FRANKFORT, Ky. (February 28, 2023) — Kentucky State Police (KSP) Commercial Vehicle Enforcement will participate in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s Operation SafeDRIVE (Distracted Reckless Impaired Visibility Enforcement) from Feb. 28 – March 2. This enforcement campaign targets unsafe driving behavior that often leads to crashes involving passenger cars and commercial vehicles. It complements national efforts to educate all drivers on safely sharing roads with large trucks.

The regional SafeDRIVE initiative cracks down on dangerous interstate driving behaviors such as aggressive driving, speeding, tailgating, failing to wear a seat belt, distracted driving, and driving under the influence. During this effort, KSP Commercial Vehicle Inspectors will open scale facilities, ensuring commercial drivers follow safety regulations, including hours of service compliance, commercial driver license compliance, medical certification, and commercial motor vehicle credentialing. KSP will be participating in the event with twelve other states including Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Virginia.

Major Nathan Day, Director for the Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division, says Operation SafeDRIVE can significantly impact highway safety.

“We want Kentucky roadways to be safe for all drivers, and Operation SafeDRIVE is another way for us to ensure motorists are following the rules of the road,” says Major Day. “By working together, we can make sure everyone makes it to their destinations.”

KSP encourages all motorists to take the following advice while driving on the roads:

• Stay out of blind spots:Large trucks and buses have big blind spots on all four sides.
• Pass safely:Make sure you can see the truck driver in their side mirror. Use your turn signals, and don’t linger in the blind spot. Make sure you can see the CMV vehicle in your rearview mirror before pulling in front.
• Don’t cut off large vehicles:It takes a large truck traveling at highway speeds the length of two football fields to stop.
• Don’t tailgate:Tailgating a commercial vehicle puts you in a blind spot.

Operation SafeDRIVE coordinates with a national campaign run by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration called “Our Roads, Our Safety,” which educates all motorists on how to share the road safely.

The mission of KSP is to promote public safety through service, integrity and professionalism using partnerships to prevent, reduce and deter crime and the fear of crime, enhance highway safety through education and enforcement, safeguard property and protect individual rights.

The number one priority for KSP is to create a better Kentucky by making the commonwealth’s streets safer, communities stronger and the nation more secure by providing exceptional law enforcement made up of a diverse workforce. For more information about career opportunities with KSP visit the website.

A Dunnville woman was arrested on DUI charges in the early morning hours.

Trooper Harper, with Kentucky State Police, arrested 30 year old  Brandy Emerson, of Dunville, just after 2am Monday morning.

Emerson is charged with Rear License Not Illuminated, Careless Driving, DUI, Possession of Marijuana, and Drug Paraphernalia.

She was lodged in the Russell County Jail.

Danville Police responded to the call of a knife-wielding neighbor over the weekend.

Just after 2pm Saturday, Officers were dispatched to the Long Run Community Apartments for a neighbor dispute. Their investigation determined that 21 year old Jordan Fogle, of Danville, became agitated and upset with his neighbor.  Video evidence shows Fogle approaching the neighboring apartment in an aggressive manner, and making threats, while armed with a large knife.  

The victims stayed inside their apartment and contacted police.  

Officers went to the second floor landing of the apartment complex and advised Fogle he was under arrest. That's when Fogle attempted to flee toward the stairs and past three officers. He resisted arrest and continued to try and escape. One officer deployed a taser to bring Fogle under control. He was then taken into custody without further incident.  

Fogle is charged with menacing and resisting arrest. He was lodged in the Boyle County Jail.

Human remains discovered a week ago in rural Taylor County have been indentified.

On Wednesday last week, Taylor County Coroner's Office and Taylor County Sheriff's Office began an investigation into the cause and manner of death as well as the identity for an individual who's remains had been located in between New Columbia Road and Sheridan Drive.

The Kentucky State Medical Examiner's Office identified the remains as that of 34 year old Brandon Gunter, of Campbellsville.

A press released from Taylor County Coroner Daniel Cook says foul play is not suspected, however, they are awaiting further testing on Cause & Manner of Death, and the investigation is on-going.

