A Boyle County man is facing DUI charges following a weekend traffic stop in Casey County.

Shortly after 2 PM on Sunday, Casey County Deputy Austin Harris was traveling on KY 78 when he got behind a 2011 Nissan Juke SUV that was driving on the yellow line and jerking the wheel. Deputy Harris initiated a traffic stop and, upon approaching the vehicle, immediately smelled the odor of marijuana.

The driver, 57-year-old John McGuire of Danville, KY, admitted to smoking marijuana about an hour earlier on his way home from Leitchfield. After failing field sobriety tests, McGuire was transported to the Casey County Jail on charges of DUI (controlled substance).

A Casey County woman is facing DUI charges after failing to use a turn signal.

Deputy Jacob Atwood of the Casey County Sheriff’s Office reported that shortly before 7 PM on Sunday, he observed a 2017 Chevy Trax approach the intersection of W KY 70 and US 127 without using a turn signal. The vehicle then turned onto US 127, traveling north.

While following the vehicle into a 45 MPH speed zone, Deputy Atwood paced the vehicle at 66 MPH and initiated a traffic stop.

The driver was identified as Ronna L. Carmicle, 51, of Liberty, KY. Deputy Atwood noticed her pupils were constricted and saw a hatchet in the passenger seat. He requested Carmicle exit the vehicle.

After failing field sobriety tests, Carmicle was taken into custody. She had an expired registration plate, could not provide a registration receipt, and had an expired insurance card as of July 2024.

Carmicle was charged with Speeding (21 MPH over the limit), Failure to Use or Improper Turn Signal, No Insurance, No Registration Plates/Receipt, and DUI (controlled substance).

As summer winds down, many Americans will take to the water for the long Labor Day weekend for some end-of-season fun in the sun. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District wants to remind visitors to its lakes and recreation areas throughout the Cumberland River Basin to practice safety around open water.

“Since March of this year, 12 water-related fatalities have occurred at our lakes,” says John Malone, Nashville District lead ranger. “Nearly all of these individuals were not wearing a life jacket.”

The Nashville District urges visitors to be prepared, understand the importance of water safety, and to be alert and expect the unexpected.

“Overall, we have seen a decrease in water-related deaths as compared to this point last year, but even one is too many, and the summer recreation season is not over yet,” said USACE Nashville District Commander Lt. Col. Robert Green. “We love to see visitors having a good time out on the lake, but what we love to see more is when they are wearing life jackets and making good decisions.”

People of all ages should practice water safety. Before entering or being around open water (lakes, rivers, ponds, etc.), keep these things in mind—they could save your life or the life of someone you care about.

• Wear a life jacket – By providing time to be rescued, it will help ensure you survive an unexpected fall into the water. It can also save your life if you become exhausted due to fatigue, waves, or current while swimming. Statistics show that numerous drownings could have been prevented if a life jacket would have been worn.
   
• Wear Engine Cutoff Device While Boating – If thrown out of a boat, there is always the danger of being struck by a spinning propeller, especially since an unoccupied boat can often start traveling in circles after the operator is ejected. Wearing an engine cut-off switch lanyard or electronic fob immediately stops the engine after ejection so that the operator can regain control of the boat.
   
• Know your swimming abilities – Be aware that swimming in open water is different from swimming in a pool, and your swimming ability decreases with age. It is never too late to take swimming lessons and learn to swim well. Several people every year drown while swimming to retrieve boats, hats, and toys. Let those things go; they are not worth losing your life over.   
   
• Alcohol and water are a deadly combination – Alcohol induces an inner ear condition (caloric labyrinthitis) that can cause you to become disoriented when underwater and not realize which way is up. If you jump or fall in the water, you can become disoriented and swim down instead of up to safety, causing you to drown. This is more likely to happen if you have been consuming alcohol.
   
• Watch Your Children – Constantly supervise your children whenever they’re in, on, or near open water. Always keep them within arm’s reach. To keep them safe, keep yourself safe – ensure you and they wear properly fitted life jackets whenever enjoying your favorite outdoor water recreational activity.

