The City of Somerset has introduced a new Chief of Police.

Jeff Henderson has the story from Somerset...
 

Liberty City Council met in a special session Wednesday & approved two budget amendments concerning grants to the city.

Mayor, Dr. Sam Haddad...

The Council will have the second reading for both amendments at their next meeting, Monday, March 11th.

A Kentucky Transportation Cabinet project to add turn lanes and upgrade eight intersections on U.S. 127 and KY 619 will start in March in Russell Springs. The project is part of the state’s Highway Safety Improvement Program that aims to boost safety and traffic flow.

Work will take place on U.S. 127 between the intersections of KY 619 and KY 80 (milepoints 17.6 to 18.6) and on KY 619 between Dowell Road and U.S. 127 (milepoints 16 to 16.2).

Contractors will set up work zone signs next week, and will begin construction mid-March.

Left turn lanes will be added to U.S. 127 at Charles E. Peck Drive/Bernard Lane. And, left turn lanes will be constructed on KY 619 at the intersection of U.S. 127, which will include a new protected/permitted left turn signal with a green arrow that indicates drivers can make left turns while all other traffic is stopped.

A center two-way left turn lane will be added on U.S. 127 at Dr. Joe T. Petty Drive and on KY 619 between Laker Inn and Dowell Road. Also included in this project will be the construction of offset left turn lanes at the intersections of U.S. 127 and KY 80 and the intersection of U.S. 127 and Northridge/Steve Drive Connector.

During the project, work schedules will vary with some construction performed at night. Intermittent lane closures will be in place throughout the duration of the project.

KYTC asks motorist to be aware of the work zone, expect delays, and to use safe driving habits when traveling through the area. 

The project was awarded to Louisville Paving Company Inc. in the amount of $2,908,000. Work is expected to be complete Oct. 31.

The start date and duration of work may be adjusted if inclement weather or other unforeseen delays occur.

Motorists can access travel and traffic conditions at http://goky.ky.gov or contribute their own reports at www.waze.com or via the Waze mobile application.

Traffic information for the District 8 counties is also available at www.facebook.com/KYTCDistrict8 or by following us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/KYTCDistrict8.

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) announces the awarding of a contract for a bridge rehabilitation project for Fishing Creek Bridge on KY 80 in Pulaski County.

The project will consist of the bridge deck being replaced along with some rehabilitation of the bridge beams and structure itself. These routine repairs will increase the lifespan of the structure to serve future needs of the traveling public.

When designing the project, engineers sought input from local officials, business owners, farmers, and others to understand their concerns, which led to the following traffic control procedures being placed in the contract: No work will be performed before Labor Day 2024; single lane closures will be allowed, but limited to nighttime work; and while full closure of the bridge will be necessary to complete the work, closure cannot begin until February 2025.

The Transportation Cabinet realizes the potential impacts to traffic that work on the structure poses and has incorporated procedures into the contract to incentivize completion and minimize impacts to the traveling public. At this time no start date has been determined. The project completion date is April 15, 2025.

The project was awarded to Kay & Kay Contracting LLC in the amount of $7,120,650.34.

One person was injured and another is facing charges of Attempted Murder following an altercation over the weekend in Taylor County.

Campbellsville Police responded just after 8am Saturday to a report of a stabbing on Buckner Avenue.
Police say 63-year old Larry Tungate, of Campbellsville, got into an altercation with Kimberly Brim, age 53, also of Campbellsville.

Brim sustained stab wounds and was transported to the hospital for treatment.

Tungate was taken into custody and charged with Attempted Murder. He's lodged in the Taylor County Jail.

Sgt. Elliott Taylor continues that investigation.

A federal grand jury in Bowling Green, Kentucky returned an indictment on February 14, 2024, charging a Russell County man with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky and Special Agent in Charge R. Shawn Morrow of the ATF Louisville Field Division made the announcement.

According to the indictment, on November 23, 2023, Damien N. Wilson, 29, of Russell Springs, Kentucky, possessed a Ruger, model SR9, 9-millimeter semiautomatic pistol. Wilson was prohibited from possessing a firearm because he had previously been convicted of the following felony offenses.

On December 16, 2022, in Casey Circuit Court, Wilson was convicted of first-degree possession of a controlled substance – methamphetamine – first offense.

On January 13, 2022, in Casey Circuit Court, Wilson was convicted of first-degree possession of a controlled substance – methamphetamine – first offense.

On February 20, 2019, in Russell Circuit Court, Wilson was convicted of first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance – methamphetamine.

On March 28, 2018, in Adair Circuit Court, Wilson was convicted of first-degree possession of a controlled substance – methamphetamine – first offense.

Wilson was arraigned on February 21, 2024, before a U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Western District of Kentucky. He remains in federal custody pending trial. If convicted, Wilson faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.

There is no parole in the federal system.  

The case is being investigated by the ATF Bowling Green Field Office.

Assistant U.S. Attorney R. Nicholas Rabold, of the U.S. Attorney’s Bowling Green Branch Office, is prosecuting the case.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

***UPDATE***

In a somber turn of events, the Campbellsville community was shaken in the early hours of Saturday, February 24, 2024, when local authorities were summoned to the campus of Campbellsville University. At approximately 12:43 AM, Campbellsville Police discovered an unresponsive male student, prompting immediate medical intervention.

Taylor County EMS swiftly transported the individual to Taylor Regional Hospital, where, despite best efforts, he was pronounced deceased. The coroner, Daniel Cook, identified the young man as 18-year-old Josiah Malachi Kilman. In pursuit of answers, Kilman’s body was sent to the Kentucky State Medical Examiner’s Office in Louisville for an autopsy.