Deputy Jake Atwood, with Casey County Sheriff's Office pulled the Chevy Equinox over after an incomplete stop at the intersection of KY 70 & Vallard Goode Road, about six miles west of Liberty.
As Deputy Atwood checked ID's, a K-9 unit alerted on the vehicle. A search located narcotics that belonged to a passenger, 54 year old Celesta Lee Waddle, of 609 Caney Fork Rd, Liberty. Officers found a clear baggie, inside a cigarette purse that contained a crystal like substance. Waddle also had a clear baggie with a crystal substance in her hand as she was being cuffed.

As Waddle was transported to the Casey County Jail, a glass pipe was found wedged in the seat of the police cruiser.

She is charged with Possession of Methamphetamine, Drug Paraphernalia, & Tampering with Physical Evidence.

The driver, 41 year old Jessica Renee Luttrell, of 175 Neff Rd, Liberty, admitted to ownership of a UK purse found the vehicle, but not the drugs found inside. Officers found a baggie of a crystal like substance, along with a bandana wrapped around two glass pipes with burnt residue inside.

Luttrell is charged with Disregarding a Stop Sign, Possession of Meth, & Drug Paraphernalia.

Deputy Brandon Smith, & K-9 unit Kados assisted.

Casey County fiscal Court met in regular session Monday.

A group of concerned citizens returned to address the court concerning animal control, the status of an animal shelter for our county, and to ask what is currently being done.
 

The Casey County Youth Coalition & Junior CYC addressed the court with a presentation on their Photo Voice Project concerning youth tobacco use in our county. Part of their presentation concerned parents providing tobacco and e-cigarette products for their children, as well as under age youth purchasing tobacco and vape products local retailers. The CYC requested the Fiscal Court to consider a county-wide tobacco licensing tax for tobacco retailers to help curb the problem of selling these products to under age customers. Casey County Sheriff Chad Weddle said this is a major problem in our county…
 

Under Road business, Magistrate Robbie Murphy commented on the progress of repairs to Fishing Creek Road. Judge Dial is hopeful those repairs will be completed this week…
 

He also mentioned that half of the funding for that project has already been received.

Under jail business, magistrates heard a progress report from our new jailer, Mike Woodrum…
 

Magistrate Troy Sanders also asked about the status of roof repairs at the jail…
 

Judge Dial also made comments concerning repairs to the women’s camp.
 

Magistrates also voted to declare several vehicles at surplus property for resale, as well as some equipment for disposal.

Casey County Sheriff Chad Weddle gave his monthly activity report for the month of January.
 

Casey County Schools congratulates our Casey Co. ATC KYTech Skills USA members who competed in Regional Competiton on Monday.

?Ethan Anderson - 2nd place Electrical Construction Wiring
?Matthew Davenport - 1st place Electrical Construction Wiring
?Arnold McQueary - 3rd place Automotive Maintenance and Light Repair

?Molly Calhoun - 3rd place Welding 1 and $750 scholarship to Kentucky Welding Institute
?Dylan Cain - 2nd place Welding 1 and $1000 scholarship to Kentucky Welding Institute

Way to go!! ???? ????
#EngageEducateEmpowerExcel
Casey County High School

Casey County Sheriff's Office:

(Frankfort, KY) - "We're grateful for the Kentucky Supreme Court's ruling yesterday that upheld two important laws restricting abortion," said CPC Executive Director Richard Nelson. "The Court should be commended for showing judicial restraint."

The Court kept in place the Heartbeat Law which banned abortions after six weeks and the Human Life Protection Act, which reinstated a ban on abortion after Roe v. Wade was overturned last summer. "Many Kentuckians were concerned that a negative ruling would have amounted to a state level Roe v. Wade, where an activist court usurped the role of the legislature and voice of the citizenry," Nelson said. "We're pleased that a majority of the court refused to go that route." The Court ruled by a 4-3 margin.

The case has been sent back to the Circuit Court, where oral arguments will proceed in light of their ruling. In the meantime, and in practical terms, the ruling ensures that abortion centers are still outlawed in Kentucky, and unborn babies will have an opportunity at a chance at life.