The Nashville District operates Lake Barkley, Lake Cumberland, Laurel River Lake, and Martins Fork Lake in Kentucky; Cheatham Lake, J. Percy Priest Lake, Old Hickory Lake, Cordell Hull Lake, and Center Hill Lake in Tennessee; and Dale Hollow Lake in both Kentucky and Tennessee.

Learn more water safety tips by visiting www.PleaseWearIt.com and following Please Wear It on Facebook and Instagram.

On August 24, 2024 at approximately 11:33 A.M. CST, the Kentucky State Police (KSP) Post 15 received a call from Clinton County Dispatch requesting investigative assistance from KSP in reference to a shooting incident.

Troopers and Detectives responded to a residence located on Wolf River Dock Road in Clinton County at the request of the Clinton County Sheriff's Office.  The preliminary investigation revealed that Wesley Russell, age 51 of Albany, and his wife Mary Russell, age 48 of Albany, had been involved in a domestic violence incident. 

Mr. Russell was found with multiple gunshot wounds and was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Clinton County Coroner's Office.  Ms. Russell was transported to the Clinton County Hospital for treatment of injuries. 

The investigation continues and is being led by Detective Zach Scott.

On Saturday night around 9:30 PM, Casey County Deputy Austin Harris was traveling on KY 551 when he encountered a 2008 Chevy Impala with no headlights. Deputy Harris turned around and initiated a traffic stop, speaking with the driver, Adam W. Lee, 42, of Russell Springs. Deputy Harris explained the reason for the stop, and shortly after, Deputy Jacob Atwood arrived on the scene.

When asked for his information, Lee hesitated. Deputy Atwood then noticed a broken glass pipe on the driver’s side floorboard, which Lee claimed was not his. Lee was asked to step out of the vehicle, and officers found multiple throwing knives on his person. After removing the knives, Deputy Harris inquired if there was anything else in the car, to which Lee responded that there was not.

Deputy Harris observed possible signs of impairment and asked Lee about his activities that day. Lee admitted to smoking marijuana three hours prior. When asked to perform standard field sobriety tests, Lee became very combative.

During a search, Deputy Atwood found a small black bag containing two baggies of suspected methamphetamine and two smaller empty baggies on the driver’s seat. Additionally, a glass pipe with suspected meth residue was found in Lee’s pocket.

Lee was arrested and charged with Possession of Methamphetamine (1st degree), DUI (controlled substance), Driving on a Suspended or Revoked Operator’s License, No Insurance, Failure to Illuminate Headlights, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. He was lodged in the Casey County Jail.

Liberty man arrested after meeting Deputy on the wrong side of the road.

Around 2:30pm Friday, Casey County Deputy Tyler Luttrell was traveling on Wilson Ridge Road when he met a 2007 Chevy Malibu on his side of the road. He turned around and stopped the car. The driver was identified as Troy E. Curry, 43, of Liberty. Constable Ralph Mondie arrived on the scene to assist.

Troy stated he did not have his ID on him, and dispatch confirmed he was driving with a suspended license and had two active warrants. Deputy Luttrell noticed signs of possible impairment and asked Troy when he last used any substances. Troy admitted to using meth a few days ago. After failing field sobriety tests, Troy was placed under arrest and transported to the Casey County Jail.
He is charged with Reckless Driving, DUI-Controlled Substance (2nd offense), and Driving on a Suspended or Revoked Operator’s License.

On Saturday at 3:30 PM, Deputy Tyler Luttrell of the Casey County Sheriff’s Office was driving on KY 49 when he encountered a 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix with a cracked windshield. He turned around and followed the vehicle to Upper Brush Creek, noticing it crossed the center line several times. Deputy Luttrell stopped the Pontiac and made contact with the driver, Cody R. Rushing, 26, of Liberty.

