FRANKFORT, KY (WMDJ) — Today in a press release, Gov. Andy Beshear announced that a federal judge has ruled in favor of Kentucky, 24 other states, and the District of Columbia in their challenge against the Trump administration’s suspension of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits.

The ruling orders the U.S. Department of Agriculture to restore funding to SNAP, which helps more than 40 million Americans and nearly 600,000 Kentuckians — many of them children — buy groceries during the ongoing federal government shutdown.

U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani of Massachusetts ruled the suspension likely illegal and directed the USDA to determine how much contingency funding will be used to continue benefits. In a separate case, U.S. District Judge John McConnell Jr. in Rhode Island also ordered the administration to move forward with distributing those funds.

The press release also goes on to say that Gov. Beshear signed an executive order declaring a state of emergency and directing $5 million from the state’s budget reserve trust fund to Feeding Kentucky. The organization operates seven food banks serving all 120 counties through more than 900 local pantries and meal programs.

According to the lawsuit, SNAP serves one in eight Americans and costs roughly $8 billion per month. To qualify in 2025, a family of four’s net income after certain expenses can’t exceed about $31,000 per year.

In addition to this action, the Governor said Kentucky has allocated more than $12 million in state funds to temporarily support the federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program during the shutdown. SNAP recipients in Kentucky can continue using their current benefits as normal while federal funds are restored.

SOUTH WILLIAMSON, KY (WMDJ) — A Pike County man was arrested Wednesday evening after police said he ran from officers who found him inside a vacant building once used as a business in South Williamson.

Deputies with the Pike County Sheriff’s Office and troopers with Kentucky State Police Post 9 responded to a complaint of possible squatting around 4:30 p.m. at the former Custom Print and Design building, which is now owned by the county following flood damage earlier this year.

Officers said they discovered a broken window and heard footsteps inside before spotting a man running from the back door toward the flood wall. After a short chase, police took 29-year-old Christian Stanley into custody.

Investigators later learned Stanley had an active bench warrant for failing to appear in a separate case. He was charged with fleeing or evading police and taken to the Pike County Detention Center.

Stanley pleaded not guilty at his arraignment Thursday morning and is being held on a $5,000 cash bond.

PIKEVILLE, KY (WMDJ)— State and local officials including senior advisor to the governor, Rocky Adkins, and Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Secretary, Jim Gray,  gathered Thursday to celebrate the completion of the new U.S. Route 460 corridor in Pike County — a 16.7-mile, four-lane roadway connecting U.S. 23 near Pikeville to the Virginia state line.

The final 5.2-mile section opens the morning of October 31st, completing a project that began more than three decades ago and marks one of the largest infrastructure investments in Eastern Kentucky history.

The new corridor replaces the old, narrow alignment with 12-foot-wide lanes, cutting travel time between Pikeville and Grundy, Virginia, by roughly 10 miles. Officials say the highway will improve safety and mobility while boosting access to schools, hospitals, and businesses across the region.

Planning for the corridor began in 1990, with the first section opening in 2014 and additional phases in 2020. The nearly $800 million project includes 22 new bridges and five interchanges, linking U.S. 23, KY 3226, Wolfpit Branch, KY 195, and KY 80 near Elkhorn City.

Among the highlights are the Pond Creek twin bridges, standing 324 feet tall — the highest in Kentucky — and the Russell Fork bridges, stretching 2,800 feet across rugged mountain terrain.

Mountain Enterprises Inc. led construction on the final section under a $40 million contract. 

Above phone courtesy of the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet District 12

PRESTONSBURG, KY (WMDJ) — Transportation officials and engineers met with the Prestonsburg City Council on October 27 to discuss a possible roundabout at the intersection of KY 114 and KY 1428, also known as North Lake Drive.

The discussion was part of the Highway Safety Improvement Program, a federally funded effort that helps states identify and address roadway safety needs. The intersection has been identified as one of the busier areas in the city, with 48 reported crashes since January 2020, including several with injuries.

KY Highway District 12 representatives said the idea is still in the early stages and that no final decision has been made. The concept remains only a possibility as officials gather input and study whether a roundabout would be the best option for improving safety and traffic flow.

Engineering consultants with QK4 shared data showing that roundabouts in other parts of Kentucky have reduced crashes, shortened travel delays, and lowered maintenance costs.

Officials said community feedback will continue to guide the next steps.

MARTIN, KY (WMDJ) — Three Floyd County students have been selected to take part in a NASA-affiliated STEM program later this year.

The students are Caleb Combs, a senior at Prestonsburg High School, Nick Trimble, a senior at Betsy Layne High School, and Cova Risner, a junior at Prestonsburg High School.

According to Floyd County School of Innovation teacher Courtney Kidd, the trip was originally planned for this fall but has been moved to December because of the federal government shutdown and NASA’s scheduling changes.

The program is a partnership between The Lighthouse Beacon Foundation, the University of Kentucky, and NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Alabama. It encourages Kentucky students to explore careers in science, technology, engineering, and math.

Students will take part in an all-expenses-paid, four-day visit to the Marshall Space Flight Center and the U.S. Space and Rocket Center. They’ll also meet NASA engineers, including graduates from the UK Pigman College of Engineering, and learn about aerospace propulsion, space systems, and advanced manufacturing.

PIKEVILLE, KY (WMDJ) — A Pikeville man has been arrested after police say he left the scene of a crash in West Virginia that resulted in a man’s death.

