Kentucky State Police investigating a fatal motorcycle crash Tuesday afternoon in Wayne County.

It happened at the intersection of KY 90 and 1546 in Monticello.

Troopers say a 2001 Yamaha, operated by 28 year old Michael W. McClellan, of Monticello, was traveling south at a high rate of speed when he struck a 2006 Chevy Pickup, driven by Delmar G. Brumley, age 81, also of Monticello. He and his passenger, 71 year old Wendell R. Kelsay, also of Monticello, were airlifted to UK Hospital in Lexington with life threating injuries.

Mr. McClellan was pronounced dead at the scene.

An autopsy is scheduled at the State Medical Examiner's Office in Louisville.

The investigation is ongoing.

A One-Call sent out yesterday as a young boy went missing for several hours in Casey County.
 

Multiple agencies and volunteers were involved in the search, which lasted for several hours on the ground and in the air.

The child was eventually found safe...
 

The boil water advisory for the customers of The East Casey Co Water District has been lifted for all the areas of Casey Co except the Dry Ridge, Crossroads, Argyle, Bethelridge, and Mintonville areas.

Those areas are still experiencing sporadic low pressure and outages due to pump damage caused by the City of Liberty's water leak.

Repairs to this pump should be complete Wednesday.  

They appreciate your patience.

Again, East Casey Water customers in the areas of Dry Ridge, Crossroads, Argyle, Bethelridge, and Mintonville remain under a boil water advisory until futher notice.

For more information, contact your water provider.

A Liberty woman was arrested on drug charges Monday.

Casey County Sheriff Chad Weddle initiated a traffic stop around 1pm Monday afternoon after seeing a 2011 Chevy Cruz cross the center line about five miles west of Liberty on KY 70.

After making contact with the driver, Sheriff Weddle requested Deputy Grider & K9 Ronnie, who alerted on the vehicle. A search resulted in the discovery of a Meth Pipe and a Meth Rock located inside a purse.

32 year old Tiffany Gail Miller, of 30 Vallard Goode Rd., Liberty, failed field sobriety tests. She stated that she had smoked Marijuana and Methamphetamine within the past 24 hours.

Ms. Miller refused a blood test. She was charged with Reckless Driving, DUI (Aggravated Circumstance), Possession of Methamphetamine-1st Degree, & Drug Paraphernalia.

The Liberty City Council met in a special called meeting Monday. Once again the issue of city stickers was on the agenda. 

Councilman Brian Beeler suggested, at a rate of $35, the stickers could potentially provide a revenue to the city with a conservative estimate of around $96,000 for the year...  
 

The council has been trying to come up with a plan to provide a $5 raise for the City Police Department which amounts to an extra $62,400 for the year...
 

Citizen, Chuck Dorman asked about the effect on the older community members...
 

Councilman Micah Meece suggested bumping the cost of the stickers up to $40. Councilman Richard Montgomery made a motion for an ordinance to require a city sticker for residents of the city of Liberty and employees who work inside the city limits at a rate of $40. Violation would result in a fine of $100 plus court costs. The motion was seconded by councilman Brian Beeler and approved by a vote of 5-1, with councilman Chase Dial the only No Vote. The council will have a second reading of the ordinance at their next regular meeting in July.
 
There was a discussion concerning the city's pending option to purchase real estate adjacent to Lake Liberty. No action was taken.
 
The council also approved a second reading of a budget amendment for '21-'22.
 
The council also adopted a budget for 2020 to 2023 with an amendment including the raise for the city police department to start July 1st.
 
The next regular meeting of the Liberty City Council is scheduled for Monday July 11th.

*** UPDATE ***
A Boil Water Advisory has been issued for the entire City of Liberty due to a 10 inch line break on East KY 70. Customers should boil any water used for human consumption, bringing it to a rolling boil for at least three minutes, and boil water for short-term use only. If you have any questions, contact your water provider.
***********

Many Liberty residents and businesses woke up to no water this morning.

Water Department official, Bill Bartle, tells WKDO News that there was a major leak over night which drained both tanks at the water plant. Somewhere between 600,000 to 700,000 gallons of water was lost in about four hours.

