Boyle County authorities responded to the call of a fight in progress Friday in Junction City, where one person was stabbed.

Just after 4pm, Boyle County Deputies, along with Junction City Police, responded to the location at Junction City park. While en route, Danville Dispatch advised that a stabbing had just occurred.

Two subjects had fled on foot toward Junction City Elementary School. Officers located & detained a one subject on W Meigs Lane while Deputies were able to flush the other subject out of a wooded area behind a residence on North Lucas Street.

Investigators say the juvenile victim located an abandoned jacket on the ground near the baseball field, when a second juvenile ran from Oakland Street into the Park where a confrontation ensued.
A knife was held to the victims throat. Others were able to wrestle the juvenile subject to the ground and remove the knife. During the scuffle the victim suffered a major cut to his hand.

The juvenile subject was charged with Wanton Endangerment-1st Degree, Assault 4th Degree, Fleeing/Evading Police-1st Degree, and was released to the custody of his mother.
 

Alcohol belived to be a factor in a Russell County crash over the weekend.

The victim was flown from the scene of one car accident on E. Steve Wariner Drive around 9pm Friday night near Russell Springs First Baptist Church.

Investigators say Antonio Quetzalcoateco lost control of his Chevy passenger car, crossed the roadway and impacted the ditchline,  came back onto the road, then back into the ditch and over-turned.

He had to be extracted from the vehicle, then flown to UK Hospital in Lexington for treatment of serious injuries.

Russell Springs Police continue the investigation.

Multiple city & county agencies responded.

A Liberty woman is facing was arrested on drug charges during a traffic stop Friday.

Deputy Tyler Luttrell, with Casey County Sheriff's Office noticed 29 year old April D. DeLong, of Denson Rd., Liberty, traveling on W. KY-70 and learned through dispatch that she had an expired driver's license. He turned to initiate a traffic stop, however, lost sight of the vehicle. Deputy Luttrell later spotted the 2008 Ford Focus and initiated the stop on Wilson Ridge Road near the intersectio of Cale Brown Road.

DeLong stated that she was on Probation. When asked if there was anything illegal in the vehicle, DeLong paused, but would not give consent to search. After a call to her Probation Officer, consent was given.

Officers found two baggies of Marijuana, a needle, and three baggies of Methamphetamine.

DeLong was lodged in the Casey County Jail on charges of Drivig on Expired OL's, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Methamphetamine-1st Degree/2nd Offense, & Drug Paraphernalia.

Deputies Jake Atwood & Austin Harris assisted at the scene.

A Liberty man is facing charges following a tussle with police over the weekend.

Around 9pm Saturday, Deputy Jake Atwood was dispatched to a call in reference to a man talking out of his head on Thomas Ridge. While traveling KY-910, he spotted a man walking that matched the description provided. The Deputy initiated his emergency equipment and told the man he needed to speak with him. The man, later identified as 37 year old James M. Terry, of Memory Drive, Liberty, looked at the Officers and replied that he was going to keep walking.

Mr. Terry disregarded commands to stop, and pulled away when Deputy Atwood tried to grab his arm. Deputies took Terry to the ground and he locked his arms to try & prevent them from cuffing him. He continued to resist, saying that he was a member of Seal Team 6, and part of the Secret Service and that he protected the President.

After finally being subdued, Officers found a Meth Pipe with residue.

Terry was lodged in the Casey County Jail on charges of Resisting Arrest, Menacing, Public Intixication-Controlled Substance, and Drug Paraphernalia.

Although summer 2023 has followed a familiar script of decreased donor turnout and alarmingly low levels of available blood, donors at Kentucky Blood Center can pull off the blockbuster of the summer by boosting the blood supply in advance of the Independence Day holiday.

Now through July 5 at all donor centers, KBC is offering two free movie tickets for each donor who gives blood.