Pulaski County Sheriff Bobby Jones reports on Wednesday February 15, 2023, two Pulaski County
residents were arrested following a traffic stop.
 

The incident began when Detectives with the Narcotics Division and the Lake Cumberland Area Drug Task Force, were conducting surveillance on known drug traffickers.

Detective Tan Hudson was clearing the scene of a traffic stop and observed a vehicle pass his
location, operated by one of the suspected traffickers. Detective Hudson pulled out behind the
vehicle on Bourne Avenue. The vehicle then drove at a high rate of speed, in an attempt to elude
police. The vehicle turned on Walnut Avenue, Hall Street, and finally Eckstein Street, where
Detective Hudson was able to catch up to the vehicle, when the vehicle came to a dead end.

Detective Hudson removed the occupants of the vehicle, Derrick Lewis Johnson age 35,
of Somerset and Samantha Newsome, age 27, of Somerset. When Johnson was removed, he
threw a container, scattering pills in the driveway of a residence.
 

Once other Law Enforcement arrived on scene, a search of the vehicle was conducted
where approximately 3.4 grams of Fentanyl, approximately ½ gram of methamphetamine, and 18
Xanax. Both occupants had outstanding warrants and were arrested on the scene and transported
to the Pulaski County Detention Center.
 

Following the traffic stop, a search warrant was issued for Johnson’s residence. Upon
searching Johnson’s residence, Detectives located approximately 14 grams of Fentanyl,
approximately 1 gram of methamphetamine, baggies, and digital scales.
 

Derrick Lewis Johnson was arrested and charged with the following:
1. Trafficking in Controlled Substance 1 st Offense (Fentanyl)
2. Trafficking in Controlled Substance 1 st Degree 1 St Offense (< 2 grams)
methamphetamine
3. Trafficking in Controlled Substance 3 rd Degree 1 st Offense (<20 D.U.)
4. Fleeing or Evading Police, 2 nd Degree (Motor Vehicle)
5. No Registration Plates
6. Operating on Suspended or Revoked License
7. Drug Paraphernalia – Buy/Possess
8. Failure to or Improper Signal
9. Reckless Driving

10. Pulaski County District Court Warrant for Failure to Appear
11. Pulaski County District Court Warrant for Failure to Appear
12. Pulaski County District Court Warrant for Contempt
13. Pulaski County District Court Warrant for Contempt
 

Samantha Newsome was arrested and charged with the following:
1. Trafficking in Controlled Substance 1 st Offense (Fentanyl)
2. Trafficking in Controlled Substance 1 st Degree 1 St Offense (< 2 grams)
methamphetamine
3. Drug Paraphernalia – Buy/Possess
4. Lincoln County Circuit Court warrant for Contempt

The Pulaski County Narcotics Division was assisted by the Lake Cumberland Area Drug
Task Force, Lieutenant Richard Smith, Deputy Seth Gover, and the Somerset Police Department.
The case remains under investigation by Detective Tan Hudson of the Pulaski County Sheriff’s
Office Narcotics Division.

Sheriff Bobby Jones asks if you have any information about drug activity or any crime to contact
our tip line at 606-679-8477. You can remain anonymous. You can also leave a tip on our
webpage at http://www.pulaskisheriff.com.

A death investigation is underway in Campbellsville.

On Wednesday morning around 10am, the Taylor County Coroner's Office was dispatched with the Taylor County Sheriff's Office to an area between Sheridan Drive & New Columbia Road, in reference to a utility worker locating human remains.

Investigators located the severely decomposed body of a male in a wooded area. The remains were transported to the Kentucky State Medical Examiners Office in Louisville.

The investigation is ongoing.

Authorities say no foul play suspected.

LEBANON, Ky. (February 16, 2023) - On February 13, 2023, at approximately 11:44 P.M. EST, Kentucky State Police (KSP) Post 15, received a call from Marion County 911.  Lebanon Police Department requested investigative assistance regarding finding a deceased female inside a residence on Harrison Street in Lebanon.

KSP Troopers and Detectives responded to the scene and learned Kaitlyn Wise, age 29 of Lebanon, had suffered fatal injuries from apparent gunshot wounds. 