The case took a critical turn when 21-year-old Charles E. Escalera was located and apprehended on murder charges linked to Kilman’s death. The arrest has sent ripples through the university, leaving students and faculty grappling with the gravity of the situation.

Detective Burton of the Campbellsville Police is spearheading the ongoing investigation, working diligently to piece together the events that led to this tragedy. The community awaits further details as the inquiry unfolds.

The university has extended its condolences to Kilman’s family and friends and is offering counseling services to those affected by this loss. As the campus mourns, questions linger, and many hope for swift justice and clarity in the wake of this heartbreaking incident.

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

Campbellsville University Releases Statement Following Death of Student Campbellsville, Ky. -

A male student was discovered unresponsive in their dorm room, on the campus of Campbellsville University, in the early morning hours on Saturday, February 24.

The student was transferred to Taylor Regional Hospital where medical professionals pronounced his death. The cause of death has not been determined.

Local law enforcement are looking for an individual considered a person of interest. An official statement will be released around 10 a.m. today, at the Heilman Welcome Center on campus.

At this time, Campbellsville city police have not identified a continued threat to students.

However, as a university, we want to use an abundance of caution. We are advising all students and campus area residents to heighten precautions. Secure your residences, secure vehicles, and increase awareness of your surroundings.

Campbellsville University President, Dr. Joseph Hopkins, issued a statement:
"Campbellsville University is grieving the loss of one of our family. We have lost a student and our hearts are broken. During this devastating time, the continued safety of our students and the residents of our community are our primary concern. With consultation from local law enforcement, we will continue to implement every measure necessary to protect and support students and our community."

The student counseling center on campus is open and counselors are available to students seeking emotional support during this tragedy. The Ransdell Chapel will be open for students and staff for prayer and support of one another.

Campbellsville Police Chief, Shannon Wilson, is leading the investigation.

Secretary of State Michael Adams announced that voter registration continued to increase in January, for the tenth month in a row.  

“These numbers suggest that this November we could have the highest voter turnout in decades,” said Adams. “It is critical that the General Assembly leave early voting days and our election integrity measures intact.”

In January, 6,700 new voters registered while 6,156 were removed – 5,089 deceased voters, 578 voters convicted of felonies, 325 who moved out of state, 78 who voluntarily de-registered, 44 adjudged mentally incompetent and 42 duplicate registrations.

Republican registration accounts for 46 percent of the electorate with 1,611,760 voters. Republican registration rose by 2,111, a .13 percent increase. Democratic registration accounts for 44 percent of the electorate, with 1,520,663 voters. Democratic registration went down by 2,751, a .18 percent decrease. There are 359,380 voters registered under other political affiliations, making up 10 percent of the electorate. Other party registration went up by 1,184, a .33 percent increase.

Pulaski County Sheriff Bobby Jones reports the death of a Eubank woman by what appears to be
domestic violence.

On February 22, 2024, at approximately 8:31am, deputies were called to 12637 N. Hwy
27, Eubank, KY, on a report of two unresponsive subjects in the home. The caller stated when
her mother-in-law, Doris S. Brock, 67 years of age, Eubank, KY, did not show up for work she
went to check on her.

When the caller arrived at the residence, she found both her mother-in-law and her father-in-law, James L. Brock, 78 years of age, Eubank, KY, unresponsive inside the home.

Doris was pronounced deceased at the residence by the Pulaski County Coroner’s Office,
while James was found to be breathing and was taken to Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital for
treatment of what appeared to be a drug overdose.
 

Deputies and Detectives determined during their investigation that Doris had been shot by a handgun on February 21, 2024 while she was in the living room of the residence.

Detectives later determined James had been the responsible party to shooting Doris after a verbal altercation between the two.

Doris was transported from the scene by the Pulaski County Coroner’s Office to the Kentucky Medical Examiner’s Office in Frankfort, KY for autopsy.
 

A warrant was filed on James L. Brock, charging him with the murder of Doris S. Brock.
 

James was taken into custody at Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital.

This investigation is ongoing by Det. LT Matt Bryant and the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division.
 

The Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office was assisted at the scene by the Pulaski County Coroner’s Office, Somerset/Pulaski County EMS, and the Eubank Fire Department.

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 also leave a tip on our webpage at http://www.pulaskisheriff.com. You can remain anonymous by texting PCSOTIP to 847411, or by using our mobile app on both Google Play and the App Store.

A Pulaski County man was arrested for impaired driving in Tennessee last weekend.

Police say he was traveling nearly 100 miles per hour.

On Saturday, Joshua Tristan Thomas, 22 of Somerset, was caught speeding at 96 mph in a 70-mph zone on Interstate 40 East.

Nashville officers conducted a traffic stop where Thomas admitted to drinking 2-3 Margaritas earlier that evening. He consented to sobriety tests, which he failed, and agreed to a blood sample at St. Thomas Midtown Hospital.

Charged with DUI and speeding, Thomas was booked into Metro Nashville Jail.

The Kentucky State Police, Richmond Post, was contacted just before 8:00 p.m., Monday, February 19, 2024, in reference to a two-vehicle collision on Mt. Vernon Road in Madison County.

The initial investigation indicates a 2003 Chevrolet Silverado operated by Jackson Curtis, 44, of Berea, KY, was traveling on Slate lick Road and attempted to make a left-handed turn onto Mt. Vernon Road (US-25), crossing into the path of a 2000 Harley Davidson motorcycle, operated by Jeffrey Crowe, 25, of Berea, KY, traveling north on Mt. Vernon Road. 

As a result of the collision, Jeffrey Crowe, 25, of Berea, KY, was fatally injured and pronounced deceased on scene by the Madison County Coroner. Jackson Curtis, 44 years old of Berea, KY, operator of the other vehicle, was transported to Baptist Health in Richmond with non-life-threatening injuries. 