Court records show 63-year-old John Charles was taken into custody after an arrest warrant was issued on October 24. The crash happened June 26, 2023, near Edgarton in Mingo County.

West Virginia State Police say Charles was driving a Ford Explorer when he struck a moped on State Route 49 and left the scene. The moped rider, identified as Tommy Sherpinkas, was later pronounced dead at Pikeville Medical Center on July 4, 2023.

Witnesses told investigators that Sherpinkas identified Charles at the scene before being taken to the hospital. Police later confirmed the vehicle involved matched one driven by Charles.

Charles is charged with leaving the scene of an accident causing death. He is being held at the Southwestern Regional Jail in Holden, West Virginia, on a $10,000 cash bond.

PIKEVILLE, KY (WMDJ) — Kentucky State Police are asking for the public’s help in locating a Pike County man wanted on multiple charges.

Troopers say 44-year-old Brandon Estep is wanted for violation of a Kentucky EPO/DVO, burglary, and theft by unlawful taking. An EPO, or Emergency Protective Order, and a DVO, or Domestic Violence Order, are court-issued orders intended to protect individuals from abuse or threats.

Estep is described as 5 feet 9 inches tall with blue eyes. Anyone with information on his location is asked to contact Kentucky State Police Post 9 in Pikeville at 606-433-7711.

VIRGIE, KY (WMDJ) — A Pike County man has been arrested following an undercover investigation by the Kentucky State Police Electronic Crime Branch.

Troopers say 34-year-old Charles Michael Hopkins was taken into custody Tuesday evening in connection with an online child sexual abuse material investigation. Investigators say the case began after discovering Hopkins uploading explicit images of minors online.

A search warrant was executed at a residence in Virgie, where police seized electronic equipment believed to have been used in the crimes. The investigation remains ongoing.

Hopkins is charged with 20 counts of possessing matter portraying a minor over the age of 12 in a sexual performance, a Class D felony punishable by one to five years in prison. He was lodged in the Pike County Detention Center.

The investigation was conducted as part of the Kentucky Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, which helps law enforcement agencies identify and investigate online child exploitation cases across the state.

FRANKFORT, KY (WMDJ) — Governor Andy Beshear has joined leaders from 24 other states and the District of Columbia in challenging the Trump administration’s decision to suspend the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, during the ongoing federal government shutdown.

The suspension would halt November benefit payments for more than 40 million Americans, including nearly 600,000 Kentuckians. SNAP provides grocery assistance to low-income families to help them afford food.

According to the administration’s notice, the United States Department of Agriculture says the program will remain on hold until additional federal funding is approved. However, state officials say the USDA still has access to contingency funds that could keep the program running.

For now, Kentucky SNAP recipients can continue using existing benefits as normal. Updates will be shared through the Department for Community Based Services website, Self-Service Portal accounts, and official DCBS alerts.

McDOWELL, KY (WMDJ) — Kentucky State Police are investigating after a Prestonsburg woman was found dead in the McDowell community Thursday.

Troopers from KSP Post 9 in Pikeville were called to a home on East Back Street, where they found 34-year-old Jill Howell unresponsive. Investigators say Howell had suffered a gunshot wound and was pronounced dead at the scene by the Floyd County Coroner’s Office.

Her body has been sent to the State Medical Examiner’s Office for an autopsy. The case remains under investigation by Detective Joseph Coleman, with assistance from other KSP personnel.

LANGLEY, KY (WMDJ) —  A man is dead after a logging accident in the Wilson Creek area of Langley on Monday morning.

Deputies with the Floyd County Sheriff’s Office were called to the scene around 10:45 a.m. and found 33-year-old Dusty Lee Hall of Harold dead at the site.

No additional details have been released.

The incident remains under investigation by the Floyd County Sheriff’s Office and the Floyd County Coroner’s Office.

We'll provide further updates as they become available. 

EASTERN, Ky. (WMDJ) — With the federal government shutdown now stretching into its fourth week, the Floyd County Board of Education has voted to continue operating the district’s Head Start program through the end of the year using local funds.

At its meeting on October 27, the board approved the use of contingency funds to cover Head Start salaries, benefits, and student meal costs for November and December.

In a letter to families, Superintendent Tonya Horne-Williams said the district will use local funds totaling about $228,500 to keep the program running while federal funding is suspended.

Head Start and Early Head Start are typically funded through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Head Start, under the Administration for Children and Families. The ongoing shutdown has temporarily halted those federal payments, which support staff wages and meals for preschool students.

According to the superintendent’s letter, the funding gap includes roughly $215,000 for salaries and benefits and about $13,500 for food service expenses.

Williams said the district remains hopeful federal funds will be restored soon, but if the shutdown continues beyond January 1, 2026, other funding options may need to be considered.

As of October 27, the federal shutdown has lasted 27 days.

Prestonsburg, KY (WMDJ) — For one Prestonsburg family, Halloween isn’t just about candy and costumes. It’s a full-scale family tradition built on creativity, love, and inclusion.

For the 11th year in a row, local resident Matt Lafferty has constructed an elaborate Halloween display, this time building a 14-foot ghost trap inspired by the Ghostbusters movies.

He started the tradition more than a decade ago to help his middle son, who is autistic, feel comfortable during Halloween festivities. Large crowds used to overwhelm him, so his dad began designing themed enclosures that made him feel safe and part of the fun.

