effort. Over $516,000 has already been raised through grants and donations. The ceremony will also feature the installation of a new sign with an illustrated vision of the completed park.

The event coincides with the Autism and Sensory Processing Disorder Exploring Event, highlighting the community’s push for inclusive play and learning spaces. More information is available at KentRoseFoundation.com.

EASTERN, Ky. (WMDJ) – An 18-year-old student has been arrested after he made threatening online statements while pretending to be another Floyd County student.

Jacob D. Johnson, 18, of Bevinsville, a Virtual Academy student in Floyd County Schools, was taken into custody at 11:30 p.m. Sunday night and charged with terroristic threatening and making bomb threats. Johnson allegedly impersonated another student and made comments on a South Floyd Elementary Facebook post, claiming he would “be shooting up” Floyd Central High School on Monday and, “kill everyone.”

The post said, “I’m bringing bombs. Someone talk and please save me.”

Chief Safety Officer Thomas Gearheart said the other student, whose name was purposely used, was deeply upset and cleared of any involvement by authorities.  

Johnson was arraigned today in Floyd County District Court. Judge Jimmy Marcum set a $10,000 full cash bond. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for April 30^th.

PIKEVILLE, Ky. (WMDJ) – A Pike County Circuit Judge has been suspended following an indictment by a federal grand jury on charges of mail fraud and theft of government funds.  

Judge Howard Keith Hall is accused of appointing a part-time unnamed assistant county attorney and submitting false payroll certifications to the Prosecutors Advisory Council, claiming that the unnamed attorney fulfilled his duties for Pike County between October 1^st, 2010 and May 31^st, 2020.

The unnamed attorney, who received state benefits, including health insurance and employer contributions to Medicare and Social Security, along with state retirement, was required to work at least 100 hours per month, on average, for the Pike County Attorney’s Office. The indictment further claims the attorney, “performed almost no work on behalf of the county.”

The attorney received a total of $290,140 in gross pay, with a total value of $440,587 with benefits added in. The document also claims Hall worked at that same attorney’s private firm between October 2011 and October 2020, receiving “distributions,” totaling $505,900.

Hall faces up to 20 years in prison on two counts of mail fraud, while the theft of government funds carries a sentence up to 10 years.

FRANKFORT, Ky. (WMDJ) – A Magoffin County man has been sentenced to 10-years in prison for charges of crimes against children and animals.

Kent Simpkins, 43, of Salyersville, was sentenced for seven felony counts of possession and distribution of child pornography and sexual crimes against an animal.

Following a cyber tip to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, law enforcement searched Simpkins’ IP address and social media last year. They found multiple images of minors involved in sexual acts, numerous animal sex videos and a video of Simpkins involved in a sexual act with the family’s dog. 

In addition to the 10-year sentence, Simpkins will be a lifetime registrant on the Kentucky Sex Offender Registry and receive five years of post-incarceration supervision. 

PAINTSVILLE, Ky. (WMDJ) – A Johnson County man was sentenced Wednesday to life in prison after pleading guilty to kidnapping and killing his daughter.  

Stacy Collins was charged with the murder and kidnapping of 12-year-old, Stacia Collins, in 2022.

At the time of the murder, authorities discovered Stacy Collins suffering from what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Investigators later discovered his daughter deceased a few miles from his location.

Judge John Kevin Holbrook sentenced Collins to life in prison without the possibility of parole until 25-years of his sentence is completed.

PRESTONSBURG, Ky. (WMDJ) – Floyd County Schools celebrated the arts Tuesday night with the 2025 All-County Music & Art Festival at the Mountain Arts Center.

Students selected for the All-County Middle and High School bands performed, as well as the Floyd County Jazz Band.

Floyd Central’s Dalton Jacobs was named 2025 Student Musician of the Year!

An awards presentation for All-County Art Festival winners and band members capped off the night.

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WMDJ) – Due to continued severe weather and flooding in April, Kentucky REALTORS is announcing an additional $100,000 in flood relief funding.

Relief assistance is limited to one month of housing expenses up to a maximum of $1,000 per household. Relief funds can be applied toward assistance with mortgage or rental payments, as well as lodging assistance for those who were displaced due to the natural disaster.