The location of the leak was discovered just before 7:30am this morning and repairs are underway. Once the leak is fixed, and the tanks refilled, there will be a boil water advisory issued for all customers.

We'll have more information later, as it is released to us.

Liberty City Council met in special session Wednesday to discuss a proposed City Sticker ordinance, along with Budget issues.

The Council had previously voted down a proposed Occupational Tax, so to try & bolster funding to balance the budget, Councilman Brian Beeler suggested a City Sticker for residents and employees who work inside the city limits. The issue was brought to a vote Wednesday, which ended in a tie of 3-3. Mayor Steven Brown then broke the tie, voting no.

The Council also heard a 1st Reading of the '22 Budget and adopted a Budget for '23.

The Council also opted to use Federal Grant money to cover $47,700 for Police Department salaries, and dedicated $62,000 in Covid Grant money to begin video camera operations in the City's sewer lines.

The Council will meet again on Monday for a 2nd Reading of the Budget.

Casey County Veterans of Foreign Wars say funding is secured for restoration of the Doughboy statue in downtown Liberty.

A post on the VFW's social media page says the group received word from Carl Kaelin, Director of the KDVA Trust Fund, that their request of just over $36,850 was 100% approved.

Kaelin says, "We don’t have votes like this often, with a 100% unanimous vote, no decent. There is no doubt the KDVA, as all of us, believe and know the lives our Heroes, that all freely gave, should be remembered & honored for eternity."

Post Commander, Glen Phillips Jr., says work on the Doughboy will begin immediately in order to have it back in it's PRIME as it should be.  

Broze plaques, flag pole, surrounding concrete and resurfacing of monument will be top notch once we are finished.

Total project cost is estimated at nearly $41,000. Mr. Phillips says, "We are also thankful for The Liberty Tourism Commission pledging $2,000, our VFW Post 5704 matched with a $2,000 pledge. We are also thankful for Judge Executive Randy Dial, The Casey Co Fiscal Court, and our Sheriff Chad Weddle. We couldn’t have accomplished this enormous task without everyone.

The VFW will start work immediately.

Deputies with the Boyle County Sheriff’s Office conducted an investigation last week into stolen firearms from a residence on Taylor Rd.  The suspect was identified as Jeremy Hurdle, age 30, from Tennessee. Hurdle had an active arrest warrant out of Nelson County, and has known address in Junction City.

Deputies located Mr. Hurdle leaving the residence and initiated a traffic stop.  Inside the vehicle, deputies located 3 of the 4 stolen firearms, along with a stolen pistol out of Mississippi, 3 other hand guns, over 700 Xanax pills, two packages of marijuana, digital scales, & over $1,800 cash.

He's charged with possession of a firearm by convicted felon, theft by unlawful taking – firearm, receiving stolen property – firearm, trafficking in marijuana, drug paraphernalia, trafficking in drug unspecified 1st degree, & failure to appear.

Hurdle was lodged in the Boyle County Jail.
 

The Casey County Sheriff's Office needs your help locating a stolen car and the car thief.

A post on the department's social media page says Eli Couch took a car for a test drive from Three Angels Drive and never returned. Couch arrived in a black Dodge Durango with an un-named female.

The stolen car is a silver 2002 Buick Century, 4-door, Kentucky plate number 899-YSV.

If you have information on the whereabouts of Eli Couch, or the stolen car, please call dispatch at 606-787-9411 or call the anonymous tip-line at 606-787-0288.

The Kentucky State Police, Richmond Post was notified just before 8:00 a.m. this morning, of a collision on Battlefield Memorial Highway (US-421) near Battlefield Park, in Richmond.

The initial investigation indicates a 2022 Kawasaki motorcycle operated by Garrett Ray, 33 years old of Richmond, KY, was traveling south on US-421 when he lost control in a curve. The motorcycle crossed the center line and collided with a 2007 Ford Crown Victoria operated by Ruth Dejarnette, 57 years old of Berea, KY, who was traveling north.

As a result of the collision, Ray was transported to Baptist Health Hospital in Richmond, where he was pronounced deceased. Dejarnette was transported to St. Joseph Hospital in Berea with minor injuries. 