“The first one worked so I just kept doing it every year,” he said. “It eventually grew into a family tradition.”

Over the years, his builds have included everything from a UFO and F-14 jet to Optimus Prime, a wrestling ring, and even a giant saw blade from the horror classic Saw. Now, even though his son is comfortable in crowds, the family keeps the tradition going  and their newest 3-year-old has already joined in on the fun.

“It’s something we all look forward to,” he said. “Every year, we try to top the last one.”

A project born from love has turned into something much bigger. A reminder that the best Halloween memories are the ones built together.

Photos courtesy of Matt Lafferty

Prestonsburg, KY (WMDJ) — All students and staff at Adams Middle School are safe following an investigation into a threat made against the school Monday morning.

According to Floyd County Schools in a press release, school administrators were alerted by a student who reported receiving a threatening text message. Officials immediately contacted 911 and activated safety protocols while law enforcement began a full search of the building with assistance from a trained K-9 unit.

As a precaution, students were relocated to Prestonsburg High School during the search. The district confirmed that the building was cleared and no explosives were found.

Authorities say an 11-year-old student connected to the threat has been taken into custody and will face a charge of first-degree terroristic threatening.

Superintendent Tonya Horne-Williams said the district acted out of caution and thanked law enforcement and families for their cooperation. Students will return to Adams Middle School after completing the morning program at Prestonsburg High School.

Halloween night is creeping up, and WMDJ FM 100 is bringing the spooky sounds to your radio!

Tune in Thursday, October 30th from 6 to 8 p.m. for our Skeleton Shin-Dig — two hours of eerie fun, classic Halloween tunes, and a few surprises along the way!

Whether you’re handing out candy, walking with the kids, or driving through town, let WMDJ be your Halloween soundtrack.

 Listen live at 100.1 FM, our WMDJ mobile app, or stream it right here at WMDJFM.com

Kentucky continues to have one of the highest rates of teen crash deaths in the nation, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
 

NHTSA data show car crashes remain the leading cause of death for teenagers in the United States. Teen drivers are three times more likely than adults to be involved in a fatal crash for every mile driven.

In 2023, 41 young drivers (15-20) in Kentucky died in crashes. The state also had a 138 percent involvement rate in fatal wrecks, the highest in the country. For comparison, Kentucky’s rate for drivers age 21+ was just under 35 percent. 

As part of National Teen Driver Safety Week, state officials are urging parents to talk with their teens about driving responsibly. Instructors say inexperience and peer influence are major risk factors, especially as the state recently lowered the legal driving age from 16 to 15.

Safety officials stress simple habits like buckling up, obeying speed limits, and avoiding distractions or impaired driving, steps that can make a life-saving difference.

To see the full report you can click here

Pikeville, KY (WMDJ) — A former federal corrections officer who admitted taking part in inmate assaults at U.S. Penitentiary Big Sandy will have to wait longer to learn his sentence.

Terry Melvin, who served as a lieutenant at the Martin County prison, pleaded guilty in January to federal civil rights violations connected to a pattern of inmate abuse between 2021 and 2022. His plea also outlined a wider scheme involving several other staff members accused of intimidating inmates, falsifying reports, and rewarding officers who participated with bonuses or promotions.

Melvin’s sentencing was first set for May, then moved to November. Court records now show the hearing has been pushed back again to April 2, after prosecutors asked for another delay. No reason for the request was listed in the filing

.

When he’s sentenced, Melvin could face up to 10 years in federal prison.

Pikeville, KY (WMDJ) — A Magoffin County man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for allegedly failing to register as a sex offender.

Court records show 41-year-old Phillip Harmon of Salyersville was indicted Thursday. Harmon previously pleaded guilty to rape in Scioto County, Ohio, in 2008 and served a 10-year prison sentence. Federal prosecutors now accuse him of failing to register as required for the past four years.

If convicted, Harmon could face up to 10 years in federal prison. He is currently being held at the Lorain Correctional Institution in Grafton, Ohio. A judge has ordered him to be brought to Pikeville for arraignment on November 19.

Frankfort, KY (WMDJ) — Kentucky legislators are developing a plan to fix gaps in disability coverage for first responders hurt in the line of duty. The goal is to make sure those who risk their lives for their communities are not left without financial support after catastrophic injuries.

Rep. Ashley Tackett Laferty of Martin and Floyd counties brought the issue before the Interim Joint Committee on Veterans, Military Affairs, and Public Protection this week. She was joined by Floyd County officers who were wounded during the 2022 ambush in Allen.

Former Deputy Darrin Lawson, who lost his leg in the attack, and former Emergency Management Director Joe Reynolds, who lost an eye, both fell short of eligibility requirements for hazardous-duty benefits because of time served or job classification.

Laferty said her proposal would ensure those injured in hazardous-duty situations receive a minimum level of pay and health coverage, even if their departments are not enrolled in the state’s hazardous-duty system. The plan would provide 25 percent of pay to the injured responder, 10 percent for dependents, and basic health insurance options.

Legislators from both chambers voiced support for the concept but said funding details and agency participation would need to be addressed before the next session. Laferty said work is underway with the Public Pension Authority to finalize the bill language.

Inez, KY (WMDJ) — Authorities in Martin County say human remains found Tuesday are believed to be those of a man reported missing earlier this year.