Detective Josh Dicken, assisted by other KSP Troopers and Detectives, is continuing the murder investigation.

Anyone with information in regards to this investigation are urged to contact KSP Post 15 in Columbia at (270)-384-4796 or our hotline at (800)-222-5555. 

Callers may remain anonymous when providing information pertaining to this case.

Kentucky State Police Investigates Fatal Collision on US 127 in Russell County...

RUSSELL SPRINGS, Ky. (February 14, 2023) – Through the course of the investigation, Senior Trooper Weston Sullivan obtained an arrest warrant for Alex Fabian Lopez Entzin and he was charged with the following charges:

• Murder
• Speeding 14 MPH over Limit
• No Operator's License
• Operating Motor Vehicle under the Influence of Alcohol - 1st degree Aggravating Circumstance
• Failure to Give Oncoming Vehicle 1/2 of Highway
• Reckless Driving

Trooper Jacob Guffey of KSP Post 12 in Frankfort served the warrant and arrested Mr. Entzin on February 11, 2023.  Mr. Entzin was lodged in the Fayette County Detention Center.  The investigation continues by Senior Trooper Sullivan.

RUSSELL SPRINGS, Ky.  (January 4, 2023) – On January 2, 2023 at approximately 5:47 P.M. CST, Kentucky State Police (KSP) Post 15 Troopers responded to a two-vehicle injury collision on US 127 in Russell County.

The preliminary investigation revealed that Alex Fabian Lopez Entzin, age 23 of Russell Springs, was traveling south on US 127 in a 2013 Ford Escape when he met a 2022 GMC Terrain traveling north on US 127.  The two vehicles collided in a head-on manner on US 127.  The GMC Terrain was being operated by Wanda Wethington, age 75 of Russell Springs. 

Mrs. Wethington was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Russell County Coroner.  Mr. Entzin was transported to University of Kentucky Hospital with life threatening injuries.

KSP Post 15 Troopers were assisted at the scene by the Russell County Sheriff's Office, Russell County Fire and EMS, Russell County Rescue Squad, and Russell County Coroner.  The collision remains under investigation by Trooper Weston Sullivan.

The Casey County Board of Education met in regular session Monday night at the Board Annex.

Superintendent Barry Lee gave an update on construction projects.

New Principal, Mr. Brad Jefferies, addressed the Board with an update on programs & activities at Walnut Hill Elementary.

Mr. Kevin Stephens reported attendance was trending up at a rate of 91.52 percent for all the schools.

Mr. Lee reminded the Board of our schools efforts toward Character Education, with the Word of the Month this month is "CARING".

Mr. Lee also gave his Superintendent's report virtually as he is attending training out of town.

Under Consent Items, the Board gave authorization to advertise for bids on resurfacing projects for Liberty Elementary, the Board Annex, and the Board's Office facility.

The school calendar was approved with the last day for students being May 17th, and closing day for staff, May 20th.

Deena Randolph presented an optimistic Financial Report, which was approved.

Under miscellaneous business, Mr. Lee suggested the Board consider on-line meetings with the beginning of the new school year.

The next regular meeting of the Casey County School Board is scheduled for March 13th.

Liberty City Council met in regular session Monday.

Ryan Carr with the Kentucky Engineering Group gave an update on the water drainage problems in the city...
 

Carr told the council that $2 million would be a rough estimate of the project...
 

This project is not a permanent fix to Liberty's water problem...
 

No action was taken.

The council heard in annual audit presentation from CPA Jordan Wren. Once again the city received a clean opinion with no findings.

Sandy Woolford was re-appointed to the Housing Authority.

The council heard a first reading of an ordinance related to water rates from East Casey Water for an increase of $.20 per thousand gallons. There will have to be a second reading of that ordinance.

Under old business The Napier Street bridge project will now be a repair instead of a replace which will amount to a significant savings to the city. Also there will be no closed traffic as the repairs take place, and the projected repair time will be approximately 10 days.

Former Casey County Judge Executive Garland Hoskins was appointed as a representative to the Lake Cumberland Area Development District for the City of Liberty.

The council also approved an ordinance creating the position of a City Operations Manager. Alan Sparr was appointed to that position at no cost to the city.