The new $100,000 in relief funding is separate from previous Kentucky REALTORS Relief Foundation grants. This allocation is to help people who were impacted by the flooding beginning on April 2, 2025. Eligible residents are encouraged to submit their applications at KYRrelief.com. The application window is currently open and will close on May 30, at 5 p.m. EST.

FRANKFORT, Ky. (WMDJ) — Today, April 15th, is Tax Day nationwide, but Kentuckians have extra time to file and pay.

The IRS says individuals and businesses in Kentucky have until Nov. 3, 2025, to file various federal individual and business tax returns and make tax payments.

The extension is due to the February flood and severe storms disaster declaration. 

If you have already filed state taxes and owe, you also have until Nov. 3^rd to pay.

FLOYD COUNTY, Ky. (WMDJ) – The deadline for residents affected by February flooding and storms to apply for disaster relief through FEMA is approaching.

The application deadline is next Friday, April 25^th for those affected in Floyd, Johnson, Knott, Letcher, Martin, Perry and Pike counties.

If you sustained damage or loss from the flooding and severe storms, you may be eligible for financial assistance for displacement, serious needs, temporary lodging, basic home repairs, personal property losses and other uninsured disaster-related expenses.

You make speak in-person with a FEMA representative at the Floyd County Board of Education building between 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. Monday – Saturday.

As of Monday, April 14, FEMA has approved more than $33 million in housing and other types of assistance to more than 5,800 Kentucky households.

The Floyd County Fiscal Court has announced that the county dumpsite for flood debris at the KY Route 80/680 intersection at Eastern will be closing on April 30^th.

PRESTONSBURG, Ky. (WMDJ) – On Friday, Floyd County Schools was notified of an online social media post suggesting self-harm and a potential threat towards an Adams Middle School staff member.

Prestonsburg City Police and School Resource Officer Melissa Blackburn investigated and identified the student involved, taking appropriate action per district policy.

No students or staff were in harm at any time.

PRESTONSBURG, Ky. (WMDJ) – The defense attorney for accused murderer Michael “M.K.” McKinney has filed a response this week, “strenuously” objecting to the Commonwealth’s proposed timeline and reasoning for the delay of a jury trial in the murder of Amber Spradlin.

Attorney Steve Romines reasserts his client’s rights to a speedy trial and reminds the court that regardless of the allegations against McKinney, holding him in isolation without even the distraction of books or television for a crime of which he is still presumed innocent is, “worsening the Defendant’s mental health before trial.”

Attorney Brent Turner anticipates a jury trial to begin in February of 2026. Judge Eddy Coleman is expected to rule on a change of venue for the trial and Romine’s motion on April 22^nd.

PAINTSVILLE, Ky. (WMDJ) – A man has died following an apartment fire in Paintsville.

Firefighters were called to an apartment on Elm Street at approximately 4:40 a.m. Thursday morning and were able to contain the fire to the kitchen area of a single unit.

The man lived alone. His identity has not been released. His body was sent to Frankfort for an autopsy. The cause of the fire is being investigated by the Paintsville Fire Department.

ALLEN, Ky. (WMDJ) – Applications will soon be accepted for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program's (LIHEAP) spring subsidy cooling program.

Applicants may qualify for a one-time electric benefit, with applications being accepted beginning April 15^th through May 30^th.

The program will help applicants offset their cooling cost this summer for those with income up to 150 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.

Floyd County residents should visit the Big Sandy Area Community Action Project office at 60 Court Street in Allen. Call (606) 874-3595 for more information.

FLOYD COUNTY, Ky. (WMDJ) – The Floyd County Fiscal Court will be auctioning off eleven stables at the old Thunder Ridge racing complex this Saturday starting at 9 a.m.

All stables will be sold as is and it will be the responsibility of the buyer to remove the structure purchased no later than July 1^st.

A payment of 10% by check will be required on the day of the auction with the remaining balance due by Monday, April 14^th by cashier’s check made out to the Floyd County Fiscal Court.

Any questions please contact Missy Allen at the courthouse by calling 886-9193.

PIKE COUNTY, Ky. (WMDJ) – There will be a question-and-answer session for residents in Pike County interested in participating in FEMA’s voluntary home buyout program.

A meeting with county officials will take place on Tuesday, April 15^th, 6 p.m. at the Pike County Library in Pikeville.