According to the Martin County Sheriff’s Office, the remains are believed to be Jody Pauley, of Inez, who was reported missing on April 22. The sheriff's office said a wallet containing Pauley’s identification was found near the remains, along with clothing that family members identified as what he was last seen wearing.

Deputies said Pauley was last seen March 5 in the 700 block of East Main Street. The remains were discovered by a man returning from hunting in a wooded area near Coldwater Road.

The Kentucky State Police say the remains will be sent to the State Medical Examiner’s Office in Frankfort for positive identification. No further information has been released.

Coal Run, KY (WMDJ) — Gov. Andy Beshear has announced plans for a major economic development project in Pike County, as Weddington Plaza Partners LLC will invest nearly $6 million to restore and renovate the Weddington Shopping Center, which was heavily damaged during February’s flooding. The project will help retain up to 300 Kentucky jobs.

The investment will fund removal of damaged property, replacement of flooring, roofing and electrical components, and rebuilding of the flood wall. About $1 million has already gone toward initial repairs and cleanup. Developers expect roughly half of the shopping center to be restored and occupied within a year, with full completion expected within three years.

Gov. Beshear praised the project as a sign of Eastern Kentucky’s resilience, saying it represents “the positive impact that collaboration and teamwork can have on our communities.”

Coal Run Mayor Andrew Scott thanked state and local partners for their efforts to secure the funding and said the city looks forward to welcoming tenants and customers back to the plaza.

Weddington Plaza Partners has owned the property since 2019 and plans to restore it to its full potential as a key retail hub for the Pikeville and Coal Run area.

Prestonsburg, KY (WMDJ) — A pretrial conference in the Amber Spradlin murder case has been postponed for two weeks.

According to court records, Special Judge Eddy Coleman issued an order Tuesday rescheduling the hearing for Nov. 6. No reason was given for the delay.

Spradlin was found dead on June 18, 2023, at the Arkansas Creek home of Prestonsburg dentist Dr. Michael McKinney. His son, M.K. McKinney, is charged with her murder. Both McKinneys and family friend Josh Mullins are also charged with multiple counts of evidence tampering for allegedly attempting to cover up the crime.

The three defendants are currently set to stand trial on Dec. 1, though Commonwealth’s Attorney Brent Turner filed a motion Monday seeking a continuance. Turner noted that at least 33 pieces of evidence are still awaiting analysis and that more time is needed to ensure all findings are available before trial.

No decision has been made yet on whether the trial date will be changed.

Inez, KY (WMDJ) — Kentucky State Police have launched a death investigation after skeletal remains were found in a wooded area of Martin County.

Troopers from Post 9 in Pikeville say they were called around 8:30 Monday night after the remains were discovered near Coldwater Road in the Inez community.

The Martin County Coroner’s Office collected the remains, which are being sent to the State Medical Examiner’s Office in Frankfort for identification.

Detective Tony Tackett is leading the case, with assistance from other KSP personnel and the Martin County Sheriff’s Department.

Frankfort, KY (WMDJ) — Yesterday, Governor Andy Beshear announced he has redirected $9.1 million to help keep Kentucky’s Senior Meals program going after Area Development Districts reported they had run out of funding.

The money comes from a previously unused Medicaid appropriation, and legislative leaders have agreed to retroactively approve the move. Beshear says the administration will also review the entire Senior Meals program to ensure funding and procedures are consistent statewide.

The Governor also announced that the state will temporarily cover the federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program, or TANF, through November due to the ongoing federal shutdown. He said the goal is to prevent any disruption in benefits for struggling families.

The shutdown has also stopped federal funding for SNAP, which supports more than 600,000 Kentuckians. Recipients can continue using current benefits, but new payments are on hold until federal funding resumes.

Beshear said the state faces a potential $305 million budget shortfall as it works to manage the impact of the shutdown.

Prestonsburg, KY (WMDJ) — The murder trial involving the death of Amber Spradlin may be postponed as prosecutors request more time for forensic testing.

The trial for M.K. McKinney, Dr. Michael McKinney, and Josh Mullins is currently scheduled to begin December 1. M.K. McKinney faces a murder charge, while all three are charged with eight counts of tampering with physical evidence. Spradlin was found dead in June 2023.

In a motion filed Monday, Commonwealth’s Attorney Brent Turner said at least 33 pieces of evidence are still undergoing DNA analysis and won’t be completed before the scheduled trial date.

The motion notes that Spradlin’s family supports the delay and that allowing time for testing would not violate the defendants’ right to a speedy trial. Prosecutors are asking for a status conference in December to review the progress of the forensic testing and set a new trial date.

Frankfort, KY (WMDJ) — The Kentucky Public Service Commission will hold three public hearings to gather feedback on Kentucky Power’s proposal to increase residential electric rates by roughly 15 percent.

The utility filed its request in August, citing population decline, the loss of major employers in Eastern Kentucky, and the need for system upgrades to improve reliability during severe weather. If approved, the average residential bill would rise by about $28 — from $183 to $211 per month.

Residents can share their opinions at any of the scheduled sessions:

Nov. 20: Pike County Library, Pikeville

Dec. 18: Perry County Courthouse, Hazard

Jan. 8: Ashland Transportation Center

All hearings are set to begin at 5 p.m.

Prestonsburg, KY (WMDJ) — The long-awaited extension of the Mountain Parkway between Salyersville and Prestonsburg will feature a new traffic design unlike anything currently found in the area.