The council went into executive session for about 15 minutes with no action reported.

Council also heard reports from department heads in water and sewer and water treatment.

The next regular meeting of the Liberty City Council is scheduled for March 13th.

The Casey County Fiscal Court held a special called meeting Monday morning to consider bids for the repair of significan damage to Fishing Creek Rd.

Judge Executive, Randy Dial...

The magistrates approved the bid from Hinkle Environmental Services.

Judge Dial says, Fishing Creek Road will be closed to traffic during that repair...

The next regular meeting of the Casey County Fiscal Court is scheduled for Monday, Feb. 20th.

A traffic stop in Liberty leads to DUI charges.

Shortly after 7pm Sunday, Deputy Jake Atwood with Casey Co. Sheriff's Office stopped a 2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser on Hustonville St., in Liberty, due to the registered owner having a suspended Operator's License.

Deputy Atwood noted the driver, 55 year old Michelle M. Carman, of 4082 W. Ky 70, Liberty, had bloodshot eyes and immediately began asking him to giver her a break. The citation states Ms. Carman was speaking very quickle and was difficult to understand. She advised that her license was suspended, and she did not have insurance on the vehicle. An empty beer bottle was located in the rear of the vehicle.

Carman failed field sobriety tests, and w as charged with DUI, driving on a suspended Operator's License, and No Insurance.

Two men arrested on drug charges during a traffic stop in Casey County Tuesday night.

Shortly before 9pm, Deputy Jake Atwood, with Casey County Sheriff's Office, stopped a '92 Chevy Pickup, headed West on KY 70, for no tail lamps. The driver, 53 year old Richard William Reid, was unable to provide his license, and appeared nervous.

Dispatch advised that a passenger in the truck, Waylon L. Snow, age 46 of Waynesburg, had an active warrant for his arrest. Deputy Atwood asked Snow to step out of the vehicle, but Snow advised his door wouldn't open. He was told to exit the driver's side, and as the Deputy stepped that direction, Snow opened his door and fled into a field. The Deputy gave chase. Snow ignored commands to stop, running back to the roadway, where a taser was deployed and Snow fell to the pavement. He suffered lacerations to his face from the fall and requested EMS.

A search of the vehicle resulted in the discovery of a glass container with Methamphetamine inside.

Both men were transported to Casey County Hospital, then lodged in the Casey County Jail.

Reid is charged with DUI-controlled substance, Possession of Meth, License to be in Possession, & No Tail Lights.

Snow is charged with Possession of Meth, and Fleeing/Evading Police-2nd Degree (on foot). He was also served with a Bench Warrant ouf of Pulaski County for Contempt of Court.
 

A Pulaski County man died in a single vehicle accident Tuesday in Casey County.

Sheriff Chad Weddle reports, the accident happened around 2:30pm, about 16 miles SW of Liberty on KY 80. A 2013 Chevy Silverado Pickup, driven by 73 year old David W. Simpson, of Nancy, was headed East, crossed the center line and continued off the left side of the roadway. The truck traveled 71 feet, hit a utility pole, then  traveled another 146 feet and struck a tree.

Mr. Simpson was pronounced dead by the Casey County Coroner's Office.

The roadway was reopened around 4pm.

Casey County EMS also responded.
 

Reports of a bomb threat led officials to close Jamestown City Hall this week.

According to our sister-station, 92.7 The Wave, Jamestown Police Chief Jeff Kerns reports, on Tuesday, a resident was cleaning when she found a .50 caliber rifle round and brought it to the police department for disposal.

She stated that she was told it contained a liquid that could kill several people if it exploded, prompting police to secure the area and evacuate nearby buildings including city hall.

Kerns said the comment was not malicious and no threat was made.

As an extra precaution, Kentucky State Police also responded to help secure the area.

The scene was cleared around 10am.

The Jamestown Fire Department, Russell County Sheriff’s Office, & Emergency Management also responded, and Russell Springs authorities were on standby.

A man was arrested in Russell County early Tuesday after he allegedly followed a woman, then ran from police.

Russell Springs Police responded to the call around 3am, regarding a woman that was being followed by an unknown person. She reported making several turns, trying to get away, however the vehicle remained behind her.

