FLOYD COUNTY, Ky. (WMDJ) – First Frontier Appalachian Trails will officially open the new Floyd County trailhead this weekend with the German Bridge Trail Ride event this evening and Saturday.
The trail connects the German Bridge campground Van Lear and parts of Martin County, offering scenic rugged terrain.
Bluegrass music begins tonight at the campground. The Saturday Side-by-Side Ride starts at 10 a.m. tomorrow at German Bridge. $25 permit required.
PIKEVILLE, Ky. (WMDJ) – Defendants charged in connection to the murder of Amber Spradlin appeared for their first pretrial conference in Pike County Court Thursday.
M.K. McKinney, Dr. Michael McKinney, and Josh Mullins have all been charged with eight counts of tampering with physical evidence in the murder of Spradlin. M.K. McKinney has been charged with Amber’s murder.
Attorneys discussed the December 1st trial date and the timeline required to have all of the evidence and expert information in place. Commonwealth Attorney Brett Turner referred to proposed trial date as “a fluid situation” with the possibility of new evidence being presented.
The next scheduled pretrial conference is set for October 23rd.
PRESTONSBURG, Ky. (WMDJ) – Groundbreaking was held Thursday for the new Floyd County Animal Shelter facility.
Named in honor of Dr. Chandra and Mahendra Varia, the new shelter will allow the housing of twice as many animals and continue their status as a no-kill shelter.
The estimated cost of the new facility is $1,000,000 with more than $400,000 already raised for the project.
Ned Pillersdorf, a longtime advocate for the shelter, thanked Floyd County Judge Executive Robbie Williams and the many volunteers who have helped make the dream of a new shelter a reality.
The new shelter will be located across from the current shelter in West Prestonsburg. Donations for the new facility are still being accepted.
FLOYD COUNTY, Ky. (WMDJ) – A Floyd County businessman and philanthropist Willard Kinzer has passed away peacefully at the age of 97.
Known for his charity work and contributions to the business community of eastern Kentucky, Kinzer passed away Thursday morning, according to a family statement.
Kinzer transformed the Kinzer Water Well Company started by his father and uncle into a natural gas and oil drilling conglomerate, drilling thousands of wells across Kentucky and West Virginia since the 1950s.
A man who lived life at 200 miles per hour, Kinzer will be remembered fondly by the racing community. His passion for racing led to the formation of the Kinzer Racing Team, making multiple trips to the winner’s circle, particularly in drag racing, even at the age of 90.
His compassion for charity work helped establish the faith-based Wesley Christian School in Allen. His family has also given to countless charities when need arose in support of eastern Kentucky, especially during disasters for decades. Kinzer was also a longtime supporter of the Mountain Arts Center, where the theater is named in his family's honor.
Kinzer’s most recent charitable effort was the establishment of the Willard Kinzer Veterans Cemetery at Allen. Kinzer, a World War II veteran, collaborated with the Floyd County Fiscal Court in the creation of the cemetery in 2024 for area veterans.
Funeral arrangements for Willard Kinzer will be announced in the near future as this is a developing story.
PRESTONSBURG, Ky. (WMDJ) – Gov. Andy Beshear visited Floyd County on Wednesday to break ground on the first three new homes to be constructed at New Hope Estates Housing Development on Cliff Road in Prestonsburg.
A total of 50 new homes will be built at two separate sites in Prestonsburg, including 34 at New Hope Estates.
Gov. Beshear remarked about the resiliency displayed through hardship from residents affected by flooding over the past three years. In attendance were three individuals who’ll be the recipients of the first three new homes at the development site.
A total of $10 million has been invested for the project. The Mountain Housing Authority is overseeing the efforts.
29th District State Senator Scott Madon brought up the subject of flood prevention and asked Gov. Beshear about working with the Kentucky Department of Water and state legislature to develop legislation to clean up creeks and streams for flood control.
On other subjects, Gov. Beshear noted the Thunder Ridge site’s strong business appeal and highlighted its significant economic development potential saying the site, “looks amazing” during his fly-in to eastern Kentucky.
He also presented a ceremonial check for $5.3 million to the Knott County Fiscal Court for the construction of a new water treatment plant, which will be constructed outside the flood zone.