The ongoing investigation is being conducted by KSP Post 7 Trooper David Hobbs. He was assisted at the scene by KSP personnel, Madison County Sheriff's Office, Madison County EMS, Madison County Fire Department and the Bluegrass Army Depot Police Department. 

Police arrest two people after finding a baby left alone in a car.

On Monday evening, Columbia Police responded to Tractor Supply on Jamestown Street after a report of an infant left unattended in a vehicle.

25 year old David Weiand, and Victoria Rogers, age 20, both of Russell Springs, were located inside the store. Security camera footage showed the baby was left alone in the car for about 7 minutes before officers arrived.

Both taken into custody and charged with wanton endangerment 1st degree. Social Services was notified and the baby was placed in the care of relatives.

Campbellsville Fire-Rescue was dispatched to a report of a person drowning near Wilson Creek. Upon arrival, firefighters located the reporting party and obtained a point last scene (PLS). A public safety diver and backup public safety diver was deployed to that area and conducted search patterns. During this time, Kentucky Fish and Wildlife (KFW) Officer deployed a side scan sonar and was able to guide our public safety divers directly to the victim approximately 75' from the bank and was pronounced deceased by Taylor County Coroners Office (TCCO). This is still under investigation with TCCO and KFW. No rescuers were injured during this recovery. 

21 Firefighters on scene

CFD Apparatus on scene

Rescue 1, Squad 1, Marine 1, Zodiac 1, Squad 3, TSAR 1 and Chief

Assisting Agencies:

Taylor County Emergency Management

Campbellsville-Taylor County Emergency Communications Center Campbellsville-Taylor County Emergency Medical Services Taylor County Coroners Office Taylor County Sheriff Office Taylor County Fire Department Kentucky Fish and Wildlife US Army Corps of Engineers

Somerset City Council met in regular session this week and echoed a lot of congratulations on the re-opening of the newly renovated Virginia Cinema.

Jeff Henderson covered the meeting...

Liberty City Council met in regular session Monday.

The council began the task of amending their budget for 2021-2022. Without the benefit of an occupational tax, which failed to pass at the last meeting, the council must now find a way to present a balanced budget by July 1st.

Councilman Ben Barlow said he has been working with city clerk Bridgett Blake to make cuts and move funds in an effort to try and prevent cutting funds from law-enforcement and fire department. Mr. Barlow says they were able to make some progress, but still at a deficit of Just over $47,600.

Councilman Richard Montgomery made a motion to create an ordinance to cut council salaries by $100 per month...
 

That motion was seconded by Ben Barlow and was approved by a vote of 3 to 2 for a first reading.

City Fire Chief, Roger Martin, volunteered a pay cut of $100 per month. The Council accepted that offer, to take affect immediately.

Councilman Brian Beeler proposed raising pay for City Police to try and keep officers from leaving. He proposed re-instating City Stickers at a rate of $30-$35 per vehicle for city residents and employees who work inside the city limits. There would be no exceptions. He estimated this could raise approximately $60,000 per year. There were some questions on how that would be enforced.

The council will take up these issues, and hear a 2nd reading of the Ordinance to cut Council salaries at another special meeting scheduled for Wednesday, June 22 at 5 o’clock at City Hall.

The Casey County Board of Education met in regular session last night.
Here's Superintendent, Barry Lee...

Senator Rand Paul says he has a plan to balance our budget over five years, amid record high inflation and a national debt of over $30 Trillion Dollars. I spoke with him this morning on 98.7 The Buck...

The Russell County Jaycees Fair continues through Saturday, June 11th. Gate admission is $10; rides ARE included in gate admission. For a full schedule of events, visit the Russell County Jaycees Facebook page.

Wednesday, June 8 - Garden Tractor Pulls and dirt drag racing
Thursday, June 9 - Fresh off the Farm Truck & Tractor Pull, Championship Draft Horse Pull & Wrestling
Friday, June 10 - Beef show, TNT Truck & Tractor Pull and Karaoke Contest
Saturday, June 11 - KIDS day events, RC Derby, Championship Rodeo and Closing Ceremony
 

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) District 8 Office advises motorists that the intermittent ramp closures at Exit 78 (Nancy) on the Louie B. Nunn Cumberland Expressway have been rescheduled.