KBC donors are urgently needed this week. Already facing increased transfusions and waning collections, KBC officials are concerned the holiday could put a critical strain on the blood supply and impact its 70-plus Kentucky hospitals.

“Unfortunately, the holiday week ahead is one of the most difficult times of the year for providing lifesaving support to local patients,” said Mandy Brajuha, VP of external relations at KBC. “Precedent tells us to expect a rise in traumas and fewer donations at a time when we are already facing low levels of available blood. We are encouraging donors to be proactive this week and donate. Spend 45 minutes with us, save lives and then enjoy a summer blockbuster on us.”

Although all blood types are needed, O-negative and A-negative blood have particularly been in high demand recently. Supply levels for those blood types have dipped as low as a half-day supply over the last several weeks. One trauma alone can require anywhere from 50 to 100 units of blood, in addition to the daily aid blood provides for Kentuckians undergoing surgeries, fighting diseases like cancer, premature births and so much more.

All blood donated at Kentucky Blood Center stays local to save Kentuckians.

Donors can schedule an appointment at a KBC donor center by visiting kybloodcenter.org/donate/donor-center-locations, clicking on a donor center link below or calling 800.775.2522. All donor centers are open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. KBC will be closed July 4. Appointments are preferred but walk-ins are welcome.

Donors must be at least 17 years old (16 with parental consent), weigh at least 110 pounds, be in general good health, show a photo I.D. and meet additional requirements. Sixteen-year-old donors must have a signed parental permission slip, which can be found at kybloodcenter.org.

About Kentucky Blood Center

Celebrating 55 years of saving lives in Kentucky, KBC is the largest independent, full-service, nonprofit blood center in Kentucky. Licensed by the FDA, KBC’s sole purpose is to collect, process and distribute blood for patients in Kentucky. KBC provides services in 90 Kentucky counties and has donor centers in Lexington, Louisville, Frankfort, Pikeville, Somerset and the Tri-County area.

One person was arrested and two others hospitalized following a two vehicle accident Wednesday afternoon.

Deputy Hannah Lynn with Casey County Sheriff's Office responded to the scene around 3pm, 8 miles West of Liberty on KY 70. There, she made contact with 42 year old Mary Robbins, of Martin Rd., Liberty, who showed signs of impairment.

Robbins failed field sobriety tests and was charged with DUI, and Wanton Endangerment-1st Degree.

The driver of the other vehicle, Joann Rodgers, was flown to UK Hospital in Lexington. Her juvenile passenger was transported to Casey Hospital for treatment.

Dep. Austin Harris assisted.

Two people are charged in connection with a shooting in Danville.

Police say it happened Wednesday outside a home on Logan Avenue.

They say a fight led to 19-year-old Jason Fuller shooting a man in the thigh.
 

Those involved fled the scene, but officers tracked them to a location in Stanford.

Fuller is charged with assault and wanton endangerment.
 

19-year-old Aniyhla Johnson is charged with facilitation.
 

Both were lodged in the Boyle Co. Jail.

On 06/22/23 at 02:09 am BCSO units were notified by Danville 911 Center of a vehicle pursuit heading northbound on 127 from Casey County. Units were advised the suspect was wanted for assaulting his girlfriend and was considered armed and dangerous as well as homicidal and under the influence.

Upon entering Boyle County, a Boyle County Sheriff’s Office unit joined in the pursuit along with Danville Police Department, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, and Liberty Police Department units.

The pursuit continued northbound on 127 into Danville on Hustonville Road. During the pursuit, the suspect vehicle fled throughout Danville at various speeds before turning westbound on Lebanon Road. The fleeing suspect turned onto Alum Springs Crosspike where a Boyle County deputy continued the pursuit.

Danville 911 Center advised pursuing law enforcement there was a female passenger inside of the vehicle.

The suspect vehicle eventually entered Junction City limits then back into Danville. On 127 at Jane Trail spike strips were successfully deployed. The vehicle continued onto S. 2nd Street before coming to a stop.