According to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, construction plans include building a modern roundabout near Prestonsburg Elementary School. Once completed, the highway will bypass the existing stretch of road in front of the school, redirecting vehicles through a newly designed connector.

Drivers heading east or west will exit the parkway onto a looped road that passes beneath the highway before linking back to KY 114. The route west of the school will remain as part of KY 114, while the eastern portion will transition into a parkway access road.

Transportation officials say the roundabout will help keep traffic moving efficiently, reduce serious crashes, and cut down on emissions from idling vehicles.

Vicco, KY (WMDJ) — A 60-year-old man has been arrested after authorities say he attacked another man with a machete on Main Street in Vicco.

The Perry County Sheriff’s Office responded to a 911 call Thursday reporting the assault. When deputies arrived, they found a bystander had wrapped the victim’s injured arm before emergency crews arrived. The victim was later airlifted for treatment.

Patrick Clay Osborne, 60, was taken into custody and charged with first-degree assault and menacing. He was lodged in the Kentucky River Regional Jail.

Coal Run, KY (WMDJ) — Attention shoppers, JC Penney is returning to Pike County!

The Coal Run location, which was destroyed during the February 2025 flood, is preparing to reopen in the Weddington Plaza shopping center.

Mayor Andrew Scott announced that the city is partnering with JC Penney’s management team to hold job interviews at the Coal Run Community Center. The first hiring event is scheduled for Tuesday, October 21, with additional dates expected to be announced soon.

The Coal Run JC Penny store is a longtime retail staple to the community and the mayor's office added that more updates about the plaza’s recovery will be coming in the near future.

Job listings and applications can be found online at jobs.jcp.com.

No official reopening date has been announced.

Virgie, KY (WMDJ) — A Pike County man is behind bars after allegedly shooting his brother-in-law during an argument Thursday night.

State police were called just after 9 p.m. to a home on Route 610 at Virgie, where they found a man sitting on his porch holding his arm from a gunshot wound.

The victim told troopers he had been shot by his brother-in-law, 48-year-old Anthony Huffman of Pikeville, following a dispute. He said Huffman and his sister ran into the hills after the shooting but later returned.

According to police, the sister said the men were arguing and she tried to break it up when it became heated. She said her brother hit her on the head, and then she heard the gunshot. She told troopers she grabbed the gun from Huffman but dropped it while running away.

Huffman denied firing the weapon and claimed he never saw a gun. He was arrested and charged with first-degree assault, a felony punishable by up to 20 years in prison. Huffman is being held on a $5,000 cash bond.

Frankfort, KY (WMDJ) — Kentucky Power customers will soon see a small increase on their monthly bills, after a court ruling required the Kentucky Public Service Commission to revise its previous rate decision.

In 2023, the utility asked for an 18-percent rate hike, but the PSC approved less than six percent, saying more than $14 million in transmission and rate case expenses couldn’t be recovered. Kentucky Power appealed that decision and won, leading to a new surcharge being added to customer bills.

The surcharge amounts to about half a cent per kilowatt-hour and will remain in effect for 22 months, ending in August 2027.

Officials say the change won’t result in a major increase. A customer using 1,200 kilowatt-hours each month should see their bill rise by $5.97.

Kentucky Power also has another rate case pending that would raise rates by roughly 15 percent if approved.

To view the PSC's order, you can click here. 

Prestonsburg, KY (WMDJ) — A Pikeville man is facing charges after deputies say he broke into a Floyd County home late Monday night while a woman and her three children were inside.

Deputies with the Floyd County Sheriff’s Office responded around 11 p.m. to Town Branch Road after a report of a burglary in progress. When officers arrived, they found 42-year-old Daniel Meade sitting on the bedroom floor. Another man at the home told deputies Meade had lunged at him, but he was able to restrain him until authorities got there.

Investigators said the woman had been home alone with her children when she heard noises in the kitchen. She called out and got a strange response before realizing someone was inside. She called her partner and 911 as Meade allegedly went through her kitchen cabinets and bedroom drawers while acting erratically.

Deputies said the woman couldn’t reach her children because Meade was between them. Her partner arrived shortly after and subdued Meade until officers arrived.

Meade was taken to a nearby hospital for medical clearance, then lodged in the Floyd County Detention Center on a charge of second-degree burglary. His preliminary hearing is set for October 20.

Pike County, KY (WMDJ) — A Floyd County woman was arrested after deputies found meth and fentanyl during a traffic stop in Pike County.

Deputies stopped a vehicle on Jackson Branch Road after noticing the driver wasn’t wearing a seat belt. The driver, 53-year-old Karen Isaac of Melvin, had a juvenile passenger in the car.

Officers said they smelled marijuana and brought in a K-9 unit, which led to the discovery of a bag containing more than two grams of meth and over 28 grams of fentanyl hidden in the tire compartment.

Isaac was charged with importing fentanyl, aggravated trafficking in fentanyl, and meth trafficking. She’s being held on a $25,000 cash bond.

Frankfort, KY (WMDJ) — More than $118 million is being sent to six Kentucky counties to help families move out of flood-prone areas.

Gov. Andy Beshear announced Wednesday that the funds will support property buyouts for over 600 homeowners in Floyd, Knott, Letcher, McLean, Perry, and Pike counties. The goal is to help residents relocate to safer ground following severe flooding earlier this year.