A check revealed that Cody was driving with a suspended license. Deputy Luttrell asked Cody to step out of the vehicle and noticed his eyes were very pinpointed, and he seemed nervous. When asked if he had taken anything, Cody stated it had been a week ago. Field sobriety tests indicated Cody was under the influence. Cody admitted he had used dope and smoked marijuana the previous day. He was placed under arrest.

A small clear tube containing marijuana was found in Cody’s left front pocket. He was transported to the Casey County Jail on charges of Obstructed Vision/Windshield, Driving on a Suspended or Revoked Operator’s License, DUI-Controlled Substance, Possession of Marijuana, and Drug Paraphernalia.

On Sunday, police executed a search warrant at a home on Oregon Road outside Salvisa. Harrodsburg Police says officers discovered a large quantity of crystal methamphetamine, related paraphernalia, and US currency during the search. Additionally, numerous animals were found living in deplorable conditions.

Kenneth Brawner, 47, was arrested and charged with trafficking methamphetamine (second offense or greater), 33 counts of animal cruelty, and torture of a dog or cat.

Gabriella Follmer, 52, was charged with second-degree animal cruelty, torture of a dog or cat, first-degree possession of fentanyl, and complicity in trafficking methamphetamine.

Both were lodged in the Boyle County Jail. The investigation is on-going.

Around 10:30 PM on Friday night, Casey County Deputies Austin Harris and Jacob Atwood were traveling south on US-127 when they observed a 2004 Buick LeSabre following another vehicle at less than a car length. The deputies stopped the vehicle and spoke with the driver, Christopher Newell, 39, of Loves Park, IL.

While speaking with Newell, the deputies detected the odor of alcohol and noticed his glassy eyes. Newell admitted to having consumed liquor just before leaving a house where another male was trying to start a fight. He was unsteady on his feet, and a breathalyzer test indicated a high level of alcohol.

Newell was charged with DUI, following another vehicle too closely, and having an illegible license plate. He was lodged in the Casey County Jail.

Casey County Deputy Jayson Grider conducted a traffic stop on a 2006 Pontiac Solstice at Liberty Care Center shortly after 3 p.m. on Tuesday and requested assistance from Deputy Tyler Luttrell.

According to Deputy Grider, the driver, Ellen M. Pinkston, age 54 of Gravel Switch, was driving erratically. She exhibited slurred speech, bloodshot eyes, and difficulty standing. When asked if she had consumed anything, Ellen admitted to having a few beers and then leaned against the deputy’s vehicle, stating she was drunk. She mentioned she was coming from Three Pines in Lebanon and heading to Wolf Creek Dam with her passenger, Joseph Bickett.

Joseph confirmed she had been drinking and handed him an open pint of Fireball when they were pulled over. He also stated that she was already drunk when she picked him up and that they had not been at Three Pines.

After failing field sobriety tests, Ellen was arrested and taken to the hospital, where she refused a blood test. She was then transported to the Casey County Jail and charged with DUI and possession of an open alcoholic beverage in a motor vehicle.

• Sarah Renee DeHart, age 38 of Windsor, indicted on charges of possession of controlled substance (first degree-methamphetamine), possession of marijuana, drug Paraphernalia, & Terroristic threatening third degree.
• Jeffrey William Harmon, age 55 of Liberty, indicted for driving on a DUI suspended operator's license (second offense-aggravating circumstance), no insurance-second offense, DUI controlled substance (third offense), possession of controlled substance (first-degree-fentanyl), possession of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
• Jeremy Lee Luttrell, age 34 of Liberty, indicted for violation of a Kentucky IPO, 2 counts of assault second-degree, wanton endangerment (first-degree-two counts), burglary first-degree, and persistent felony offender second-degree.
• Gary Joseph May age 48 of Liberty, indicted for trafficking controlled substance (first-degree, second-offense, over 2 grams of methamphetamine), possession of marijuana, drug paraphernalia, and persistent felony offender first-degree.
• Drekken Cole Pyles age 20 of Liberty, indicted for driving on a suspended or revoked operator's license, trafficking controlled substance (first-degree- over 2 g methamphetamine), possession of drug paraphernalia, and DUI controlled substance.

