Pulaski County Sheriff Bobby Jones came before the Pulaski County Fiscal Court this week and presented a Life Saving Medal to Deputy Logan Crabtree for his actions during the investigation of a traffic collision.  

On August 20, 2023, Deputy Logan Crabtree responded to a serious injury accident, involving a motorcycle, on East Highway 80 in Pulaski County.  While on scene, Deputy Crabtree observed a seriously injured man, and applied a tourniquet to his leg.

Sheriff Jones was told by Emergency personnel from Somerset/Pulaski EMS and the flight crew that had Deputy Crabtree not taken the actions that he did, the person probably would not have survived.

The Casey County Fiscal Court met in a special session Monday due to having to reschedule their regular monthly meeting because of illness.

Under general business, Andrew Richardson and Jennifer Irvin were named to the Casey County Extension Board.

Judge executive Randy Dial discussed a resolution concerning hazard mitigation…

Under jail business, Judge Dial told magistrates that Kay-Co has approved repairs for the women’s work camp…

Casey County Sheriff Chad Weddle gave his monthly activity report…

Magistrates also heard the Jail report…

The Kentucky State Police annual statewide ‘Cram the Cruiser’ food drive to help combat hunger in local communities is underway. This initiative, hosted by all 16 KSP Posts, aims to collect essential food items to brighten the holiday season for those in need. Food collection will run from November 21 through December 4.

Troopers will be stationed at various grocery and retail stores across the state, ready to accept donations of non-perishable food items. These items included canned fruit and vegetables, canned meat, macaroni and cheese, cereal, peanut butter, jelly, canned soups, chili or spaghetti sauce, brownie and cake mixes, coffee, water, powdered milk and juices. Food items may also be dropped off at local post locations.

A simultaneous statewide signature event is planned on Friday, December 1, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in each post area as the final push for the campaign. All food items collected stay in the communities where the contributions were made.

“This event has a special place in our hearts. We are committed to serving the people of Kentucky in every way we can,” said KSP Commissioner Phillip Burnett, Jr. “With the holidays approaching, it becomes even more crucial to ensure that everyone has access to nutritious meals.”

In 2022, KSP collected 218,362 pounds of food, with Post 16 collecting the most donations at 142,553 pounds.

To find specific locations and further details about the ‘Cram the Cruiser’ holiday food drive, visit the KSP website.

Somerset City Council met this week.

Jeff Henderson reports, the Council heard about the growing need for qualified EMT's...

The Casey County Grand Jury has handed down several indictments, including:

-Dustin Jade Stephens, 34 of Jamestown indicted for bail jumping 1st degree & persistent felony offender 1st degree.

-Bryan S Thomas, 36 of Liberty, indicted for assault 2nd degree.

-Jordan W Sims, 31 of Middleburg, indicted for trafficking in methamphetamine 2 grams or more 1st degree/2nd or subsequent offense, persistent felony offender 1st degree, possession of marijuana, & drug paraphernalia.

-Neyse R Richardson aka Neysa Richardson, 34 of Liberty, indicted for trafficking in methamphetamine 2 grams or more 1st degree/2nd or subsequent offense, persistent felony offender 1st degree, possession of marijuana, & drug paraphernalia.

-Jacqueline Cagle, 27 of Liberty, indicted for trafficking in methamphetamine 2 grams or more 1st degree, possession of marijuana, & drug paraphernalia.

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

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

Superintendent, Barry Lee...

Liberty City Council met in regular session Monday.

Mayor Sam Haddad says the city is awaiting approval on a Community Development Block Grant for the wastewater system rehabilitation project. The mayor says he hopes to have that approved by Christmas.

The council approved a resolution for Mayor Haddad to sign an agreement with the Commonwealth approving a grant of just over $210,000 for the Lake Liberty Park project.

The only other item on the agenda was a first reading of an ordinance related to an amendment to the zoning map concerning two properties on Hustonville Street that will be rezoned from single-family to multi-use.

The Council went into executive session for about 15 minutes to discuss property with no action taken.