Of the $118.2 million total, about $106.7 million comes from federal Emergency Watershed Protection funds through the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The state is covering the $11.4 million local cost share through its Local Match Participation Program.

The program pays homeowners the fair market value of their properties and covers eligible relocation expenses.

Beshear said the initiative ensures Kentuckians aren’t forced to stay in dangerous areas simply because they can’t afford to move.

Flood survivors in Eastern Kentucky are encouraged to visit HousingCantWait.org to learn more or express interest in new housing opportunities being developed in Floyd, Knott, Perry, Letcher, and Breathitt counties.

Johnson County, KY (WMDJ) - A Johnson County man accused in a federal video voyeurism case now has a trial date.

On October 2nd we reported that Henry Ritscher had been charged with placing hidden cameras in a bedroom and bathroom to record a 15-year-old girl while she was dressing and showering. The incident occurred in September, after the victim reportedly discovered the recordings on Ritscher’s phone.

Previous story can be found by clicking here.

A jury trial is scheduled for 1 p.m. on January 12, 2026, in Ashland, with a pretrial conference set for January 8, 2026.

Hager Hill, KY (WMDJ) - After being closed for a week, the bridge on KY 321 in the Hager Hill area of Johnson County, will be reopened to some traffic.

Officials with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet for District 12 released a statement on social media stating that the bridge will be reopened to limited traffic on October 15th. 

The bridge will reopen with a 10-ton weight limit as engineers plan long-term repairs. Drivers of heavier vehicles should detour via U.S. 23, KY 1107, or other alternate routes.

The bridge was closed on October 7 after inspectors found deterioration in the substructure. A closer review determined that the interior pier supports remain stable, and only the outer concrete around the pier caps needs repair—making it possible to reopen the bridge to limited traffic while repairs are developed.

KYTC engineers will continue to monitor and inspect the bridge to ensure it stays safe for travel. Motorists are urged to obey all posted weight limits and signs while work continues.

Ashland, KY (WMDJ) - A Floyd County man accused of multiple drug and firearm offenses has reached a plea agreement in federal court that could send him to prison for at least 15 years.

35-year-old Justin K. Bryant, of Martin, is charged with possession of methamphetamine and fentanyl with the intent to distribute, possession of meth with intent to distribute, using a gun in a drug trafficking crime, and being a felon in possession of a firearm.

The charges stem from two separate arrests. In December 2023, a Floyd County sheriff’s deputy stopped Bryant for having an expired registration. Deputies said that when he stepped out of the vehicle, a bag of white powder fell from his pants. A search reportedly turned up 23 grams of methamphetamine, 6 grams of fentanyl, cash, paraphernalia, and a loaded 9mm pistol.

Then, on March 1, Bryant was arrested again after approaching a roadblock on Old Allen–Banner Road. Troopers said he tried to turn around to avoid it and threw meth in an officer’s face before being taken into custody. Investigators said they recovered 96 grams of methamphetamine at the scene.

Bryant originally faced a potential life sentence on the second drug charge, along with additional time for using a firearm in a drug crime. However, he has accepted a plea deal that would see him plead guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute and one count of using a firearm in a drug trafficking crime.

Under the terms of the binding plea agreement, he would serve between 180 and 225 months, the equivalent of 15 to 18 years in federal prison. A hearing to change his plea is scheduled for Tuesday in Ashland federal court. 

Salyersville, KY (WMDJ) — A Floyd County man is facing several charges after deputies say they found methamphetamine during a late-night call in Magoffin County.

The Magoffin County Sheriff’s Office reports that 44-year-old Robert Lee Spradlin of Auxier, was arrested around 12:30 a.m. Sunday in Salyersville. Deputies were responding to a report of a possible overdose when they found Spradlin walking along a gravel driveway carrying a flashlight.

A man at the scene told deputies that Spradlin and a woman had entered his home without permission and stolen items, including the flashlight. Deputies said Spradlin became combative and had to be forcibly removed from a vehicle.

During the arrest, a box reportedly fell from his possession containing about 4 grams of methamphetamine, along with marijuana and drug paraphernalia.

Spradlin was lodged in the Big Sandy Regional Detention Center and charged with first-degree trafficking in methamphetamine (2 grams or more, first offense), resisting arrest, menacing, and tampering with physical evidence

Drivers traveling through highway work zones in Eastern Kentucky may soon see something new keeping traffic moving and crews safer — automatic flaggers.

Kentucky Transportation Cabinet District 12 has added the devices as part of its effort to reduce crashes in construction zones. Officials say the automated systems will help lower risks, improve traffic flow, and protect both workers and motorists.

In 2024, Kentucky recorded 1,223 work zone crashes, resulting in 298 injuries and 7 deaths. District 12 says the new flaggers are one more tool in their safety plan, which combines technology, training, and public awareness.

Officials want to stress that these devices don’t replace human flaggers. They protect them. The system allows crew members to manage traffic remotely from a safer distance, keeping them out of direct traffic lanes.

Drivers are urged to slow down, stay alert, and watch for signs when approaching any work zone.

Inez, KY (WMDJ) - A Warfield man has been sentenced to 17 years in state prison for felony convictions in both Martin and Lawrence counties.

Prosecutors said 45-year-old Jimmy Dale Maynard was convicted of first-degree assault (domestic violence), first-degree strangulation (domestic violence), unlawful imprisonment, trafficking in controlled substances, third-degree assault of a police officer, and being a persistent felony offender.