Lieutenant Hunter Martin with the Critical Incident Response Team is conducting the ongoing collision investigation. He was assisted on the scene by Kentucky State Police Post 7 personnel, Madison County EMS, Madison County Fire, and Madison County Coroner's Office.

The Casey County fiscal court meeting regular session Monday.

Before opening the floor for comments judge executive Randy Dial discussed the procedure for getting included on the meeting agenda...

Brandon Long addressed the fiscal Court representing a large group of first responders concerning radio communication problems. Long told magistrates emergency Communications have failed five times within the month...

Judge Dial acknowledged there has been communications problems...

Russ Clark representing Bluegrass 911 addressed the communications problems. Clark says $52,000 has been invested just for Casey County emergency communications...

Clark introduced Travis Shelton from Southern Communications to discuss possible reasons for the communication failures which could include tower light interference, Grounding issues, as well as wind damage to a communications panel...

Both Clark and Shelton expressed concern and stated they would do whatever is necessary to correct the problems

The fiscal court went into an executive session for about 45 minutes to discuss the possible acquisition of property. No action was taken.

Magistrates approved a second reading and adoption of a budget amendment to the jail fund.

Magistrates also approved a cost of living adjustment for County employees of 3.5%. Judge executive Randy Dial...

Magistrates also voted to continue a maintenance agreement for a generator with Cummin's Sales and Service.

They also approved the transfer of funds up to $75,000 from the General fund to the jail fund as needed.

Casey County sure if Chad Weddle gave his department's monthly activity report for January...

Click below to hear full audio from this meeting...

Liberty City Council met in a Special Session Monday afternoon.
Here's Mayor, Doctor Sam Haddad...

The next regular meeting for the City Council will be
Monday, March 11th.

A mother and son were arrested for stealing and selling a diesel catalytic converter from a hardware store in Casey County on Tuesday.

According to the Casey County Sheriff's Office, Kyle Rowe, 23, and Amanda Hutchenson, 49, both of Highpoint Rd., Liberty, took the converter from True's Electric property without permission. The converter was lying on a metal platform behind the store on the 127 bypass. The value of the converter was over $2,700.

The pair allegedly then drove to Atwood Recycling and sold the converter for $53.00. Video footage shows them going inside Atwood Recycling with the converter. They were also seen driving a Jeep when getting the converter and the same Jeep at the recycling center.

On Thursday, February 15th, Sheriff Chad Weddle questioned Amanda Hutchenson. She claimed that some guy gave her the converter a week ago, but she did not know his name or where he worked. She said he was behind True's on a forklift and told her and her other son, Rodney Rowe, that they could have the junk while they were dumpster diving. However, Rodney Rowe denied knowing anything about the converter or the guy.

The owner of the converter, Mike True, identified the converter and paid Atwood Recycling the $53.00 that they had paid Rowe. He got the converter back in his possession. He also said that they were closed on Sundays and no one would have been there working at the store or on a forklift.

Kyle Rowe and Amanda Hutchenson were arrested and charged with theft by unlawful taking over $1,000. Both were lodged at the Casey County Jail.

The Kentucky State Police, Richmond Post, was contacted just before 7:30 p.m. Saturday, February 17, 2024, in reference to a shots fired complaint that occurred outside of a residence on Riney B Drive in Madison County.

The initial investigation indicates Ryan E. Oller, 39 years old, of Richmond, had discharged several rounds from a firearm outside of a residence on Riney B Drive. The Kentucky State Police was able to make contact with Mr. Oller by phone. After lengthy negotiations, Mr. Oller refused to cooperate and discharged several more rounds from a firearm inside the residence.

The Kentucky State Police Special Response Team responded to the scene and was able to place Mr. Oller under arrest without incident. He is charged with Wanton Endangerment 1st Degree, Resisting Arrest, and Disorderly Conduct, and was lodged at the Madison County Detention Center. No citizens or officers were injured during the incident.

As the spring season approaches, the Kentucky Division of Forestry (KDF) is reminding residents of the forest fire hazard seasons and the burning restrictions that are in place to prevent wildfires.

According to KRS 149.400, the forest fire hazard seasons are from February 15 to April 30 and from October 1 to December 15. During these periods, it is illegal to burn any flammable material within 150 feet of any woodland or brushland, except between 6:00 PM and 6:00 AM, local time, or when the ground is covered with snow.

The law applies even if the person has taken the precautions required by KRS 149.375, such as clearing a firebreak, having firefighting equipment on hand, and notifying the local fire department.

The KDF said that the burning restrictions are necessary to reduce the risk of wildfires, which can threaten lives, property, and natural resources. The KDF also said that wildfires can worsen the air quality and contribute to climate change.

The KDF urged residents to follow the law and to check local ordinances and the KY Divisions of Air Quality and Waste Management before conducting any outdoor burning. The KDF also advised residents to attend all fires until they are completely extinguished and to report any wildfires to 911 or the local fire department.

The KDF said that anyone who violates the law may be fined up to $500 or imprisoned for up to six months, or both. The violator may also be liable for the cost of suppressing the fire and any damages caused by the fire.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, CONTACT YOUR LOCAL KENTUCKY DIVISION OF FORESTRY OFFICE: https://eec.ky.gov/Natural-Resources/Forestry/wildland-fire-management/Pages/Outdoor-Burning-Laws.aspx

• Casey County Fiscal Court regular monthly meeting, 5pm, Monday, Feb. 19th at the Casey Co. Judicial Center, downtown Liberty.

• Liberty City Council will host a SPECIAL meeting Monday, Feb. 19th at 5:30pm at City Hall. The purpose for the meeting is a 2nd reading of an Ordinance for a Budget Amendment.

These meetings are open to the public.

