Around 6 PM on Monday, Casey County Deputy Austin Harris observed Eric Strong driving a 2009 Nissan Frontier on US127 and initiated a traffic stop at FIVESTAR gas pumps.

Dispatch confirmed Eric had no driver’s license. Eric appeared nervous but agreed to perform Field Sobriety Tests. K9 Nitro alerted on the vehicle, and passenger Jacqueline Strong, who had red eyes and smelled of marijuana, was asked to step out.

Jacqueline requested to use the restroom, and after some insistence, Harris allowed her to go. Upon her return, Harris found a burnt marijuana roach in her purse. Jacqueline admitted it was hers and was arrested.

A search revealed a small baggie with a crystal-like substance. Eric claimed he found it in a restaurant parking lot. He was arrested and taken to the hospital for a blood test, where he complained of rib pain and breathing issues. Eric accused Harris of mistreatment and refused medical tests.

While waiting at the hospital, a FiveStar employee reported that Jacqueline had hidden a pill bottle with meth and marijuana in the ladies room. Deputy Pruner retrieved the items and brought them to Harris. Jacqueline confessed she had hidden the drugs to avoid getting caught.

Eric T. Strong, age 42, is charged with multiple offenses, including Obstructed Vision/Windshield, Disorderly Conduct-2nd Degree, No Registration Plates/Receipt, Display/Possession of cancelled/fictitious OL's, Inadequate muffler, No Insurance, Driving on Suspended/Revoked OL's, Assault-3rd Degree (Police Officer), & Failure to register transfer of a motor vehicle.

39-year-old Jacqueline R. Strong is charged with Public Intoxication, Possession of Methamphetamine, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia.

Both were lodged in the Casey Co. Jail.

Deputy Austin Harris of the Casey County Sheriff’s Office was turning onto West KY 70 from Lower Brush Creek Road when a 1984 Ford F150 pickup truck passed by. He pulled out behind the truck and began traveling westbound. As he got closer, the driver suddenly turned into the hazard lane on the eastbound side, crossing into the oncoming traffic lane.

Deputy Harris immediately activated his emergency lights, and the truck came to a stop. The driver, Henry E. Hall, 56, of Liberty, explained that his turn signal bulb wasn’t working. While speaking with Hall, Deputy Harris noticed that his eyes were extremely pinned and bloodshot. When asked if he had taken anything, Hall denied it. Deputy Harris then requested Hall to perform the Standardized Field Sobriety Tests, to which Hall agreed. Before stepping out of the truck, Hall admitted to having a joint in his cigarette pack.

Hall was unable to perform the balance test and confessed to snorting meth earlier that morning. He was subsequently arrested and transported to the Casey County Jail. Hall faces charges of DUI-controlled substance (2nd offense), possession of marijuana, drug paraphernalia, no insurance, failure to or improper turn signal, reckless driving, and failure to wear a seatbelt.

Shortly before 11 PM on Sunday night, Casey County Deputy Austin Harris and Special Deputy Billy Duncan went to a residence on Contown Road to serve two warrants on Kenneth Wethington.

Upon their arrival, Kenneth fled out the back, running towards the woods. The deputies gave chase as Kenneth ignored repeated orders to stop. Deputy Harris then drew his taser, prompting Kenneth to halt. However, he refused commands to put his hands behind his back, forcing the deputies to restrain him and place him under arrest.

During a search, they found a meth pipe with a crystal-like residue inside a hard cigarette case in Kenneth’s pocket, along with a small baggie containing a crystal-like substance and another small baggie of what appeared to be marijuana. Additionally, Deputy Harris discovered a small cylindrical object in Kenneth’s front left pocket, which Kenneth identified as a bong for weed.

54-year-old Kenneth R. Wethington was subsequently transported to the Casey County Jail on charges of Fleeing or Evading Police (2nd degree, on foot), Resisting Arrest, and Possession of Methamphetamine, Marijuana, and Drug Paraphernalia.

Shortly before midnight on Tuesday, Casey County Deputy Sheriff Austin Harris was traveling on KY 49 when he got behind a 2007 Lincoln with an unilluminated license plate. He observed the vehicle swerving and unable to stay in its lane, prompting him to initiate a traffic stop. The car had an expired temporary tag.