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

A Somerset man who faked his own death to avoid child support has been sentenced to 81 months in prison.

Jeff Henderson reports from Somerset...

Shortly after midnight, Deputy Austin Harris of the Casey County Sheriff’s Office was following a '98 Chevy SUV on KY 78. The vehicle turned left onto KY 49 without stopping at the stop sign or signaling the turn, prompting Deputy Harris to initiate a traffic stop.

Upon approaching the vehicle, Deputy Harris spoke with the driver, Ginifer Fair, and the passenger, Colton Sears. He explained the reason for the stop and requested their information. While waiting for dispatch, K9 Nitro was deployed and alerted to the driver’s side door.

Colton Sears was asked to step out of the SUV first, as he mentioned having loaded guns in a backpack between his legs. When asked if he had any weapons, Colton admitted to having a broken glass pipe in his back left pocket. Deputy Harris retrieved the pipe and observed marijuana residue inside.

Colton’s eyes were extremely red, and he was speaking very slowly and incoherently. He admitted that he and Ginifer had smoked weed an hour earlier. Consequently, Colton Sears, 22, of Hustonville, was arrested and transported to the Casey County Jail. He faces charges of public intoxication and possession of drug paraphernalia.

After failing field sobriety tests, 41-year-old Ginifer Fair, of Liberty, was charged with DUI-controlled substance, Failure to (or improper) Turn Signal, Disregarding a Stop Sign, & No Insurance. She was also lodged in the Casey County Jail.

One man is dead and another charged with murder after a weekend shooting in the Bronston community.

Jeff Henderson has more ...

A Pulaski County juvenile was killed in a vehicle vs dirt bike crash over the weekend.
Jeff Henderson reports from Nancy...

Under general business the Court approved tax rates...
 The Health Department tax rates remained unchanged at 3.5% per $100 assessed value for real and personal property and motor vehicles.
 The Public Library tax rate went down from 8.6% to 8.1% for real and personal property. That was the compensating rate.
 Soil conservation taxes 2.3% per $100 real estate and 0% for personal.

 Extension district board taxes The compensating rate was 1.8% for real and .02 for inventory.
 County property taxes The compensating rate set at 6.4%.

 Also under general business, Eddie Wesley was appointed to the hospital board to fill a vacancy from Steve Fox, who resigned.

 The board discussed participating in an energy audit, concentrating mainly on the jail and AG center to find possible savings. No action was taken.

 Under Rd. Business, Derek Patton was hired as a laborer at the County Road department.

 Under Miscellaneous, Eddie Wesley was appointed to fill a vacant seat on the water board.

 Judge Dial opened the floor for discussion on the procedure for addressing the Court. He also gave an update on the radio grant...

 The court went into executive session for short time to discuss litigation. No action was taken.

 Casey County Sheriff Chad Weddle gave his department's monthly activity report...

Polling locations in Pulaski County will be more secure than ever this November.
Jeff Henderson explains...

The Commonwealth Policy Center is calling on Pulaski County public schools to abide by the law.

Jeff Henderson has more...

On August 9, 2024 at approximately 3:56 P.M. CST, Kentucky State Police (KSP) Post 15 Troopers responded to a two-vehicle injury collision on KY 76 (Millerfield Road) in Adair County.

The preliminary investigation revealed that Ralph Grider, age 78 of Columbia, was in the roadway traveling east on KY 76 on a Craftsman lawn tractor.  Larry Goodin, age 71 of Columbia, was also traveling east on KY 76 and collided with the rear of Mr. Grider’s vehicle in the eastbound lane of the roadway.    

Mr. Grider was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Adair County Coroner.  Mr. Goodin refused medical treatment from EMS at the scene. 

KSP Post 15 Troopers were assisted at the scene by the Adair County Sheriff's Office, Adair County Fire and EMS, and Adair County Coroner’s Office.  The collision remains under investigation by Sergeant Adam Likins.