Work originally scheduled for today will now take place Thursday, June 9 and Friday, June 10. The ramp closures are necessary as crews perform paving operations. 

Work will be performed both east and west bound. Motorists should seek alternate routes while this work is addressed. 

For Kentucky’s latest traffic and travel information, visit goky.ky.gov or navigate traffic by downloading the free Waze app at www.waze.com. Motorists can also access traffic information for the District 8 counties at www.facebook.com/KYTCDistrict8 and at www.twitter.com/KYTCDistrict8

Sheriff Greg Speck reports on Friday June 3, 2022, the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office along with the Lake Cumberland Area Drug Task Force, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Somerset Police Department executed a search warrant on a Somerset residence. During the execution of the search warrant, Law Enforcement located a large quantity of methamphetamine along with items used
to package and distribute illegal narcotics.

Sheriff Speck reports the incident began when Detective Lieutenant Daryl Kegley and Agents from the Lake Cumberland Area Drug Task Force observed a vehicle known to be operated by a local drug source. Law Enforcement followed the vehicle to a parking lot and observed the individual, Theodore Mace, meet with a female, in a drug transaction. Law Enforcement observed the female place the item in her front pocket.

Det. Lt. Kegley followed the female, later identified as Flora West, and conducted a traffic stop of the vehicle. Upon stopping the vehicle, a search was conducted, and Law Enforcement located approximately one (1) ounce of suspected Methamphetamine. West was arrested on outstanding warrants.
 

Following the traffic stop, Law Enforcement obtained a search warrant for the residence of Theodore Mace, located on Kentucky Avenue. Law Enforcement attempted to make contact, eventually forcing entry into the residence. Once inside the residence, Law Enforcement located Mace in a bedroom in the front of the residence. Mace was taken into custody without incident.
 

A search of the residence uncovered approximately 216 grams of suspected methamphetamine, marijuana, digital scales, baggies, and $827.00 cash. Mace was taken to the Pulaski County Detention where he was lodged on the following charges:

*Trafficking in a Controlled Substance 1st Degree 1st offense
Methamphetamine
*Trafficking in Marijuana
*Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
 

West was served two Pulaski Circuit Court warrants, by Sergeant Zach Mayfield, for the following:
*Probation Violation
*Failure to pay court cost
 

Additional charges on West are expected and the investigation is ongoing.
 

Sheriff Greg Speck asked that if you have any information about drug activity or any crime, contact our office at 606-678-5145. You can remain anonymous. If you go to the Pulaski County Sheriff's Office website at http://www.pulaskisheriff.com/tip.php, it gives you three options to submit
anonymous tips.

Liberty City Council met in another special session Friday to vote on a 2nd Reading of a proposed Occupational Tax.

Mayor Steven Brown sat down in our studio to explain the need for these funds...
 

The Council met in executive session for an hour before a final vote of 4-2 againts the tax...
 

The next regular meeting of the Liberty City Council will be on Monday, June 13th.

Liberty City Council met in special session Thursday to discuss the budget, and a payroll tax.

After nearly two hours of discussion, the Council passed a 1st Reading of a 1% Occupational Tax.
The motion was made by Councilman Micah Meece and 2nd by Richard Montgomery...
 

A 2nd Reading will be held at another special called meeting today at 6pm at City Hall.

Mayor Brown dropped by our studio this morning...

U.S. Senator Rand Paul is coming to Liberty.

The public is invited to a Casey County Community Update with Senator Paul, Friday, June 3rd, at 2:45pm.

The event will be held in the 1st Floor Courtroom at the Casey County Judicial Center, downtown Liberty.

Liberty Tourism is having a special called meeting today at 5pm at City Hall. This is a rescheduled regular meeting.

Liberty City Council is aslo meeting in special session today at 6pm at City Hall. Items on the agenda are the Budget, and a Payroll Tax.

Those meetings are open to the public.