On Tuesday, February 13, 2024 Casey County Deputies Tyler Luttrell and Jake Atwood were conducting a safety checkpoint at the intersection of Ky 1547 and Ky 1859. A black Chevy pickup approached the check point and Deputy Atwood requested the driver's license and vehicle documentation.

The driver stated that he did not have a license and would have to look for his vehicle documents, while speaking with the driver, Atwood could smell the odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from the vehicle and noticed the driver had glassy eyes. He asked the driver about the odor and the driver stated that he had some open beer bottles in the floor. Atwood requested that the driver pull off of the roadway. He provided an I.D. and said his name was Jared Allen, age 35 of Scotts Chapel Rd., Liberty, KY.

Allen had two passengers in the vehicle with him, in the passenger front seat was Felipe Medellin, age 74 of KY-1547, Liberty, KY, and in the rear passenger seat was Judith Lane. Atwood asked Mr. Allen to step out and perform field sobriety tests and he did, he consented to an eye test and showed 3 of 6 clues, he stated that he did not feel comfortable taking a balance test due to having screws in his ankle. Atwood administered ARIDE sobriety test and lack of convergence was not present, during the modified romberg test Allen stated that 30 seconds had passed at a stopwatch time of 36 seconds. Allen advised that he had 3 beers after work but had drank them pretty fast and stated that he had gotten off of work at 3:15 p.m. A field breathe test was administered and it showed the presence of alcohol.

Deputy Atwood asked Allen if he had anything illegal in the vehicle and Allen stated that he did not so Atwood asked for consent to search and consent was granted. The Deputy asked Allen if he had any knives or anything on his person and he stated that he did have a pocket knife and handed it to Deputy Atwood. Allen began emptying out his pockets and showing the items he had, and Atwood advised him that he was going to check and make sure he didn't have anymore pocket knives or weapons.

When the Deputy patted Allen's right pocket he felt a small object that appeared to be hard and asked him what it was, Allen removed the object from his coin pocket and it was a white, oblong pill with the marking M367 on it. He stated the pill was a lortab. He advised that he was prescribed lortab's but they were 7.5 mg and not 10 mg like the one in his pocket.

Allen developed cotton mouth the more he talked and stated that he had taken a lortab after he had gotten off work. Allen's eyes were constricted, and Deputy Atwood asked him if he was still feeling the effects of the pill and he stated well his foot isn't hurting anymore. Atwood advised Allen that he was being placed under arrest and transported him to Casey County Hospital.

Upon arrival at the hospital, Deputy Atwood advised Allen of the implied consent warning and requested he take a blood test and he consented to the test.

Horizontal gaze nystagmus tests indicate: Operator showed equal pupil size; and equal tracking. Operator did not show resting nystagmus. Officer observed distinct and sustained nystagmus at maximum deviation in right eye; and onset of nystagmus at angle prior to 45 degrees in both left and right eyes. Operator showed 3 of 6 clues on HGN.

Allen was charged with Driving on a Suspended or Revoked License, DUI-2nd Offense, and Possession of Controlled Substance-1st Degree (Hyrdocodone).

Deputy Luttrell asked Medellin and Lane to exit the vehicle. Deputy Atwood began to frisk Lane and Deputy Luttrell frisked Medellin. After completing the frisk on Lane, Atwood noticed a white pill similar to the one Allen had on his person, lying on the ground below the passenger side of the vehicle. Deputy Luttrell picked it up and as Deputy Atwood walked to the passenger side of the truck there was another half of a white pill in the seat where Medellin was sitting. Atwood also located a straw underneath Medellin's seat and the straw had an additional white oblong pill inside of it along with a white residue. The markings on the pills were M367.

Medellin advised that he was prescribed the medication that we had located but his prescription was at home. Deputy Atwood advised Medellin that he was supposed to carry his medication in a proper container. Atwood advised Medellin he was being placed under arrest.

Medellin is charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance-1st Degree (Hydrocodone), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Prescription Controlled Substance Not in Proper Container.
 

Both men were transported to the Casey County Jail.
 

On Tuesday, February 13, 2024, Deputy Jacob Atwood with Casey County Sheriff's Office received a complaint of a reckless driver on West Ky 70.

He observed a silver Dodge Ram flatbed truck on old West Ky 70 traveling at a high rate of speed, got behind the vehicle and initiated emergency equipment in attempt to get a traffic stop. The vehicle made a right hand turn at the courthouse square as if they were headed to the jail. Sheriff Chad Weddle intersected the vehicle and the vehicle stopped.

The operator exited the vehicle and began yelling. She was identified as Sherri Hayes, age 39, of KY Hwy 551, Liberty. Hayes had thick foamy spit in the corners of her mouth and when asked what she had used, she stated that she had used methamphetamine and marijuana. Hayes had to be told several times to stop yelling and she Deputy Atwood to place her inside of his cruiser.

She advised that she did not know whose vehicle that she was driving, Sheriff Weddle had spoken with some one on the phone and advised their truck had been taken from Columbia, Ky. The vehicle returned to B&B Fencing.

Hayes began kicking the door of Atwood's cruiser, & had to be told to stop multiple times.

Hayes consented to field sobriety testing. When Atwood began to administer the eye test, Hayes began yelling again and was placed in the cruiser and transported to the Hospital.

Upon arrival at the hospital, Hayes consented to a blood test, however, while at the registration desk, Hayes changed her mind and began to walk out. Deputy Atwood told her to stop and she continued to the first set of doors. Once she got through the first door she began to walk faster. When she made it to the second set of doors she began to run. Hayes was taken to the ground until she became compliant.

While walking back towards the police cruiser, Hayes began yelling and causing a disturbance. Deputy Atwood advised her that if she didn't calm down that he was going to pepper spray her. Hayes continued to yell and cause a disturbance so he administered pepper spray.