The Martin County charges stem from a September 28, 2024 domestic violence case in Warfield, where police said Maynard choked a woman, slapped her across the face, and bit her forehead. The victim was found with bruises, cuts, and marks on her neck and face. Maynard also reportedly threatened to slit her throat.

The Lawrence County case involved trafficking in controlled substances, for which Maynard failed to appear for a scheduled jury trial. When officers went to arrest him on May 31 at Dempsey Housing in Warfield, he allegedly fought with law enforcement and tore a deputy’s earlobe.

Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorneys Justin Rowe and Kyle Newsome prosecuted the Martin and Lawrence County cases, respectively.

Johnson County, KY (WMDJ) - A Sitka man is facing multiple felony charges after authorities said he fired a gun into a wall with several people, including family members, on the other side.

Deputies were called to a home on Ky. 201 on October 8 in response to a domestic disturbance. While they were on the way, a gunshot was reportedly heard coming from inside the residence.

When law enforcement arrived, they spoke with 41-year-old Rocky Darin Harless, who told them the firearm had been hidden in the fireplace beside his bed. Investigators said Harless had fired the weapon through a mirror hanging on an exterior wall. Seven people were on the opposite side of that wall at the time of the shooting.

Harless was taken to the Big Sandy Regional Detention Center. He faces six counts of first-degree wanton endangerment (discharge of a firearm), one count of first-degree wanton endangerment (police officer), and two counts of fourth-degree assault (domestic violence, minor injury).

Phelps, KY (WMDJ) - Two Pike County residents were arrested after a state trooper discovered meth and drug paraphernalia during a traffic stop earlier this week.

Kentucky State Police said a trooper was patrolling along KY 194 in the Phelps area on October 8 when they saw a Chevrolet Silverado with a broken brake light and the driver not wearing a seat belt. The vehicle also failed to signal while turning onto Abes Branch.

The trooper stopped the truck and identified the driver as 59-year-old Ira New of Freeburn and the passenger as 47-year-old Hattie Duty of Phelps. During the stop, New reportedly pulled a bag containing a white powdery substance and three pills from his pocket.

Duty consented to a vehicle search, where officers said they found a glass pipe, a small handgun, a digital scale, and about 50 grams of suspected methamphetamine.

Both were taken to the Pike County Detention Center. Duty was charged with trafficking in methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia. New faces the same trafficking charge, along with possession and traffic violations.

Pikeville, KY (WMDJ) - A Pike County man was arrested after police said he assaulted three nurses at Pikeville Medical Center’s Emergency Room.

Officers were called to the ER on October 4th after staff reported that 50-year-old Delbert Miller of Feds Creek had attacked multiple nurses. When police arrived, hospital security informed them Miller had also fought with guards while they tried to restrain him.

According to police, the nurses had visible marks on their faces from being struck and grabbed by Miller.

Miller was taken into custody and charged with third-degree assault of a health care provider.

Floyd County, KY (WMDJ) — Floyd County officials are working on plans to use a $100,000 Climate Smart Communities grant to improve local disaster response and recovery.

The funding will help the county prepare for future floods and other emergencies that have struck the region several times since 2021. Major flooding in 2021, 2022, and early this year caused extensive damage in communities such as Garrett, Langley, Wayland, and Martin.

An assessment team will study options for a permanent disaster relief site in the southern part of the county. The goal is to create a central location for housing flood victims and storing emergency supplies without disrupting park or community center operations during future events.

The proposed site is expected to be in the McDowell-to-Wayland area, which FEMA has identified as a flood-prone region. The study will determine whether existing infrastructure can be used or if new construction will be needed.

The project is still in its early planning phase.

Wolfe County, KY (WMDJ) — Two people were killed and three others, including two children, were seriously injured Tuesday afternoon following a head-on collision on the Bert T. Combs Mountain Parkway.

Kentucky State Police said the crash happened around 3:50 p.m. near the 47-mile marker. Investigators believe a 58-year-old man from Flat Gap was driving east in a Chrysler Town and Country when his vehicle crossed the center line and struck a westbound Hyundai Elantra driven by a 32-year-old man from Summerfield, Florida.

A passenger in the minivan, Robbin Burchett, 56, of Paintsville, was pronounced dead at the scene by Wolfe County Coroner Frank Porter. The minivan’s driver was taken to St. Claire Regional Medical Center and treated for minor injuries.

In the Elantra, Katelyn Harmon, 27, of Salyersville, was also pronounced dead at the scene. The driver was taken to Morgan County ARH in West Liberty and remains in critical condition.

Two children were passengers in the Elantra. A 9-year-old girl was critically injured, while a 2-year-old sustained minor injuries and is listed as stable.

The crash remains under investigation by Kentucky State Police Post 8 in Morehead.

Paintsville, KY (WMDJ) – A Magoffin County man was arrested after police say he stole a backpack from a vendor during the Kentucky Apple Festival.

Paintsville Police reported that officers Justin Jackson and Sebastian Sheppard were patrolling the festival area on October 4 when they saw a man later identified as Joshua James, 40, of East Maple Street in Salyersville, assault a female worker and take her backpack before running away.

A bystander tried to stop James, but he broke free and led officers on a short foot pursuit before being arrested. Police said he appeared to be intoxicated, noting slurred speech and red, glassy eyes.