Aaron Jackson, of Danville was taken into custody without further incident by Boyle County Sheriffs Office and Lincoln County Sheriffs Office. Aaron Jackson was placed under arrest and released to Liberty Police Department.

Jackson’s list of current charges/warrants:

-Burglary 1st

-Assault 2nd (domestic violence)

-Assault 4th (domestic) 3rd or greater w/in 5yrs -Parole Violation Warrant -Reckless Driving -Operating on a Suspended/Revoked license -Operating motor vehicle u/ the influence -Fleeing or evading police 1st degree (motor vehicle) -Speeding 26mph or > speed limit.

Boyle County charges are pending on Jackson related to this pursuit.

The Boyle County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the Danville 911 Center and the multiple law enforcement agencies for their assistance in the group effort to arrest a dangerous fugitive.

On Monday, June 19, 2023, John M. Polston appeared before Special Judge Greg Lay and entered guilty pleas to two charges stemming from an incident that occurred in July 2021, in Cumberland County, when Polston confronted Circuit Judge David L. Williams over another case involving Polston in Monroe County.

Polston was originally charged with Retaliating Against a Participant in the Legal Process and Menacing in Cumberland Circuit Court. Pursuant to an agreement reached with the Commonwealth, Polston pled guilty to an amended charge of Obstruction of Governmental Operations and to Menacing. Polston, who was represented by Attorney Alan Simpson of Bowling Green, had been scheduled to stand trial on June 19, 2023, before a jury in Pulaski County, where the case had been transferred for trial.

According to the amended indictment and guilty plea, Polston admitted that he “threatened to use violence, force or physical interference against Hon. David L. Williams, Circuit Judge for the 40th Judicial Circuit.” 29th Judicial Circuit Commonwealth’s Attorney Brian Wright served as special prosecutor in the case.

As part of the plea agreement, Wright agreed to recommend that the charge of Retaliating Against a Participant in the Legal Process (a Class D Felony) be amended to Obstruction of Governmental Operations (a Class A Misdemeanor).

Wright recommended that Polston serve twelve (12) months in jail on the charges, which is the maximum allowable under Kentucky law. Polston, who spent seventy (70) days in jail immediately following his indictment, has been on GPS-monitored home incarceration since October 19, 2021.

The events which gave rise to the Cumberland County indictment began after Polston, age 62, was arrested in December 2020 in Monroe County and charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance (methamphetamine); Possession of Marijuana; and DUI.

Polston appeared in Monroe Circuit Court in June 2021 and was arraigned on those charges by Hon. David L. Williams, who serves as Circuit Judge for the 40th Judicial Circuit. The 40th Judicial Circuit is comprised of Monroe, Cumberland, and Clinton Counties. During the arraignment, Judge Williams announced that he planned to recuse from Polston’s Monroe County case due to contacts that he had received from someone on behalf of Polston regarding that case. A few days later – on July 3, 2021 – Polston encountered Judge Williams at Mike’s Landing, a restaurant adjacent to Dale Hollow Lake in Cumberland County. Polston confronted Judge Williams about action he had taken in Polston’s Monroe County case, and Polston insisted on speaking with Judge Williams about the matter despite Judge Williams’ efforts to avoid Polston. Polston’s behavior and actions toward Judge Williams resulted in law enforcement being called to Mike’s Landing and an investigation involving multiple local and state agencies.

The incident was primarily investigated by Kentucky State Police Detective Michael Dubree, who presented his findings to a Cumberland County Grand Jury which returned an indictment charging Polston with Retaliating Against a Participant in the Legal Process and Menacing based on Polston’s conduct towards Judge Williams.

Polston has previously pled guilty before a special judge in the Monroe County case and was sentenced for Possession of Marijuana and DUI. He was granted pretrial diversion for the possession of methamphetamine charge.

Polston remains under federal indictment in the Middle District of Tennessee for several charges related to his previous employment as a pharmacist in Clay County, Tennessee.