Hayes then took off running towards the Emergency Room. Hayes ran into the ER doors and began kicking them as if she was attempting to get inside. Deputy Atwood again took Hayes to the ground to gain control of her then transported her to Casey County Jail.

Charge 1: RECKLESS DRIVING
Charge 2: DISORDERLY CONDUCT, 2ND DEGREE
Charge 3: OPERATING A MOTOR VEHICLE UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE
Charge 4: RECEIVING STOLEN PROPERTY $10,000 OR MORE
Charge 5: FLEEING OR EVADING POLICE, 2ND DEGREE (ON FOOT)

Sheriff Bobby Jones reports the arrest of four men, and the seizure of Fentanyl,
Methamphetamine and Suboxone following an attempt to serve warrants at a Somerset
residence.

On February 9, 2024, at approximately 6:25pm, Deputies Tyler Pearson and Ronnie
Golden responded to 135 Deerfield Ln., Somerset, KY, on a report of individuals inside the
residence with warrants. Once at the residence, deputies were granted permission to search the
home for the individuals.

Deputies located James R. Carrender, 34 years of age, Eubank, KY, inside a bathroom in
the home. Carrender was found to have multiple warrants for his arrest out of both Pulaski
County Circuit and District Courts. During a search of Carrender at the time of his arrest, a bag
that contained a gray powder-like substance was located. Carrender told deputies the substance
was Fentanyl, a Schedule II narcotic. The substance was placed on the sink in the bathroom
while a search of Carrender continued. While completing the search, and with Carrender
handcuffed, he grabbed the bag in an attempt to destroy the substance inside.

Carrender was arrested at the residence and charged with Possession of Controlled
Substance 1 st Degree-Fentanyl and Tampering with Physical Evidence along with two counts of
Failure to Appear and one count of Non-Payment of Court Costs, Fees or Fines.

During the search of the residence, deputies also located Gregory Brown, 38 years of age,
Crab Orchard, KY, in the living room. Brown was found to have a Pulaski County District Court
warrant for Contempt. Arwin D. Dalton, 43 years of age, Somerset, KY, was located hiding in a
closet. Dalton was found to have a Pulaski County and Lincoln County warrant for Failure to
Appear.

During the initial search of the residence, a second man was located in the bathroom with
Carrender. At the time of questioning the men, it was determined the second man did not have
any warrants for his arrest. Deputies later discovered the man had given deputies false
information as to his identity, and was further identified as Kyle Wright, 57 years of age,
Somerset, KY. Wright did have warrants for his arrest, and deputies responded back to the
address to attempt to locate him.

Upon deputies’ arrival, they located Wright hiding behind a door and went to place him under arrest. During the arrest of Wright, he dropped a metal container that opened upon impact and was found to contain what is believed to be Methamphetamine and Suboxone.

Wright was arrested at that time and charged with a Pulaski County District Court
warrant for Non-Payment of Court Costs and a Pulaski County Indictment for Possession of
Controlled Substance 1 st Degree, 1 st Offense-Methamphetamine and Drug Paraphernalia.

The investigation into the discovery of the supposed Methamphetamine and Suboxone is ongoing.
All subjects were lodged in the Pulaski County Detention Center.

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 also leave a tip on our webpage at
http://www.pulaskisheriff.com.

You can remain anonymous by texting PCSOTIP to 847411, or by using our mobile app on both Google Play and the App Store.

A Liberty man arrested Friday with a huge amount of drugs and cash in his residence, was apparently getting ready to flee the country.

73-year-old Roger Mullins was the target of a joint operation by the Homeland Security Investigations, Drug Enforcement Administration, Kentucky State Police, and Casey County Sheriff's Office.

Agents executed a federal search warrant at his home on Brinson Place, where they found approximately 50 pounds of methamphetamine, 3 kilos of cocaine, 4 pounds of heroin, a loaded 9mm handgun, several containers of marijuana, baggies, a marijuana crusher, joints, and a set of digital scales in Mullins' bedroom and safe.

Mullins confessed to trafficking in narcotics and said he had buried $100,000 in cash in his backyard, which he dug up three days prior because he planned to go to Mexico soon.

Mullins was charged with multiple counts of drug trafficking, possession, and paraphernalia.

He is being held in the Casey County Jail on a $500,000 bond.

Kentucky State Police (KSP) Post 15 Detective B.J. Burton presented the results of an extensive death investigation to the Adair County Grand Jury which has returned an indictment for murder.  

The Adair County Grand Jury has returned an indictment on Jamie Hendriksen, age 24 of Columbia, charging her with Murder.  The charge stems from the investigation into the death of Ms. Hendriksen’s 3-year-old child that occurred on the evening of August 29, 2023 at a residence on Jay Wheeler Road in Adair County.

On February 12, 2024, Senior Trooper Brandon Roark served the indictment on Jamie Hendriksen at a residence in Adair County.  Ms. Hendriksen was arrested and lodged in the Adair County Detention Center. 

The investigation is being led by Detective B.J. Burton.  Detective Burton was assisted by other KSP Post 15 Troopers, Detectives, and the Adair County Sheriff’s Office.

On February 13, 2024, The Kentucky State Police, Post 11 London investigated a two-vehicle fatal collision that occurred approximately 10:28 pm in Rockcastle County on South Wildness Road.

The preliminary investigation indicates a 2004 Toyota Rav4, operated by James M. Mcpheron, 53 years old of Mount Veron, KY, was traveling westbound on South Wildness Road when he lost control of his vehicle and veered into the path of a 1997 Vanhool (Tour Bus). The Bus was operated by Roger D. Miller 43 years old of Lancaster, Ky.  