PRESTONSBURG, Ky. (WMDJ) – The Brothers Keepers Motorcycle Club’s 10th annual Burn Run Weekend heats up at Archer Park in Prestonsburg this Friday and Saturday.
The event will feature food, vendors, music, inflatables for the kids with all proceeds benefiting Shriner’s Hospital.
Friday activities will begin at 5 p.m. featuring a Glow Ride at 9 p.m. Events on Saturday start with a registration at 9 a.m. followed by a Dice Run, auction and games during the afternoon.
Admission is free.
FRANKFORT, Ky. (WMDJ) – Kentucky will once again offer a statewide testing event to help those interested in obtaining their driver’s permit, with appointments now available to all Kentuckians 15-years of age or older.
More than?1,300 written permit test appointments are available for Saturday, Aug. 2 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. at 12 locations statewide, including Pikeville.
The test will be given at 128 Trivette Dr. in Pikeville.
This is a one-day event for written test only.
For more details, visit the KSP website at kentuckystatepolice.ky.gov.
PRESTONSBURG, Ky. (WMDJ) – A new bow and arrow range is coming to Floyd County.
Jenny Wiley State Resort Park is receiving a $1.45 million investment for a new archery center. The funding is in addition to $5.5 million for lodge improvements approved by the general assembly, which begins in September.
The park will also receive upgrades to the campground and reconstruction of the Dewey Lake Marina.
The archery center will be accessible to the public and potentially host a variety of tournaments and competitions on the middle and high school levels.
A public groundbreaking for the facility is expected to happen this fall.
ELKHORN CITY, Ky. (WMDJ) – Officials have identified the body of the victim who drowned at Breaks Interstate Park Thursday evening.
The body of Zack Mullins, 19, of Hurley, Va., was recovered in the Ratliff Hole area of the park around 9 p.m. by Millard Fire & Rescue. His body was sent to Frankfort for an autopsy.
No further details surrounding Mullins’ death are available.
PRESTONSBURG, Ky. (WMDJ) – Special purpose vehicles, including ATVs and UTVs, can now be operated legally on select highways in Floyd County.
This week, the Floyd County Fiscal Court approved an ordinance to allow operators access to state highways and select roads under certain guidelines.
Senate Bill 63, which took effect on June 27th, allows SPVs to become “street-legal”, with the addition of specific safety equipment after being registered, insured and passing an inspection. The vehicles are limited to traveling no more than 20 miles in one direction.
In Floyd County, ATVs and UTVs cannot be operated on U.S. 23 or KY Route 80. Riding is prohibited in the city limits of Allen, Martin, Prestonsburg, Wayland and Wheelwright unless those city governments adopt the policy.
HAGER HILL, Ky. (WMDJ) – The parents of three young children were arrested Monday evening after their 2-year-old tested positive for a lethal amount of meth, along with cocaine and amphetamine.
Police responded to a home a Jenny’s Creek Road after social workers secured paperwork to remove the children. The parents, Brandon Patrick, 25, and Toni Brashay Short, 27, claimed they didn’t know how the children were exposed to the drugs, blaming the maternal grandfather who had recently been arrested.
Both were charged with first-degree child abuse, first-degree wanton endangerment and endangering the welfare of a minor. They are being held at the Big Sandy Regional Detention Center on $10,000 cash bonds.
** UPDATE ** Prestonsburg PD have identified the vehicle and preliminary investigation indicates an elderly person possibly experiencing a medical condition was in operation and unaware he had been involved in a collision. Representatives of, and the operator are cooperating fully with our investigation.
PRESTONSBURG, Ky. (WMDJ) – Prestonsburg City Police are searching for a vehicle that struck two pedestrians, leaving both in critical condition.
Authorities posted a picture on social media Monday afternoon asking for the public’s help in identifying a blackout package 2021 or newer Chevrolet Tahoe missing a passenger’s side mirror. The mirror was recovered at the scene of the incident on KY Route 321 near the Waste Water Treatment plant in Prestonsburg.
The suspect fled the scene after striking the pedestrians.
LACKEY, Ky. (WMDJ) – Kentucky State Police are investigating a missing person case following the reported disappearance of a disabled adult male from the Golden Years Nursing Home, located in Lackey.