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 June 20-22. 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 national 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.

Officer Stevie Douglas, East Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Spokesperson, says Operation SafeDRIVE can significantly impact highway safety.

“It is important to our officers that everyone travels safely on our roadways,” said Douglas. “Operation SafeDRIVE is an opportunity for us to ensure drivers follow the rules of the road and offer tips to keep drivers protected.”

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 Casey County fiscal court held their regular monthly meeting yesterday.

Skipper Todd presented the annual report from the soil conservation district, which was accepted.

Judge executive Randy Dial gave a second reading of the 2023–24 budget. ((CCFC-Budget-1)) The budget was approved.

Judge Dial also gave a second reading of a budget amendment which was also approved. ((CCFC-Budget-2))

The county received two bids on a wrecked van that was declared surplus. The winning bid went to Hayes garage for $1,350.

Melissa Richards was appointed as the FEMA application agent for the county.

Also under general business, Judge Dial noted a change in the wording of the county procurement code for small purchases without having to advertise for bids. The threshold was increased from $30,000-$40,000.

There was an opening on the County Library Board. Sandy Wolford was appointed to fill that position.

Under road business, the county will pay a little less for salt than they did last year... ((CCFC-Salt)).

Also under road business, the court voted to accept state discretionary funding to black top about 8/10 of a mile on Twin Oaks Road.

Under jail business the court advertised for bids for E-cigarettes for the jail and received one bid from cross bar at $5.50 per unit.

Also under jail business Judge Dial says the county will soon advertise for bids for reconstruction at the women's work camp... ((CCFC-WorkCamp)).

Under E911 business magistrates voted to give Judge Dial the power to negotiate a usage rate for the communications tower on on Smith Road. County Attorney Tommy Weddle advised the court that it was past time to establish a simple zoning code for the county.

Under miscellaneous Judge Dial announced to the court that the county had sold two Mack trucks for $237,500. The trucks were one year old and the county had paid $161,000 for those trucks.

Casey County Sheriff Chad Weddle gave his monthly activity report for the month of May... ((CCFC-Chad)).

Drivers using KY 1859 (Chicken Gizzard Road) in Casey County are advised to slow down and use caution as pavement repair work is underway. 

Crews are currently working to address pavement breaks between the intersection of KY 70 (mile point 0) and Earl Warner Road (mile point 4.9). Paving operations are scheduled to take place after repairs have been made. 

Lane closures will be present at times throughout the project. Motorists are reminded to pay close attention to highway signs and be prepared to stop.

Drivers should expect delays and are encouraged to allow extra time in reaching their destination. 

The duration of work is unknown. 

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.  

Jamestown Police responded to an injury accident just before 3pm Wednesday on US 127 in front of Welfare Baptist Church.

Police say a 2007 Toyota, driven by 43 year old David Piotrowski, of Jamestown, rear-ended a 2006 GMC box truck, operated by Tony Withers, age 50 of Russell Springs, who hit his brakes to avoid hitting a vehicle in front of him.

A passenger in the Toyota, Ernestine Ramey, was transported by Russell Co. EMS for treatment of non-life threatening injuries.

Withers was cited for No Insurance, and Expired Plates.

JPD Officer Savanna Harlan was assisted by members of the Russell Co. Sheriff's Office, and Jamestown Fire Dept.

A search team from Louisiana is in Pulaski County looking for a man missing for almost a year. Hayley Hansen reports...

Several victims, adults and children, are recovering after falling into a ravine in Adair County.
Around 5:30pm Tuesday, Adair EM, EMS, Sheriffs Office, Breeding Fire-Technical Rescue, and Columbia & Adair Co. Fire Department  personnel were dispatched by Adair E911 to the area of Holmes Bend Campground.  2 young girls (approximately 8 years old) reported multiple children and adults had fallen into a deep ravine, were stuck, possibly in the water.  The girls led First Responders to the scene, off trail toward the lake.  