As a result of the collision, Mr. Mcpheron was transported by Rockcastle EMS to the Rockcastle Regional Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased by the Rockcastle County Coroner.

The ongoing investigation is being conducted by KSP Post 11 Trooper Aron Jones. He was assisted at the scene by Post 11 Personnel, Commercial Vehicle Enforcement, Mount Vernon Police Department, Rockcastle EMS, Mount Vernon Fire Department, and the Rockcastle County Coroner.

A Liberty man was arrested for driving under the influence of a controlled substance on Friday night.
 

According to the Casey County Sheriff's Office, Cyrus W. Davidson, 23, was pulled over on Shop Hill Road by Deputy Jacob Atwood for having one working headlight on his black SUV.

Deputy Atwood noticed that Davidson had bloodshot, glassy eyes and dilated pupils.

Davidson admitted to drinking one Raspberry Twisted Tea and smoking half of a joint.

He failed field sobriety tests and was charged with one headlight and DUI.

He was taken to the hospital for a blood test and then to the Casey County Jail.

Deputy Tyler Luttrell assisted in the arrest.

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

Liberty City Council met in regular session Monday.

The city has secured a $2 million grant for the water rehab project Mayor, Dr. Sam Haddad…

The council also voted to eliminate some scrap metal through a surplus sale.

The Council approved an ordinance amending the budget there will be a special meeting for a second reading of that ordinance on Monday at 5 o’clock.

Council members also approved an amendment to an ordinance adjusting city employee personnel pay rate.

There was a lengthy discussion concerning the flood study with no action taken.

Bosch Berries locating in Somerset.

Jeff Henderson has details...

The Kentucky State Police (KSP) Electronic Crime Branch arrested William Aaron Mattingly, 39, on charges related to child sexual abuse material.

Mr. Mattingly was arrested as the result of an undercover Internet Crimes Against Children investigation. The KSP Electronic Crime Branch began the investigation after discovering the suspect sharing images of child sexual exploitation online.

The investigation resulted in an interview at a residence in Springfield on February 8, 2024. Equipment used to facilitate the crime was seized and taken to KSP’s forensic laboratory for examination. The investigation is ongoing.

Mr. Mattingly is currently charged with ten counts of distribution of matter portraying a minor in a sexual performance and one count of possession of matter portraying a minor in a sexual performance. These charges are Class-D felonies punishable by one to five years in prison. Mr. Mattingly was lodged in the Marion County Detention Center.

The Kentucky Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force is comprised of more than twenty-six local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. The mission of the ICAC Task Force, created by the United States Department of Justice and administrated by the Kentucky State Police, is to assist state and local law enforcement agencies in developing a response to cyber enticement and child sexual abuse material investigations.

This support encompasses forensic and investigative components, training and technical assistance, victim services, prevention and community education. The ICAC program was developed in response to the increasing number of children and teenagers using the internet, the proliferation of child sexual abuse material, and the heightened online activity of predators searching for unsupervised contact with underage victims.

A Waynesburg man was arrested in a massive drug bust over the weekend.

According to Casey County Sheriff, Chad Weddle, on Friday, Homeland Security Investigations out of Louisville, KSP Desi West, Casey County Sheriff's Office, and DEA out of Lexington executed a federal search warrant at 618 Brinson Place in the Eastern part of Casey County.

The search warrant led to the following items of evidence being found approximately 50 pounds of methamphetamine, 3 kilos of cocaine, 4 pounds of heroin, a 9mm handgun, and approximately 100+ thousand dollars in cash.

Roger Mullins age 73 was arrested for trafficking in methamphetamine trafficking in heroin, trafficking in cocaine, trafficking in marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Mullins remains lodged in the Casey County Jail on a $500,000 bond.

The Kentucky State Police (KSP) Electronic Crime Branch located, interviewed, and arrested Tyler Glen Stamper, 25, on charges related to a child sexual abuse material investigation.

Stamper was interviewed as the result of an undercover Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) investigation. The KSP Electronic Crime Branch began the investigation after discovering the suspect was saving sexually explicit images of minors to an online social media account.

The investigation resulted in the execution of a search warrant at a residence in Dunnville, KY on February 8, 2024. Equipment used to facilitate the crime was seized and taken to KSP’s forensic laboratory for examination.

Stamper is currently charged with 20 counts of possessing matter portraying a minor under the age of 12 in a sexual performance. This charge is a Class-C felony punishable by five to ten years in prison. Stamper was lodged in the Casey County Detention Center.

The Kentucky Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force is comprised of more than twenty-six local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. The mission of the ICAC Task Force, created by the United States Department of Justice and administrated by the Kentucky State Police, is to assist state and local law enforcement agencies in developing a response to cyber enticement and child sexual abuse material investigations.

This support encompasses forensic and investigative components, training and technical assistance, victim services, prevention and community education.

The ICAC program was developed in response to the increasing number of children and teenagers using the internet, the proliferation of child sexual abuse material, and the heightened online activity of predators searching for unsupervised contact with underage victims.

The Knifley Area Volunteer Fire Department is grieving the loss of one of their own.

Terrie Drake passed away on Monday.

Terrie was a volunteer firefighter for over 20 years and was honored as the Firefighter of the Year in 2021.

She was known for her service and compassion for others in need.

The Southeast Casey Fire Department expressed their condolences and asked the community to pray for her family, friends, and fellow firefighters.

Residents in Boyle County will benefit from a new fire station.

Fire station #9 recently opened in Boyle County, improving fire protection and emergency services for the northeast end.

As an added benefit, residents in that area will now enjoy lower insurance rates, as their fire rating drops from class 9 to class 5.

The Boyle County Fire Department posted on social media, "Our newest addition to Boyle County Fire! Thanks to everyone that made this possible, and the work everyone involved has put in."