Sheriff Bobby Jones reports that on Monday, August 12, 2024 at approximately 10:00
AM three individuals were arrested and charged with attempted murder and lodged in the Pulaski
County Detention Center.

On August 12, 2024, at approximately 1:28 AM, Pulaski County Dispatch received a
report of a female gunshot victim. The Somerset/Pulaski County Emergency Services responded
to James Meece Road where they contacted the victim. She was transported to the Lake
Cumberland Regional Hospital and later transferred to the University of Kentucky Hospital for
treatment of her injuries.

The incident began when the victims were traveling down Highway 192 and a dark
colored hatchback fired multiple shots into the vehicle they were in. The female was struck in
the shoulder area. The male driver was not struck by any of the bullets.

The shooting began on Highway 192 in the area of 192 Market and the Dollar General.
Upon further investigation, it was determined that Asa Simpson, Christian Helton and
Bralyn Greer were occupants of the vehicle that had shot at the victims. Preliminary
investigation indicated that Simpson had his vehicle stolen and was going to Highway 192 to
find it.

Helton told Simpson where the vehicle was, and they could go get it back. All three
suspects went to get the vehicle, but as they did, they saw it traveling on Highway 192. While
attempting to get the vehicle to stop, one or more of the occupants of the suspect vehicle fired
multiple rounds into the victim’s vehicle.

Asa Simpson, age 49, of Lair Street in Somerset, Kentucky, Christian Helton, age 24,
also with an address on Lair Street, and Bralyn Greer, age 20, of KY Hwy 198, Hustonville,
Kentucky were all arrested and charged with Criminal Attempt to Commit Murder. All three
were transported and lodged in the Pulaski County Detention Center where they remain lodged
as of this press release.

This investigation continues by the Pulaski County Sheriff's Office, Criminal
Investigation Division, led by Detective Branson Patterson.

Also responding to the scene were the Somerset/Pulaski County Emergency Medical
Services and the Somerset Police Department.

Sheriff Bobby Jones asks if you have any information about this crime or any other crime
or suspected drug activity 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.

Around 5:30 PM on Friday, Deputy Tyler Luttrell of the Casey County Sheriff’s Office was driving down South 127 when he observed a white 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix approaching.

The vehicle crossed the white line and then jerked back over. Deputy Luttrell turned around, caught up to the vehicle, and initiated a traffic stop on Henson Ridge Road.

The driver, identified as 49-year-old Christopher H. Ruby of Dunnville, had pinpointed and glassy eyes.

When asked about his last drug use, Ruby admitted to using methamphetamine the previous day. Field sobriety tests indicated signs of impairment.

Mr. Ruby was subsequently transported to the Casey County Jail on charges of careless driving and DUI-controlled substance.

A Liberty woman was arrested Saturday afternoon after a call of shots fired.

Casey County Deputy Tyler Luttrell was dispatched to 1725 Button Knob Road in response to a report of a woman firing gunshots and claiming that someone was inside her house. Dispatch informed Deputy Luttrell that the woman, identified as 38-year-old Bethany N. Wesley, had fired eight rounds while on the phone with them.

Earlier that day, deputies had visited her residence and found no signs of anyone in or around the house. Dispatch also noted that Wesley admitted to smoking marijuana and drinking. They lost connection with her and advised that she was armed with a gun.

Upon arrival, Liberty Police Officer Ron Goodpaster joined Deputy Luttrell. They used a car speaker to instruct Wesley to step outside without the firearm, repeating the message several times. Wesley did not comply. Deputy Luttrell then heard someone near the road saying, “They are chasing me.” When asked about the gun, Wesley stated she had lost it.

At this point, Wesley was detained. She had blood running down both legs and explained that she had crawled through a briar patch. She also mentioned that she had fired shots inside her house to scare an intruder. Wesley admitted to smoking marijuana and drinking Fireball shots.