The driver, 56-year-old Jimmy Couch of Liberty, admitted he didn't have insurance and that the car was from a lot. Jimmy appeared disoriented with glassy eyes and failed field sobriety tests. When asked if there was anything in the vehicle, Jimmy allowed a search, during which Deputy Harris found a glass pipe with suspected meth inside. Jimmy claimed the pipe wasn't his and that he had been set up.

Jimmy was arrested and taken to Casey County Hospital, where he refused a blood test. He was then transported to Casey County Jail on charges of driving with an expired operator's license, rear license not illuminated, possession of methamphetamine (1st degree), possession of drug paraphernalia, DUI (controlled substance), no registration plates, and no insurance.

Shortly before 1am on Wednesday, Deputy Tyler Luttrell of the Casey County Sheriff's Office was dispatched to a Bowman Trail residence for a physical domestic incident. KSP Trooper Jake Smith also arrived on the scene. They found Martha Propes, who was upset and complained of rib and head pain, stating her daughter had hit her multiple times during a heated argument.

Officers located 46-year-old Shauna L. Neat in a back bedroom. She initially refused to come out, claiming it was a misunderstanding and that she was ready for bed. Trooper Smith noticed a marijuana grinder with residue at the end of the bed, which Shauna said belonged to a deceased friend.

Martha had visible injuries to her face and arm, and EMS was called to check her out. When officers asked Shauna to come outside, she refused. Trooper Smith assisted her towards Deputy Luttrell, but Shauna resisted and continued to struggle as she was handcuffed. She verbally abused Deputy Luttrell all the way to jail.

Shauna was charged with Assault-4th Degree (domestic violence - minor injury), Possession of Marijuana & drug paraphernalia, and resisting arrest.

Pulaski County Sheriff Bobby Jones reports the arrest of a Somerset man after a call for assistance led to the discovery of methamphetamine.

On July 21, 2024, at around 8:52pm, deputies were called to the scene of a Breezy Hills
address in Somerset, KY on a report of a male subject attempting to harm himself.

Upon arrival to the scene, Deputy Tyler Pearson approached an open door to the residence and observed in plain view digital scales, multiple clear plastic bags, a crystal like substance believed to be methamphetamine, money and a green leafy substance believed to be marijuana inside the
residence.
 

As Deputy Pearson observed for the male subject who supposedly was threatening to
harm himself, he encountered a male subject hiding behind the open entry door. The male
subject provided Deputy Pearson with a name and social security number which was determined
to belong to a subject from Louisville, KY.

Upon Deputy James Pitman’s arrival to the scene, he recognized the male subject to actually be Kyle Wright, 57 years of age, Somerset, KY.

Kyle Wright was arrested from the scene and charged with Trafficking in Controlled Substance 1 st Degree-1 st Offense (Methamphetamine), Possession of Marijuana, Drug Paraphernalia-Buy/Possess, and Giving Officer False Identifying Information. Wright was also charged with a Failure to Appear warrant out of Pulaski County Circuit Court.

Wright was 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.

There was talk of a new addition to Somer Splash at the latest meeting of the Somerset City Council.

Jeff Henderson has details...

Two Boyle County men were arrested last weekend on drug & weapons charges.

Around 7:30pm Saturday, Danville Police conducted a traffic stop on S. 4th St. for driver’s license and equipment violations.

During the investigation, a K-9 unit alerted to the presence of narcotics, prompting a search. Officers discovered several gallon-sized bags of marijuana, along with drug paraphernalia, loose Adderall pills, methamphetamine, cash, and a suspected narcotic transaction ledger.

The search also yielded four firearms: a .357 revolver, a .22 rifle, a 12-gauge shotgun, and a .45 caliber pistol.

The driver, Daniel Short, 51, of Danville, was arrested for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

A passenger, Dennis Douglas, 61, also of Danville, was arrested for trafficking marijuana, trafficking methamphetamine, trafficking a controlled substance 1st degree (over 10 dosage units), and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Both men were lodged in the Boyle County Jail.

The Kentucky State Police, Richmond Post, received a call from the Madison County Sheriff’s Office requesting investigative assistance in reference to a two-vehicle collision involving an off-duty Madison County Deputy.