Fire Station #9 is located at 343 Walter Reed Rd, Danville.

A Campbellsville woman was arrested Friday night for the death of a 6-month old baby girl.

Haley Jade Fisher, 24, was the mother of the baby, who was found not breathing at her home.

Campbellsville Police and Campbellsville-Taylor County EMS responded to a call of a baby in distress at around 10:00 p.m. They arrived at the scene and found the baby dead.

The police, the Taylor County Coroner, and the Cabinet for Health and Family Services conducted an investigation and determined that the baby died of abuse and neglect. They also found drug paraphernalia at the home.

Fisher is charged with criminal abuse, manslaughter, wanton endangerment, and possession of drug paraphernalia. She was taken to the Taylor County Jail.

A Casey County man was arrested on Jan. 4th, after he crashed his truck, resisted arrest, and caused a disturbance at the hospital.

The Casey County Sheriff's Office says Joseph W. Cooper, 28, of Liberty, was involved in a domestic disturbance at a residence on Dry Ridge Rd. He left the scene in a green Chevy truck and drove recklessly.

Deputy Jake Atwood pursued Cooper and found the truck, stuck in a wooded area behind a pasture off Noe Road. Cooper had damaged a fence and left a lunch box with his name on it. Liberty Police Officer Cody Roy helped Atwood and found Cooper walking near the pasture. Cooper was reportedly drunk and uncooperative. He refused to get in the car and screamed and cursed at the officers.

Cooper was taken to the ambulance, where he continued to be aggressive and non-compliant. He said he had drunk a fifth of liquor and admitted to driving the truck. He refused treatment by EMS and was taken to the hospital by Deputy Atwood.

At the hospital, Cooper became violent and lunged at Deputy Atwood. He was restrained and cuffed by the deputy and was screaming, cursing, and disrupting the hospital staff. He was given medication to sedate him and was medically cleared.

Cooper was charged with multiple offenses, including reckless driving, resisting arrest, criminal mischief, DUI, menacing, and disorderly conduct. He was taken to the Casey County Jail.

A Casey County man was arrested on Friday night for growing marijuana plants in his friend’s basement.

Jordan Luttrell, 29 of Hicks Rd., Liberty, was caught by deputies from the Casey County Sheriff’s Office, who were assisting Child Protective Services (CPS) in a home visit.

The deputies and CPS went to the home of Ginifer Fair on Ky 1547, where Luttrell and another friend, Tesla Abell, were staying in the basement. Fair said the children were at their aunt’s house.
Luttrell asked to speak to Deputy Tyler Luttrell in another room, where he showed him five marijuana plants that he was cultivating. He said he was just experimenting.

Deputy Jake Atwood searched the room where Luttrell was sitting and found a roach, which Luttrell admitted was his.

Luttrell was arrested and charged with Cultivating Hemp (5 plants or more), and Possession of Marijuana. He was taken to the Casey County Jail.

Ginifer Fair, 41 of Liberty, was also arrested on charges of Possession of Methamphetamine-1st Degree, Drug Paraphernalia, Trafficking Marijuana (less than 8oz), Trafficking Cocaine (less than 4 gms), Possession of Controlled Substance-1st/3rd Degree (unspecified), & Prescription Controlled Substance Not in Proper Container.

A Liberty woman was arrested Friday for having drugs and paraphernalia in her possession and endangering her 1-year-old child.

26-year-old Tesla Abell, of Canoe Creek Rd., was visiting a home on Ky 1547, where Child Protective Services (CPS) and deputies from the Casey County Sheriff’s Office conducted a home visit.

CPS had received a report of illegal narcotics in the home from the children staying there.
Deputies searched the room where Abell and her child were and found a blue zipper bag with methamphetamine, a straw, and feminine products. They also found marijuana, cocaine, adderall, and three orange pills in the room.

Abell was charged with Possession of Methamphetamine-1st Degree, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Wanton Endangerment-1st Degree. She was taken to the Casey County Jail.

Her child was released to a family member.
 

Deputies Jake Atwood & Tyler Luttrell investigated.

A Wayne County man was arrested recently for burglarizing several properties in the Parmleysville Road area.

According to the Wayne County Sheriff's Office, 28-year-old Derek T. Bell, of Monticello, was caught with two stolen ATVs, a small trailer, tools, electrical equipment, six rifles, and other items worth tens of thousands of dollars.

Bell was identified by Wayne Co. Deputy Joe Horne, who responded to a report of an ATV and a rifle being stolen from a barn and an outside building.

Deputy Horne followed a tip and found Bell hiding in a closet at his residence, where he also found the stolen items and evidence of his crimes.

Bell was also linked to another burglary of a home, where he broke into a gun cabinet and took five rifles, keys, and a ring. He was charged with multiple counts of burglary, theft, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, criminal mischief, and receiving stolen property. He also had two warrants for failure to pay court costs, fees, or fines.

Bell was taken to the Wayne County Jail. The investigation is ongoing and more charges are expected.

Kentucky State Police (KSP) responded to a three-vehicle fatal collision in Bullitt Co. Wednesday night.  

On Jan. 31, at approximately 8:00 P.M. EST, KSP Post 4 received a call from Bullitt Co. 911 Dispatch requesting assistance in investigating a three-vehicle fatal collision near the 800 block of S. Bardstown (US 31E) just south of Mt. Washington. 

The preliminary investigation revealed a Jeep Grand Cherokee operated by Jason Durbin, age 47, of Bardstown, was traveling southbound on US 31E when, for unknown reasons, he crossed the center line and struck a Chevrolet Cavalier that was traveling northbound head-on, which resulted in a Ford F-250, also traveling northbound, to strike the Cavalier. 