On Sunday, July 13, 2025, at approximately 5:08 P.M., Kentucky State Police were notified that Kelly Gudger, a 57-year-old resident of the nursing facility, was missing. Gudger is described as a white male, approximately 5 feet 10 inches tall, weighing 146 pounds, with hazel eyes. He was last seen wearing jeans and a blue jacket.
Kentucky State Police urge anyone with information regarding his whereabouts to contact Post 13 immediately at (606) 435-6069.
PIKE COUNTY, Ky. (WMDJ) – A Pike County man accused of attempted murder will have his case presented to a grand jury.
George Standifur appeared in court Thursday following his arrest last week.
Kentucky State Police testified that Standifur entered the home of his stepson James Wallace in Elkhorn City with ill intentions. Standifur allegedly made threats to kill his family, putting a pistol to the head of Wallace and pulling the trigger, yet the gun failed to fire because the safety was on.
The incident turned into a four-hour standoff with authorities after Wallace shot Standifur in the leg, as family members called 911 for help.
Judge Tommy May ruled there was probable cause to send the case to the grand jury.
PRESTONSBURG, Ky. (WMDJ) – Country music star Eddie Montgomery will be the headlining entertainer at this year’s Jenny Wiley Festival.
Half of the famous duo Montgomery Gentry, Eddie Montgomery will take the downtown municipal stage for a free concert on Saturday night, October 11th.
Country singer/songwriter Jeff Bates will perform on Friday night of the festival.
PIKEVILLE, Ky. (WMDJ) – Brothers Wright Distilling Co. has officially acquired Dueling Barrels Brewery & Distillery, including Pearse’s Place restaurant, the welcome center and tasting room in downtown Pikeville.
The move marks an expansion for the family-owned distillery and a new chapter for one of eastern Kentucky’s most recognizable craft beverage landmarks.
The 30,000-square-foot facility was originally launched by Alltech’s Lyons Brewing & Distilling Co. of Lexington.
Pearse’s Place will remain open during the transition, with plans to move the restaurant to the ground-floor to improve accessibility and visibility, with the upstairs being used for private events.
The Wright brothers, Shane and Kendall Wright, are known for aging bourbon in a repurposed underground coal mine in the Aflex community in Pike County.
FLOYD COUNTY, Ky. (WMDJ) – Gov. Andy Beshear will return to Floyd County for an official groundbreaking ceremony in two weeks.
Floyd County Judge Executive Robbie Williams says Gov. Beshear will return on July 23rd to break ground for the first three homes that will be built on New Hope Estates at Cliff in Prestonsburg. Mountain Housing Authority will oversee the project.
In 2023, Gov. Beshear announced that $2 million would be used to acquire two lots in Prestonsburg to construct 34 new homes outside the flood plain. One site is a 27-acre lot for 20 single-family homes. The other site is a 7-acre lot for 14 single-family homes.
FLOYD COUNTY, Ky. (WMDJ) – The jury trial for a Floyd County man charged in a 2019 murder has been delayed.
On Monday, the trial of Wesley Martin, 50, of Wayland, was rescheduled for September 8th.
Martin has been charged with the murder of Jordan Tackett.
In April 2019, Kentucky State Police opened a death investigation after discovering a body buried in shallow grave located in a yard at a residence in Wayland owned by Martin. Tackett, 26, of East Point, had been reported missing in February of that same year.
JOHNSON COUNTY, Ky. (WMDJ) – The Paintsville city pool has reopened after being closed for nearly five years.
Officials have also announced that admission to the pool will be free for the remainder of the summer.
The newly renovated pool features a water slide and concession stand, with plans to install a splash pad and renovating a wading pool by next summer.
The pool is located on Madison Avenue in Paintsville.
WHEELWRIGHT, Ky. (WMDJ) – Residents in Wheelwright are dealing with traffic issues as a storm drain collapsed over the weekend, causing a portion of Main Street to sink.
Crews are accessing the quickest fix for the sinking lane, which is located just below the Southeast Correctional Prison.
Further stress could cut off access for the entire town.