Mayor Sam Haddad gave a brief update.

Councilman Nick Turner raised an issue concerning some non-functioning fire hydrants. There are approximately 8 to 11 nonfunctional hydrants in the city that need to be replaced. Chuck Dorman stated the hydrants are not repairable and must be replaced. Total cost is estimated at between $4 and $5,000 per hydrant. The city currently has three new hydrants in stock.

Around 8pm Tuesday, Casey County Deputies Tyler Luttrell, Jake Atwood, and Austin Harris were dispatched to 5457 Ky 906, Hustonville, KY, for a person being shot. Upon arrival officers did not see anyone outside. Deputies Atwood and Harris went to the next house over and made contact with Marcus Doren. Mr. Doren was detained and put him in the back of Deputy Atwood's cruiser.

Deputy Luttrell then made contact with Joseph King and Dakota Doren, who are brother and sister, and Marcus is Dakota's husband. Once we figured out no one had been shot and the scene was safe, all three subjects were separated and asked what had happened. Marcus and Dakota both stated that Joesph shot at Marcus.

Joesph stated that he and Marcus argued over a dog. Joesph then went outside with a .22 revolver fired at the dog six times. Marcus confronted Joesph and told him to stop shooting around his wife, then stood in front of the dog. Joesph then ran inside and grabbed his 9mm. Marcus then grabbed his Hipoint 45mm from his truck. Marcus stated that Joesph then ran around the vehicle and fired a round into the ground. Marcus stated that after he shot into the ground, Joesph then pointed his weapon at Marcus and fired it at him. Marcus and Dakota both stated that Joesph pointed the weapon at Marcus and shot at him.

Deputies asked Joesph several times if he shot at Marcus, and his story changed. At first he only shot the 22 revolver at the dog then he stated that he did go back inside and grabbed the Glock 9mm, but shot at the ground, not at Marcus.

Joesph was placed under arrest and transported to the Casey County Jail on charges of Wanton Endangerment-1st Degree (ATTEMPT).

In an effort to protect those who protect us, Nov. 13-17 has been declared as "Crash Responder Safety Week" in Kentucky.

Emergency responders and public safety personnel put their lives at risk daily. You are reminded to slow down and move over to help keep them safe.

Kentucky passed its "Move Over" law in 2003, requiring motorists to move over to the adjacent lane when approaching an emergency, or public safety vehicle with flashing lights. If changing lanes is impossible or unsafe, motorists must slow down and use caution. Failure to do so can result in fines, jail time, or both.

Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Secretary Jim Gray says, “While some drivers may believe that moving over is just a courtesy, it is not – it’s the law. Remember to stay alert, slow down, and move over.”

The law protects all first responders, including law enforcement, firefighters, emergency medical technicians, paramedics, safety service patrols, and towing vehicles.

Unfortunately, first responders are injured or killed every year by drivers who fail to move over. In Kentucky over the past three years, crashes involving emergency vehicles in response to an incident resulted in more than 1,000 collisions, more than 360 injuries, and five deaths.

All 50 states have enacted “Move Over” laws.

Veterans Day is Saturday, a day of remembrance to honor all military veterans of the U.S. armed forces. The day was originally known as Armistice Day and Remembrance Day to commemorate the end of World War I. In 1954, the U.S. Congress changed the day to Veterans Day.

Everyone is encouraged to join a special ceremony tomorrow morning at the Memorial Wall in downtown Liberty.

Mike Marple is with the Casey County Veteran's Honor Guard...

U.S. post offices will be closed Saturday and there will be no mail delivery.

***UPDATE***

Sheriff Bobby Jones reports that Austin Prather has been taken into custody in Indiana. Investigators are currently working with Indiana authorities to further this investigation.

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Sheriff Bobby Jones reports on November 7, 2023, at approximately 11:47 PM, Deputies with the Sheriff's Office, the Somerset Police Department, the Science Hill Police Department, and the Kentucky State Police responded to a call of a shooting victim on Raleigh Road in Science Hill, Kentucky.