The driver of the Chevrolet, Gary Bowman, age 26, of Coxs Creek, was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Bullitt Co. Coroner’s Office. Durbin was taken to UofL Hospital for life-threatening injuries. The driver and a passenger of the Ford pickup truck were not injured.

The affected portion of US 31E was closed down for several hours in order to allow troopers to reconstruct the collision. KSP Post 4 was assisted at the scene by the Mt. Washington Police Dept., Bullitt Co. Sheriff’s Office, Bullitt Co. EMS, and the Bullitt Co. Coroner’s Office.

The collision remains under investigation by reconstructionist Tpr. Scott Wheatley.

On the afternoon of January 31, 2024, Kentucky State Police (KSP) Post 15 Troopers received information from the Bullitt County Sheriff’s Office of a possible stolen vehicle in Washington County. 

The vehicle had been reported stolen from a recent theft in Bullitt County.

Troopers arrived on Rosary Heights Road in Springfield and observed a 2011 Ford Edge, matching the description of the stolen vehicle, in the driveway of a residence.  The vehicle was confirmed to be the vehicle reported stolen from Bullitt County. 

While at the scene, Troopers obtained information leading them to arrest and charge Orville Case, age 27 of Bloomfield, and Erika Dymun, age 29 of Bardstown, with Receiving Stolen Property - $1,000 < $10,000.  Mr. Case and Ms. Dymun were both lodged in the Marion County Detention Center.

The investigation is ongoing and is being investigated by Trooper Trevor Sagrecy. Trooper Sagrecy was assisted at the scene by the Washington County Sheriff’s Office and the Springfield Police Department.

A man from Pulaski County, George R. Murphy, 28, of Eubank, was arrested on Thursday night by the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office.

Murphy was a passenger in a car that was stopped for driving over the rumble strips on US 127.

A K-9 deputy detected a controlled substance in the car. Murphy lied to the deputies about his name. He had two bags of a crystal substance in his pocket, another bag on his keyring, and a Kentucky ID with his real name.

Murphy was charged with identity theft, giving fake information to an officer, and drug trafficking. He also had two warrants for bail jumping and failure to appear.

He was taken to the Wayne County Jail.

UPDATE: The vehicle has been identified and the person has been located. Thank you for your help.

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A Liberty man was arrested Monday on Drug & DUI charges. 28-year-old Travis D. Sanders, of Taylor St., Liberty was arrested by Casey County Deputy Jake Atwood.

Sanders was driving a 2001 Nissan Sentra with one headlight and an unconfirmed insurance status. He was stopped at the Shell Mart on the bypass. Sanders had no license and smelled of marijuana. He had a joint, a meth pipe, a marijuana grinder, and other drug paraphernalia in his vehicle. He admitted to smoking marijuana and methamphetamine. He failed the field sobriety test and the breath test.

Sanders also admitted to swallowing 5 grams of methamphetamine as he was being pulled over and was given Narcan by the deputy. He was taken to the local Hospital by Casey County EMS.

Sanders is charged with driving with one headlight, operating on a suspended or revoked license, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of
Methamphetamine, DUI-controlled substance, and tampering with physical evidence.

A drunk driver was arrested on Sunday afternoon by a deputy of the Casey County Sheriff’s Office.

The driver, Samuel P. Bryant, 21, of Hickman Creek Rd., Liberty, was driving a 2016 Chevy Silverado on South Ky 501 when he crossed the centerline multiple times, nearly hitting the deputy’s vehicle.

Deputy Jake Atwood turned around and followed Bryant, who turned onto Dry Ridge Rd. The deputy observed Bryant’s driving behavior and saw him cross the centerline and drive in the middle of the road. The deputy tried to stop Bryant, who drove through a ditch and stopped in a field.

The deputy approached Bryant’s vehicle and noticed a box of beer in the passenger seat. The arrest citation states Bryant had bloodshot, glassy eyes and smelled of alcohol.

He admitted to drinking one or two beers and being on his cell phone. He also said he was probably a 4 on a scale of 1 to 10 of how drunk he was.

Bryant failed field sobriety tests and refused to do the balance test. He consented to a field breath test, which showed the presence of alcohol. He was arrested and taken to the Casey County Jail.
 

At the jail, Bryant consented to a breath test, which showed a result of .278, more than three times the legal limit.

Bryant is charged with careless driving, DUI-2nd offense, and no insurance.

The Kentucky State Police is announcing the Trooper Teddy Bear Valentine’s Day sale, offering the public an exclusive opportunity to spread love while supporting the agency’s outreach program.

Starting today through Feb. 14, customers can purchase the heartwarming bears at a special price of $20, down from the regular price of $25.

All proceeds allow troopers to provide teddy bears to children who have been in traumatic situations, such as car crashes, child sexual abuse cases or fighting a terminal illness. 

“Trooper Teddy Bears have become a staple in the agency’s community outreach as we work to connect with our most vulnerable population – our children,” said KSP Commissioner Phillip Burnett Jr. “We hope people embrace the spirit of Valentine’s Day by purchasing a bear and contributing to this meaningful program.”

Trooper Teddy Bears can be purchased online or at any KSP Post. When purchasing online, customers can select to pick it up at their local KSP Post free of charge or have it shipped to their home for an additional fee. 

The Trooper Teddy Project relies solely on donations and the sale of bears to sustain it, with 100% of the proceeds being used to purchase additional bears to distribute to children in need. To purchase a bear or make a tax-deductible contribution visit the Trooper Teddy website.

The Trooper Teddy Project came to life in December 1989 after Kentucky First Lady Martha Wilkinson hosted a fundraiser at Red Mile Gaming & Racing, raising enough funds to purchase 2,000 bears. The first allotment of bears included a personal note from Mrs. Wilkerson.