PIKE COUNTY, Ky. (WMDJ) — A Pike County man was arrested early Thursday for allegedly forcing three women into a trailer, setting it on fire and barricading them inside on May 30th.
According to Kentucky State Police, Marty Hurley, 49, fired an assault rifle before trapping the victims and igniting multiple fires. The women escaped with minor injuries; one remains in intensive care.
Hurley faces multiple charges, including arson, kidnapping and attempted murder. He is currently being held in the Pike County Detention Center as the investigation continues.
MARTIN, Ky. (WMDJ) – The daughter of a Floyd County native discovered a poem her father wrote about perseverance through dark times, particularly during war or conflict, reflecting a message that is pertinent with the celebration of Independence Day this week.
Robert Alton Crisp was born on Buck's Branch in Martin in 1904 and spent most of his life as a teacher in the Floyd County School System, at Allen Elementary, and then old Maytown High School. He wrote the poem while living and working in Detroit during World War II before moving back to Floyd County in 1945.
The poem is entitled, “The Storm”, a metaphorical reflection of endurance, reflecting on the struggles of hope during a stormy night of war, yet peace would be found on the horizon. His daughter Alicia Crisp said of the message, "I think the message of the poem is comparing the war to a terrible storm, but knowing that eventually, all storms pass, and this one would, too."
With permission from Alicia, we share his message with you.
“The Storm”
Though the night is long and dreary
As we list to the howling storm,
Though our souls are tired and weary
We shall hang on ‘till the morn.
Though our hopes are sometimes shattered
By the awful wintry blast,
Though our castle walls are battered,
We know it cannot last.
And this ghastly war, like the winter night,
Is frought with hopes and fears,
Though the path is dark, we will ever fight
Through our, “blood and sweat and tears.”
Soon will come the dawn of a bright new day,
When turmoil and strife will cease,
Then the thunder of war will fade away,
And we’ll welcome the dove of peace.
PRESTONSBURG, Ky. (WMDJ) – The carnival is back in town.
The Star City Days celebration officially begins this evening at Archer Park in Prestonsburg with free carnival rides today only until 8 p.m.
Live music, food and games will begin Thursday at 5 p.m. with carnival armbands costing $20. Friday and Saturday carnival prices are $25. On Saturday, anyone with an armband receives free admission at the Archer Park pool.
Friday night entertainment includes a magic show at 5 p.m. followed by music from 6 until dark. Fireworks will happen Friday night at 10 p.m.
Music on the Archer Park Stage Friday:
5 p.m. - Magic Show
6 p.m. - Southern Konnection Band
7 p.m. - Kelly Renee
8 p.m. - Idle Time Band
9 p.m. - Bek & the Starlight Revue.
FRANKFORT, Ky. (WMDJ) — Crime rates have dropped nearly 8% statewide from 2023 to 2024.
Gov. Beshear released the 2024 Crime in Kentucky report on Tuesday, which indicates serious crimes dropping in 17 of 23 categories, including decreases in drug/narcotics offenses, homicides and decreases in sex offenses.
For the third consecutive year, overdose deaths decreased, with a 30% drop in overdose between 2023 and 2024.
PRESTONSBURG, Ky. (WMDJ) – It’s official – AlleyFest is moving to Prestonsburg.
City and festival officials formally announced Monday that the growing music festival will relocate from the Combs Airport to Archer Park on Labor Day weekend.
There will be two stages featuring over 30 musical acts, including Prestonsburg’s Nicholas Jamerson on August 30th and headliners Old Crow Medicine Show on August 31st.
For a full concert lineup, tickets and camping information visit: alleyfestky.com
ELKHORN CITY, Ky. (WMDJ) – A Pike County man has been arrested for attempted murder after breaking into a home Monday night in Elkhorn City.
Witnesses told Kentucky State Police that George Standifur, 44, allegedly broke into their home attempting to shoot two occupants, but his weapon failed to fire, allowing the homeowner to grab his own gun and shoot Standifur in the leg.
He was taken into custody after surrendering to KSP hours later in an alley behind the home.
Standifur has been charged with attempted murder, wanton endangerment of a police officer, terroristic threatening, resisting arrest, disorderly conduct, menacing, and alcohol intoxication in a public place.
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