The incident occurred on Charlie Norris Road near Four Mile Road in Madison County just before 11:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 20, 2024.

The initial investigation indicates a 2019 Maverick Sport CAN-AM, operated by Jonathon Thompson of Richmond, KY, was traveling on a gravel roadway. Mr. Thompson made a right-hand turn onto Charlie Norris Road, pulling out in front of a 2019 Motorcycle operated by Preston Lambart, 21, of Richmond. Mr. Thompson stopped in the roadway, while attempting to make a left-hand turn into a residence, at which point the motorcycle collided with the rear of the vehicle.

As a result of the collision, Preston Lambart, 21, of Richmond, was transported to the University of Kentucky Albert B. Chandler Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Jonathon Thompson, of Richmond, exhibited signs of alcohol impairment and was arrested and lodged in the Madison County Detention Center. He was charged with Operating Motor Vehicle Under the Influence of Alcohol (.08 or greater) - 1st offense and Assault 2nd degree.

Trooper Devon Banaszak is conducting the ongoing collision investigation. He was assisted on the scene by Kentucky State Police personnel, Madison County Sheriff's Office, and Madison County EMS.

A Liberty business owner is charged with selling alcohol, tobacco or vape products to kids.
 

On July 16th, 2024, Casey County Sheriff Chad Weddle cited Vasant Bob Patel, age 49, of Liberty for three counts of distributing tobacco, alcohol, nicotine or vapor products to minors.

This citation highlights the ongoing efforts to enforce laws aimed at protecting minors from accessing age restricted products.

On July 20, 2024, at approximately 7:32 PM, Lincoln County Emergency Services were dispatched to the 500 block of KY Highway 501 for a collision involving a pickup truck and a motorcycle.

Preliminary investigation indicated that a motorcycle was traveling westbound on KY Highway 501 when, for an unknown reason, the operator lost control in a curve. This caused the motorcycle to enter the eastbound lane and collide with an oncoming pickup truck, ejecting the motorcycle operator.

As a result, a male subject was pronounced deceased at the scene by Lincoln County Coroner Farris Marcum.

Both occupants of the pickup truck were transported to Fort Logan ER for treatment.

The collision remains under investigation by Detective Sergeant Michael Mullins, with assistance from Lincoln County EMS, Fire, Coroner’s Office, Deputy Russell Preston, and Deputy Justin Dececca.

A man is behind bars in Boyle County after he allegedly shot a dog.

On Tuesday, deputies with Boyle County Sheriff's Office were dispatched to Needmore Road following a report of a missing beagle. At the scene, they discovered several shell casings in the vicinity of the backyard and dog kennel. Signs of blood were evident on the exterior of the doghouse and the home’s porch. Despite a thorough search, the dog remained unaccounted for.

The investigation led to Kenneth Wingard, who had been residing at the property. Police say he confessed to shooting the dog in a state of severe intoxication, then concealed the animal’s body in his truck’s floorboard, locking the vehicle, and vacating the premises.

Authorities later retrieved the slain beagle, noting it had been shot multiple times, and returned it to the owner.

Wingard now faces serious charges, including first-degree wanton endangerment, tampering with physical evidence, and the torture of a dog/cat resulting in severe injury or death.

Danville Police responded to the call of shots fired Wednesday evening at Speedway gas station.

Upon arrival, officers found Alexander Baldwin, 38 of Lexington, with a gunshot wound to his hand.

Investigation revealed a heated altercation between Baldwin and his girlfriend inside the store, which escalated rapidly. Baldwin was seen choking the 28-year-old woman before dragging her outside to the parking lot, where he violently threw her to the ground, causing her to lose consciousness temporarily. She later regained her senses and moved to the passenger side of her car at the fuel pumps, where Baldwin was already seated in the driver’s seat. A .380 caliber pistol was discovered on the passenger seat.

The victim recounted a frantic struggle for the firearm with Baldwin, during which two shots were discharged, one wounding Baldwin’s hand. By the time authorities arrived, neither party was armed.

Baldwin received medical attention at a local hospital and was later detained, facing charges of first-degree wanton endangerment, first-degree strangulation, and fourth-degree assault related to dating violence with minor injury.

The victim received treatment for her minor injuries and was subsequently released.