When the Officers arrived, they located Ardyth Prather Jr., age 67, known as "Ray," deceased from apparent gunshot wounds. Mr. Prather's wife, Joann Prather, age 65, had been shot and stabbed but was still alive. Ms. Prather was treated at the scene by the Somerset/Pulaski EMS and ultimately transported by air ambulance to Lexington. Ms. Prather's condition is unknown at the time of this press release.

Officers further determined that a neighboring residence on Raleigh Road had blood on the door. Officers entered the residence due to the possibility of other victims and safety concerns. A male, later identified as Ardyth Prather III, known as "Trae," age 43, was found deceased inside the residence.

The alleged perpetrator, Austin Prather, age 20, son/grandson of the victims, had fled the scene before the police arrived in a 2013 Brown Jeep Wrangler. Prather should be considered armed and dangerous. An arrest warrant charging Prather with two counts of murder and one count of attempted murder should be active later this morning.

The Major Crimes Task Force, consisting of the Pulaski County Sheriff's Office, the Somerset Police Department, and the Kentucky State Police, responded to the scene to begin the investigation.
Detective Ryan Jones, with the Criminal Investigations Division of the Sheriff's Office, is the lead investigator for this case.

Sheriff Bobby Jones asks if you have any information about this case or the whereabouts of Austin Prather, age 20, to contact the Sheriff's Office at 606-678-5145 or any other police agency or 911 Center. Please do not approach Mr. Prather, who is considered armed and dangerous.

Sheriff Jones says you can also call our tip line at 606-679-8477. You can also leave a tip on our webpage at http://www.pulaskisheriff.com. You can remain anonymous by texting PCSOTIP to 847411 or using our mobile app on both Google Play and the App Store.

A Casey County Circuit Court jury found Andrew D. Kerekes, age 36, guilty of six (6) counts of First-Degree Sexual Abuse late Thursday (November 2, 2023) following a threeday jury trial. The jury recommended that Kerekes serve 30 years in prison.

According to testimony at trial, Kerekes sexually abused a 15-year-old girl multiple times between October 2019 and December 2019 at a residence in Casey County. Kerekes met the child when the child traveled out of state for a summer youth trip through a local church. Kerekes, who is from Hawaii, later came to Casey County and stayed with the child’s family to assist her with a musical project. However, Kerekes began a relationship with the child and eventually began to sexually abuse her. The case was investigated by Kentucky State Police Detective Josh Dicken.

The jury convicted Kerekes of all six (6) counts that he was charged with and the jury recommended that he serve the maximum sentence – five (5) years – for each count. The jury further recommended that the sentences be served consecutively (one after the other), for a total of thirty (30) years in prison.

Under Kentucky law, Kerekes will be eligible for parole after he has served twenty percent (20%) of his sentence. Additionally, Kerekes will be required to complete a sex offender treatment program and will also be required to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison.

Commonwealth’s Attorney Brian Wright prosecuted the case. After the trial, Wright thanked Det. Dicken for his efforts investigating the case – including collaborating with Kentucky’s social services agency as well as officers in other states that assisted in the investigation of the case.

Wright also thanked the members of the jury for their attention during the trial and for ensuring that justice was served in this case. Wright added, “protecting the children in this community is one of the top priorities of my office. I will continue to aggressively prosecute anyone who abuses a child in this county.”

Kerekes, who was represented at trial by attorney James Cox from Mt. Vernon, will appear for final sentencing on January 19, 2024. Judge Samuel Todd Spalding from Marion County was appointed as special judge in the case and presided over the trial.

A Danville man was arrested on drug charges Tuesday.

Danville Police conducted a narcotics investigation at a residence on Fox Run Trail.  

During the investigation, information was obtained leading to a search warrant being executed at the residence of 51 year-old James Goldade.  

Police located methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia during the search.

Goldade was charged with trafficking methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was lodged in the Boyle County Jail.

If you suspect drug activity in your neighborhood, contact Police immediately.

Casey County Clerk Casey Davis...