Officer Brenton Llané, located the vehicles traveling on US 127 and attempted a traffic stop, however, the vehicle failed to stop. After, a brief pursuit, the vehicle finally stopped at the Four Seasons Car Wash.

29 year old Jesus A. Marin, of Russell Springs, was taken into custody and charged with Speeding 10 MPH Over Limit, No  Insurance, Fleeing/Evading Police-1st Degree (Motor Vehicle), 3 counts of Wanton Endangerment-1st Degree, 3 counts of Wanton Endangerment-1st Degree-Police Officer, No Operators License, Failure To Wear Seat Belts, Reckless Driving and Improper Passing.

He was lodged in the Russell County Jail.

Authorities are investigating a possible bomb threat in Jamestown.

City officials say an item was left at Jamestown Police Department and was said to be a bomb. Police followed safety protocal, and  treated it as such.

Jamestown City Hall was closed off.

Kentucky State Police are investigating this threat.

No other details have been made available.

Mark Allen Jones, 43 of Glasgow:  Assault-3^rd Degree (2 counts); Theft by Unlawful Taking (over $10,000); Fleeing/Evading Police-1^st Degree; Wanton Endangerment-1^st Degree (Police Officer); Disarming a Peace Officer; DUI-substance; Reckless Driving; & Speeding (26 mph or more over limit).

Brandon Jon Halecki, 44 of Liberty:  Fleeing/Evading Police-1^st Degree; Possession of Methamphetamine-1^st Degree; Drug Paraphernalia; Driving on Suspended/Revoked OL’s; Possession of Marijuana; Failure to Wear Seat Belts; No/Expired Plates; No Insurance; & Reckless Driving.

Levi Tucker Swann, 27 of Harrodsburg:  Fleeing/Evading Police-1^st Degree; Persistent Felony Offender-1^st Degree (multiple counts); Wanton Endangerment-1^st Degree (Police Officer); Tampering with Physical Evidence; Driving on DUI Suspended OL-3^rd Offense; No Insurance; Possession of Marijuana; Speeding (26 mph or more over limit); Disregarding a Stop Sign; & Reckless Driving.

Dakota Pevely, 18 of Liberty:  Possession of Methamphetamine-1^st Degree; Drug Paraphernalia; DUI-substance; No OL’s; & Failure to Wear Seat Belts.

Michael Steven Propes (aka Mikahl Von Krumrey), 48 of Liberty:  Assault-2^nd Degree; & Persistent Felony Offender-1^st Degree.

Adam James Sullivan, 34 of Windsor:  Assault-2^nd Degree; Persistent Felony Offender-2^nd Degree (x2); Tampering with Physical Evidence; & Possession of Methamphetamine-1^st Degree.

Eric Scott Herring, 42 of Lexington:  Trafficking Methamphetamine-1^st Degree (over 2 gms); Persistent Felony Offender-1^st Degree (x2); Tampering with Physical Evidence; Drug Paraphernalia; No Brake Lights; Failure to/Improper Turn Signal; & Rear License Not Illuminated.

Jacobo “Jacob” Colorado Morales, 43 of Liberty:  Sexual Abuse-1^st Degree.

We remind our listeners, an indictment is only a legal accusation, not an indicator of guilt.

**UPDATE** ... Ms. Buchanan has been found safe.

...................

Sheriff Bobby Jones is asking for the public’s help in locating a missing female from N. Old Stilesville Rd., Somerset, KY.

Daisy Buchanan, 22 years old, left her residence on N. Old Stilesville Rd. early Sunday morning and hasn't been seen or heard from by family since. According to family, she was seen leaving the residence by herself, in a white 2007 Hyundai Sonata with Kentucky registration, 647 JDS.

If you have seen Daisy, or have information on her whereabouts, please contact the Pulaski County Sheriff's Office at 606-678-5145, or you can report information anonymously by texting PCSOTIP to 847411, or by the use of our Pulaski County Sheriff's Office app. You can also go to the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Website Pulaski County Sheriff's Department - Crime Tips http://www.pulaskisheriff.com/ where you can also leave tips.