Danville Police were supported by the City Fire Department and Boyle County EMS at the scene.

Inter County Energy crews are doing some utility work today on East Moore's Road in Casey County.
 

The road will be partially blocked all day today.

Passenger cars can still get through, however, larger vehicles and semi's will have to turn around.
 

Please use caution in the work zone.

Liberty City Council met in regular session Monday.
Here's Mayor, Dr. Sam Haddad...
 

Click below to hear the full meeting...

Another bad audit for Pulaski County.
Jeff Henderson reports from Somerset...

-Marcia R Salyers, 59 of Kings Mountain, indicted for failure to maintain required insurance, possession of drug unspecified 1st degree, & prescription-controlled substance 1st degree.

-Katrina L Maddox, 32 of Hustonville, indicted for assault 2nd degree – domestic violence.

-Jeremy L Owens, 40 of Liberty, indicted for failure to comply with sex offender registration & persistent felony offender 1st degree.

-Cristal G Allen, 34 of Liberty, indicted for assault 2nd degree – domestic violence.

-Breanna E Carroll, 24 of London, indicted for bail jumping 1st degree.

-Ronald E Caudill, 35 of Stanford, indicted for bail jumping 1st degree.

-Roger D Collins, 54 of Windsor, indicted for bail jumping 1st degree.

-Kenneth R Wethington, 54 of Liberty, indicted for bail jumping 1st degree & persistent felony offender 1st degree.

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

The following is a statement from the Liberty Tourism & Convention Commission...

FIREWORKS STILL A GO FOR 10 PM EST on Thursday, July 4th Viewable from the Central Kentucky Ag/Expo Center and downtown Liberty.

4th of July Festivities Cancellation After careful consideration, the City of Liberty, Kentucky, the County, and Liberty Tourism & Convention Commission have decided to cancel this year's 4th of July festivities due to the forecasted thunderstorms.

This difficult decision was made with the safety of our attendees, vendors, and performers as our top priority. We understand the impact of this cancellation, particularly for our vendors who require advance notice and for the bands traveling from out of state. Unfortunately, rescheduling is impossible due to existing commitments and scheduling conflicts for all involved.

While we understand that the forecast may even change by tomorrow, it is important that we are respectful of our vendors, volunteers, bands, and staff. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding and support. We look forward to celebrating with you next year under better conditions.

FIREWORKS STILL A GO FOR 10 PM EST on Thursday, July 4th Viewable from the Central Kentucky Ag Expo Center 678 Wallace Wilkinson Blvd, Liberty, KY 42539 and downtown Liberty

Thank you for your continued support.

Monday night, around 9 p.m., Deputy Austin Harris of the Casey County Sheriff's Office was patrolling KY-817 when he spotted Jordan Young walking. Aware that Young had an outstanding warrant, Deputy Harris pulled over and engaged in conversation with him. Jordan admitted to being aware of the warrant.

Deputy Harris placed Jordan under arrest and transported him to the Casey County Jail, where a deputy jailer observed Jordan on video camera discarding something behind Harris's vehicle. When questioned about the tossed item, Jordan confessed that it was methamphetamine and a pipe.

Deputy Harris escorted Jordan back to the cruiser to locate the discarded items. Inside a cloth bag, Harris discovered a glass pipe containing suspected meth. Additionally, he found three small baggies, each containing a similar crystal-like substance-also suspected to be meth. Two other items resembling straws, likely used for snorting substances, were also recovered. Both of these items contained the same crystal-like substance.

28-year-old Jordan D. Young of Liberty, faces multiple charges:

• Possession of Methamphetamine-1st degree (2nd offense)
• Drug Paraphernalia
• Tampering with Physical Evidence

A Hustonville woman was arrested shortly before 10am Saturday.

Deputy Tyler Luttrell, with Casey County Sheriff's Office, was dispatched to Calvary Ridge Road, about ten miles East of Yosemite, for a female walking up the road talking to herself and mailboxes.

Upon arrival, he made contact with 33-year-old Tiffany R. Taylor. He asked Tiffany what she was doing and she stated walking to Lincoln County. Tiffany seemed confused about where she was going. Luttrell advised Tiffany that it was a long walk to Lincoln County, and she stated no, it's just up the road. He asked Tiffany where she was coming from and she stated that she had just left Joe's from down the road. She couldn't recall Joe's last name, just that he offered her a place to stay the night.