For more information, you are asked to call 606-432-6277.

BELFRY, Ky. (WMDJ) – Kentucky State Police are investigating a shooting death that occurred in Pike County on Saturday.

The incident happened in a parking lot on KY Route 319 in Belfry.

Greely Hurley, 30, of Stopover, suffered fatal gunshot wounds during a physical altercation with Paul Coleman, 57, of Meta.

Hurley was pronounced dead at Tug Valley ARH. The investigation will be presented to the Pike County Grand Jury for consideration of charges.

FRANKFORT, Ky. – Disaster Recovery Centers in Kentucky will be temporarily closed on April 5 and 6 due to severe weather. 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 unable to visit a center, applications can be submitted online at DisasterAssistance.gov, through the FEMA App, or by calling 800-621-3362. For center locations, visit fema.gov/drc or text "DRC" followed by a Zip Code to 43362.

FEMA urges affected Kentuckians to apply for assistance by the April 25 deadline.

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.

VAN LEAR, Ky. (WMDJ) – Six people were pulled to safety by swift-water crews during flashing flooding in Van Lear on Friday.

W.R. Castle and Oil Springs Vol. Fire Departments worked to rescue residents from several homes in the Silk Stocking Loop area of Van Lear.

Johnson County Judge Executive Mark McKenzie declared a state of emergency prompted by the severe storms.

A Flood Watch remains in effect for Johnson County as more rain and storms is forecast for Saturday.  The National Weather Service has forecast as much as 2.2 total inches of rainfall for the Johnson County area through Monday morning.

HUEYSVILLE, Ky. (WMDJ) – Kentucky State Police is searching for a missing juvenile in Floyd County.

Lesley Maynard, 15-years old of Hueysville, was last seen at approximately 8 a.m. Wednesday in the Hueysville area. She is described as a white female, 5’4” tall, 100 lbs., brown hair, and brown eyes.

Anyone with information about her location is asked to contact KSP Pikeville Post at 606-433-7711.

The investigation is ongoing by Post 9 Trooper Shane Hurt.

FLOYD COUNTY, Ky. (WMDJ) – With help from the public, the Floyd County Sheriff’s office was able to track down the whereabouts of a man wanted theft and property damage.

Nathan Sturgill was arrested Tuesday on numerous charges after he led deputies in a pursuit that ended in Knott County over the weekend, where he was able to elude deputies and fled on foot into the hills. Sturgill was caught on security cameras at the old Potter’s Clinic building in Lackey, where he left behind thousands of dollars in damage to HVAC equipment.

Sturgill is being held in the Floyd County Detention Center.

FLOYD COUNTY Ky. (WMDJ) – The National Weather Service says residents in parts of Floyd and Pike counties experienced straight-line winds more than 90-100 mph early Monday morning.

A survey team from the National Weather Service in Jackson released their report, saying an intense thunderstorm moved across central Floyd County and northwestern Pike County just before 2 a.m. through 2:20 a.m. Monday, with damage indicative of straight-line winds, peaking from 90 to 100 mph.  

Officials said a wide swath of straight-line wind damage occurred, facing a hill between Right Beaver Creek and Brush Creek, with tree trunks snapped and uprooted downhill. There was also structural damage to a couple of garages along KY Route 850 and 550.

Winds also penetrated the steel doors of the annex area at the Floyd County Board of Education, before escaping through a portion of the gymnasium roof, blowing out a substantial section.

In Pike County, in the Green Meadows area near the Floyd/Pike County line, a section of roofing was lifted off a garage. Significant roof damage was sustained at the United Helping Hands Thrift Store building.

FRANKFORT, Ky. (WMDJ) – Now that a new state law allowing 15-year-olds to earn their driver’s permit has taken effect, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet is working quickly to implement the change.

As early as April 2, applicants can start making an appointment for permit tests with the Kentucky State Police. Sign up at drive.ky.gov to receive email updates and be notified when the system is ready. Be sure you collect all necessary documents, such as birth certificate, Social Security card and School Compliance Verification Form.

The new law only allows more time for eligible drivers to hold a permit. State law still requires you to be 16 to obtain a license (intermediate).

For more information about Kentucky’s graduated driver licensing program and requirements to move from permit to intermediate license to full, unrestricted license, click here.