One of the adult women had made her way back to the top of the ravine. She reported there were three more people stuck on a cliff between two rock drop-offs. Thankfully all were in stable and relatively unharmed condition just unable to safely move along the cliffside.

Rope access was established for responders, who assisted the victims to safety.

Minor cuts and bruising were noted to all parties.  

• Tyler Coffman, 28 of KY 1547, Liberty:  Possession of Methamphetamine-1st Degree; & Drug Paraphernalia.
• Lee Ann Brock, 49 of KY 1547, Liberty:  Possession of Methamphetamine-1st Degree/2nd Offense; Possession of Hydrocodon-1st Degree/2nd Offense; Possession of Gabapentin-3rd Degree; DUI-2nd Offense (Aggravating Circumstance); Resisting Arrest; & Careless Driving.
• Kaleb Compton, 32 of N. Forest St., Lebanon:  Possession of Methamphetamine-1st Degree/2nd Offense; & Drug Paraphernalia.
• Timothy Pridemore, 20, & Jason T. Flannery, 26, both of Hustonville St., Liberty:  Burglary-3rd Degree; Receiving Stolen Property (over $500); Criminal Mischief-3rd Degree; & Criminal Trespass-3rd Degree (3 counts).
• Branden V. Phillippe, 44 of Brock Rd., Dunnville:  Trafficking Methamphetamine-1st Degree/2nd Offense (over 2gms); Fleeing/Evading Police-2nd Degree (on foot); & Possession of Marijuana.
• Garry T. "Bubby" Grider, 44 of Westwood Dr., Liberty:  Possession of Methamphetamine-1st Degree/3rd Offense; Drug Paraphernalia; Public Intoxication; Disorderly Conduct-2nd Degree; & Menacing.
• Dustin T. Hamilton, 26 of Strong Branch Rd., Liberty:  Rape-3rd Degree.
• Paul D. Hamilton, 50 of Strong Branch Rd., Liberty:  Rape-3rd Degree; Sodomy-3rd Degree.
• Justin K. Luttrell, 27 of Red Hill Rd., Dunnville:  Assault-3rd Degree; Resisting Arrest; Possession of Marijuana; & Public Intoxication.
• Richard W. Reid, 53 of Parton Ridge Rd., Liberty:  Possession of Methamphetamine-1st Degree; License to be In Possession; No Tail Lamps; & DUI-Controlled Substance (Aggravating Circumstance).
• Waylon L. Snow, 47 of Means Rd., Waynesburg:  Possession of Methamphetamine-1st Degree; & Fleeing/Evading Police-2nd Degree (on foot).
• Neyse R. Richardson, 33 of Vallard Goode Rd., Liberty:  Trafficking Methamphetamine-1st Degree/2nd Offense (over 2gms); Persistent Felony Offender-1st Degree; Tampering with Physical Evidence; Reckless Driving; Improper Passing; & Speeding (15 mph or more over limit).
• Rondal D. Evans, 49 of Red Hill Rd., Dunnville:  Use of a Minor under 16 in a Sexual Performance (4 counts).

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

Liberty City Council met in regular session yesterday.

Council members approved a 6% raise for City employees.

Mayor Sam Haddad...

The savings in mowing will be approximately $5,600 per year.

The Casey County Board of Education met in regular session last night.

Liberty Elementary School had the best attendance not only for the month but also for the year.

The board heard some construction updates including some issues with asbestos. The board voted to have that safely removed at a cost of $9800.

The board approved $1,500 in travel expenses to support the Casey County High School fishing team. Two members have qualified to travel to national competition.

Superintendent Barry Lee participated in the meeting virtually and gave some comments on policy changes for the school system as mandated by recent legislation.

In connection to Senate Bill 5 "Harmful to Minors", parents will receive a two week notice regarding any content of a sexual nature in the upcoming curriculum. Parents can submit a written complaint to the school, and also may appeal any decisions to the Board of Education.