James was taken to the Big Sandy Regional Detention Center, where he faces charges of second-degree robbery, fleeing or evading police on foot, resisting arrest, and disorderly conduct.

Pikeville, KY (WMDJ) – The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet has closed the KY 321 bridge near Hager Hill in Johnson County after an inspection raised safety concerns.

Bridge inspectors discovered issues with the bridge’s substructure during a recent review. As a precaution, officials decided to close the bridge to all traffic effective immediately.

The bridge spans the Levisa Fork of the Big Sandy River just north of the KY 1107 intersection on the Paintsville side. Barricades have been placed at both ends, and all drivers are being detoured to nearby connecting routes until further notice.

Transportation officials say engineers are assessing the structure and will determine what repairs are needed. The bridge carries roughly 4,700 vehicles per day.

KYTC is asking the public for patience and urges motorists to plan alternate routes. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

Paintsville, KY (WMDJ) — Two Floyd County residents were arrested early Saturday after police discovered drugs inside a parked car where they and a child had been sleeping.

Authorities found the vehicle in a gas station parking lot around 2:30 a.m. Inside were 46-year-old Mindy Gail Robinson and 50-year-old Keith Jones, both of Prestonsburg, along with a juvenile, all reportedly asleep.

After the adults were awakened, Robinson was taken into custody for suspected DUI. Officers searched the car and located several bags of meth, marijuana concealed in a Coke can with a false bottom, digital scales, and plastic baggies.

Both Robinson and Jones were charged with trafficking in methamphetamine and marijuana, first-degree wanton endangerment, and possession of drug paraphernalia. They remain at the Big Sandy Regional Detention Center in Paintsville.

The child was released to a relative.

Pikeville, KY (WMDJ) – A federal judge has denied a motion to dismiss the criminal case against suspended Pike County Circuit Judge Howard Keith Hall.

Hall was indicted in April on federal charges of mail fraud and theft of government funds. Prosecutors allege he paid an individual more than $440,000 in salary and benefits for little to no actual work while serving as an assistant county attorney.

In his motion, Hall presented four separate arguments to have the indictment thrown out. However, the judge ruled that he did not provide enough evidence to show the indictment was insufficient.

The case against Hall remains active in federal court.

Prestonsburg, KY (WMDJ) - A late-night dispute in Prestonsburg ended with one man in the hospital and another behind bars.

Police said the incident happened shortly after midnight Friday at the Stonecrest townhouse complex. Officers arrived to find a man injured near a guardrail, suffering from a stab wound to the stomach. He was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.

According to investigators, the victim reported that he had argued earlier with 31-year-old Tyler Dakota Newsome after asking him to move out. Later, while the victim was in bed, Newsome allegedly entered the room and attacked him.

Newsome also went to the hospital, telling officers he was experiencing neck pain. Police say he admitted to stabbing the man but claimed the knife had been left on the kitchen table. Officers were unable to find it.

Newsome is now charged with first-degree assault and tampering with physical evidence. First-degree assault is a felony that carries a potential penalty of 10 to 20 years in prison.

The incident remains under investigation by Prestonsburg City Police.

Paintsville, KY (WMDJ) – A Johnson County man has been indicted by a federal grand jury in connection to a video voyeurism case.

Henry Ritscher was charged with one count of producing child sexual abuse material and one count of possession.

Court documents state the case began on September 6, when a 15-year-old girl reported discovering an inappropriate recording of herself that had been taken without her knowledge. She told investigators she found the video on Ritscher’s phone and notified her mother, who then contacted police.

Officers executed a search warrant at Ritscher’s home, where they say he directed them to the devices he had used. Investigators allege he admitted to placing hidden cameras in parts of the residence.

The indictment alleges the recordings took place over the course of more than a year.

If convicted, Ritscher faces a potential sentence of 15 to 30 years in prison on one count, and up to 10 years on the second.

Floyd County, KY (WMDJ) - Rumpke Waste & Recycling will begin trash collection in Floyd County on October 6, 2025. The family-owned company has operated since 1932 and serves more than 400 communities across several states.

County officials say residential billing will remain the same, and residents will continue to receive one free monthly dumping opportunity at the transfer station. Trash carts are available to rent for $3.50 per month, but they are not required. Businesses still in need of a dumpster should contact Rhonda Bame at 1-800-828-8171, extension 3085.

Residents are asked to place trash at the curb the night before pickup. Bags, cans, or bundles must not exceed 50 pounds, and hazardous materials such as batteries, liquids, and tires will not be collected. Service will run one day late if a pickup falls on or after a major holiday.

County crews are currently working to collect trash that was missed this week. Anyone not picked up by the end of next week should call the Solid Waste Billing Department at 606-886-7890, the County Judge’s office at 606-886-9193, or Rhonda Bame at the number provided above.

More information is available on the flyer mailed to residents or online at www.rumpke.com.

Martin County, KY (WMDJ) - A Martin County man has been arrested following a federal drug indictment.

According to court records, Cody Gene Spears was indicted on two counts of distributing 50 grams or more of a substance containing methamphetamine. Investigators say both incidents took place in September in Martin County.

Following the indictment, a warrant was issued for Spears’ arrest. He was later taken into custody and entered a not guilty plea to the charges.

If convicted, Spears faces a prison sentence ranging from five to 40 years under federal sentencing guidelines.

A trial date has been scheduled for November 17 in U.S. District Court in Pikeville.