Tiffany stated she had smoked marijuana the day before and used meth a few days ago. Her eyes were very pin-pointed.

Tiffany Taylor was charged with Public Intoxication-Controlled Substance. She was lodged in the Casey County Jail.

As Independence Day quickly approaches, Kentuckians are reminded to plan for a safe ride home if celebrations include alcohol.   

Unfortunately, the holiday can turn tragic when individuals drive while impaired. It is never acceptable to drink alcohol and drive – even after just a few drinks. Making a plan for a sober, designated driver before celebrations begin will help prevent tragedies on Kentucky roadways.  

“Ensuring safety on our highways requires a collective effort,” said Gov. Andy Beshear. “As Kentuckians celebrate the Fourth of July, we urge everyone to celebrate responsibly so we all return home safely to our friends and loved ones.” 

Impaired driving crashes typically increase over holidays, so Team Kentucky is joining the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to remind drivers that “Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving.” 

“If you are under the influence of any substance and choose to get behind the wheel, you put everyone on the road in danger, including yourself,” said Transportation Secretary Jim Gray. “Drugs or alcohol not only hinder your ability to drive but also affect your judgment about whether you can or should drive. You may think you’re fine; however, impairment slows judgment, coordination and reaction times.” 

According to the Kentucky State Police database, last year in Kentucky there were 79 crashes involving a drunken and/or drugged driver over the Fourth of July holiday period, resulting in 57 injuries and four deaths. 

To prevent tragedies from occurring, follow these recommendations: 

• Before the festivities begin, plan a way to get home at the end of the night safely.
• If you’re impaired, use a ride-booking company, taxi, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation to get home safely.
• If you see an impaired driver, safely pull over and contact law enforcement. You may dial the Kentucky State Police’s toll-free line directly at 800-222-5555 or call 911.
• If you know people who are about to drive or ride while impaired, take their keys and help them make other arrangements to get to their destination safely.
• Wear a seat belt! It is not only the law; it is the best defense against an impaired driver. Buckling up helps prevent injury and death if involved in a crash.

For more information visit kyhighwaysafety.com.  

Shortly after 10pm Tuesday, Casey County Deputy Austin Harris was traveling on Bastin Creek RD when he got behind a 2000 Chevy Impala and noticed the rear license plate was not Illuminated. Dispatch confirmed verify proof of Insurance.

Deputy Tyler Luttrell and Constable Ralph Mondle were following behind. Deputy Harris initiated a traffic stop as the vehicle turned into a driveway. The driver, Marcia Salyers, 39 of Kings Mountain, put the car In park and jumped out of the car. While speaking with Salyers, Harris noticed her eyes were extremely pinned and she was very nervous. He asked Salyer why she pulled In this driveway and she stated that she was there to see her good friend. A few moments later the home owner came out side and stated he had no idea who she was he had never seen her.

Salyers gave Deputy Luttrell her drivers license and he ran her information. While waiting on a read back from dispatch, K9 Nitro alerted on the drivers side door. When asked to step out of the car, Salyers began arguing and hesitating and saying she was trying to find her license and insurance which she had already gave Luttrell.

While searching the car, Deputies located two small bags in the side pocket of a purse. One of the baggies had a crystal like substance which suspected to be Meth. The second baggie had a white powder like substance which suspected to be Heroin. While attempting to take photographs of the evidence, Salyers stepped over to the trunk and grabbed the two baggies and threw them on the ground and attempted to destroy them but Deputies were able to remove her and retrieve the evidence.

When told she was under arrest, Salyers began jerking her arms and saying she didn't do anything. After continuing to tell Salyers to place her hands behind her back and he continuously would not comply Deputies placed her arms behind her and put cuffs on her.

Salyers was transported to the Hospital where she refused a blood test and then was transported to the Casey County Jail. She is charged with Resisting arrest, Tampering with physical evidence, Possession of Heroin-1st degree, Possession of Methamphetamine-1st degree, DUI-1st degree-2nd offense, Rear license not illuminated, and disorderly conduct-2nd degree.