Casey County is ranked among the top ten counties in Kentucky for small business.

A recent study from Smart-Asset lists the places in each state with the strongest small business presence. The study uses IRS data to calculate how much small business income is generated in each county (relative to countywide income), as well as how many small businesses are operating in each county. Places scoring the best in these metrics were then ranked highest to lowest.

Casey County hit dead center, coming in at number five in the state.

The full methodology and interactive map can be found here: [LINK]

FRANKFORT, KY (June 7, 2023) – The following is a statement from Senator Max Wise, R-Campbellsville, regarding Kentucky Department of Education’s absurd interpretation (See Page 8 and 9) of Senate Bill 150:

“It is clear the legislature meant, in Section 2(1)(d) of SB 150, that schools shall not have classes in human sexuality in grades five and below, or study gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation at any grade level. 

Kentucky courts previously ruled that “an interpretation [of a statute] which will lead to an absurd result will be avoided,” and “when necessary to carry out the obvious intention of the Legislature, disjunctive words can be construed as conjunctive, and vice versa.” Chilton v. Gividen, 246 S.W.2d 133, 135 (Ky.1952). 

Obviously, the legislature would not pose these two requirements, which protect children and protect parental rights, as a binary choice for school systems to select to enforce. 

The role of the executive branch is to faithfully execute the law. The Beshear administration is, by extension of Commissioner Jason Glass and the Kentucky Department of Education, making a feeble attempt to undermine the law and shamelessly inject politics into Kentucky classrooms.  KDE demonstrates its clear political lean when it gives SB 150 such a contorted interpretation.  

The Kentucky General Assembly continuously strives to refocus education solely on academics and provide necessary protections for our teachers, parents, and students.”

###

Senator Max Wise, R-Campbellsville, represents the 16^th Senate District, including Adair, Allen, Metcalfe, Monroe, and Taylor Counties and eastern Warren County. Wise is the Co-chair of the Interim Standing Committees on Economic Development and Workforce Investment; co-chair of the Tourism, Small Business, and Information Technology; and co-chair of the Task Force on School and Campus Security.

Campbellsville Fire-Rescue was dispatched to a report of a drowning at the Green River Lake State Park. Upon arrival, firefighters secured the scene, interviewed the witnesses and deployed public safety divers. It was determined that a 37-year-old male was underwater and unaccounted for. At approximately 1830 rescue efforts switched to a recovery operation. Sonar operations, dive operations and ROV operations was conducted until early morning hours with no success due to the large amount of bottom debris.

During the next day operations personnel conducted side scan operations and located a potential target and was confirmed with KYFW tow-fish sonar. Special operations divers deployed to the target locating the missing subject in 32' of water in heavy brush.

No other civilian injuries were reported. One special operations diver did sustain a minor laceration during dive operations that required stitches.

The incident is being investigated by the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife and Taylor County Coroner's Office. 

Firefighters Responding:17

Responding Apparatus: Rescue 1, Squad 1, Squad 2, Squad 3, TSAR 1, Marine 1, Marine 2 and Chief

Assisting Agencies:

Campbellsville Taylor County 911 Center

Campbellsville Taylor County EMS

Taylor County Fire Department

Taylor County Sheriff Office

Taylor County Coroner's Office

Ky Fish and Wildlife

Kentucky State Park Ranger

US Army Corps of Engineers

Russell County Rescue Squad

On standby

Barren County Rescue Squad

Louisville Metro Police Dive Team

This was the third drowing at Green River Lake over the past couple of weeks.

43 year old Vinsette Noucho, of Hardin County, drowned May 31st, and Rodney Lewis, age 69, of Larue County, drowned May 22nd.

All three drownings are still under investigation.

Casey County Board of Education met in special session yesterday for two meetings.
Superintendent, Barry Lee explains...