EMS arrived to assess Wesley’s condition. While she was in the ambulance, officers cleared the house and found no one inside. They discovered seven 9mm shell casings on the kitchen floor and seven bullet holes in the staircase wall. Deputy Luttrell also found a glass pipe with marijuana residue, a marijuana grinder with residue, several packs of rolling papers, and a baggie containing marijuana on a table in the living room.

After EMS cleared Wesley, she was arrested and transported to the Casey County Jail on charges of public intoxication (controlled substance), possession of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

A Burnside man has been arrested after threatening first responders with a knife when they arrived to extinguish his burning home.

Jeff Henderson reports from Pulaski County...

A Hustonville woman was recently arrested while driving a stolen van. Danville Police were alerted by Flock Safety Cameras about a stolen vehicle within the city limits. Officers located the 2016 Dodge Journey and conducted a traffic stop near Wilderness Road and East Broadway Street.

The driver, 32-year-old Kayla Howell of Hustonville, was taken into custody without incident. The vehicle had been reported stolen in Lincoln County. Howell was lodged in the Boyle County Jail and charged with receiving stolen property.

Additionally, Howell was found in possession of suspected methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia, leading to further charges of possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine) and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Secretary of State Michael Adams announced that 14,502 Kentuckians registered to vote in July.  

“Kentuckians are signing up to vote in big numbers, because they trust the integrity of our elections,” Adams said.

In the same month, 5,675 were removed from the rolls – 3,659 deceased voters, 817 felony convicts, 562 duplicate registrations, 494 who moved out of state, 101 who voluntarily de-registered, and 42 adjudged mentally incompetent.

While the presidential election appeared to motivate the surge in registration, the continued decline in Democratic registrations suggests that the boost did not result from excitement about the Democratic Party’s change of presidential candidate.

Republican registrants account for 46 percent of the electorate, with 1,628,029 voters. Republican registration rose by 6,221 voters, a .38 percent increase. Democratic registrants make up 43 percent of the electorate, with 1,506,394 voters.

Democratic registration dropped by 579 voters, a .04 percent decrease. There are 370,513 voters registered as Independent or under other political affiliations, 11 percent of the electorate. “Other” registration jumped by 3,784 voters, a 1.03 percent increase.

1.    Daniel Travis Abell, 32, of Liberty

• Hindering Prosecution or Apprehension-2nd Degree
• Possession of Methamphetamine-1st Degree, 3rd Offense
• Possession of Marijuana
• Drug Paraphernalia

2.    Brittany C. Riddell, 32, of Liberty

• Possession of Methamphetamine-1st Degree, 3rd Offense
• Possession of Marijuana
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
• Endangering the Welfare of a Minor

3.    Billy Joe Carmicle, II, 55, of Dunnville

• Failure to Wear Seat Belts
• Improper Display of Registration Plates
• DUI (Aggravating Circumstance)
• Possession of Methamphetamine-1st Degree
• Failure to Notify Department of Transportation of Address Change
• No Registration Plates/Receipt
• Possession of Open Alcoholic Beverage Container in a Motor Vehicle

4.    Daniel L. Elliott, 31, of Liberty

• Assault-3rd Degree
• Resisting Arrest

5.    Lincoln Brent Wells, 35, of Liberty

• Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle

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

Severe storms Wednesday brought strong winds to Pulaski County, causing a large tree limb to crash onto a woman’s camper.

She suffered serious injuries and is currently hospitalized.

Austin and Ashley Molesworth, who have managed Happy Camper RV Park near Lake Cumberland for five years, describe their guests as family. Ashley recalls hearing the crash while at home with their two kids.

The storms left large tree limbs down, including one that pierced a camper, injuring a woman inside. She was working on her computer when the limb grazed her head and badly cut her arm.

The Molesworths feel fortunate it wasn’t worse and are rethinking how to manage the towering trees in their park.

In the short term, they are focused on helping the injured woman by taking up a collection to help fix her camper and supporting her recovery. A GoFundMe account has been set up to assist with medical bills and damages.