The Casey County Fiscal Court met in special session Monday.
Jerry Atwood reports ...

Kentucky State Police (KSP) Post 15 Troopers have arrested a Russell County man on a charge relating to the sexual solicitation of a minor. 

On December 26, 2024, a KSP Trooper received a complaint alleging Zachary Grider, 33, of Russell Springs, was sending messages to a 15-year-old juvenile through the Snapchat social media platform with some messages containing sexual references. 

On December 28, 2024, the preliminary investigation obtained information leading Troopers to arrest and charge Zachary Grider with Procuring or Promoting the Use of a Minor by Electronic Means. Mr. Grider was lodged in the Russell County Detention Center.

The investigation continues and is being led by Trooper Blaine Sharp.  

During the early morning hours of December 27, 2024, Kentucky State Police (KSP) Post 15 received a call from the Springfield Police Department requesting investigative assistance regarding a shooting incident at a residence on Claybrook Avenue in the city limits of Springfield.

KSP Troopers and Detectives responded to the residence and launched an investigation into the incident. The preliminary investigation determined an individual had forced their way into a residence on Claybrook Avenue and shot two females before fleeing the area.

Kadesha Burch, 31, of Springfield, was found deceased in the residence from an apparent gunshot wound. The second female, Frances Campbell, 52, of Springfield, was injured by an apparent gunshot wound and was transported to the hospital for treatment of injuries.

The investigation identified Roosevelt Davis, 23, of Milwaukee, WI, as a suspect. KSP Post 15 issued a statewide law enforcement bulletin to attempt to locate Roosevelt Davis. The bulletin led an officer with the Shelbyville Police Department to initiate a traffic stop on a Chevrolet Malibu, and the operator was identified as Roosevelt Davis. 

KSP Detectives responded to the Shelbyville Police Department and made contact with Mr. Davis. Detectives arrested and charged Roosevelt Davis with Murder, Murder (Attempt) and Burglary - 1st degree. Mr. Davis was lodged in the Shelby County Detention Center.

The investigation continues and is being led by Detective B.J. Burton. He was assisted by the Springfield Police Department, Washington County Coroner’s Office, Shelbyville Police Department and other KSP Troopers and Detectives.

A Liberty woman was arrested last weekend after a small tussle with police.

On Saturday afternoon around 3:30 PM, Casey County Deputy Austin Harris was dispatched to a domestic incident about 10 miles east of Liberty on Contown Road. Upon arrival, Deputy Harris and Officer Adam Hewett were let in by Jennifer L. Terry, 41, of Liberty. Terry claimed she was searching for money she thought she left in her jacket and refused to leave the home despite being asked multiple times, citing a lack of transportation.

Terry admitted to threatening her mother, and her brother. Family members reported that Terry, who was intoxicated, had started an argument and threatened her brother with a knife, accidentally cutting herself.

While speaking with family, Terry continued to yell and act threateningly. Deputy Harris attempted to arrest Terry, but she resisted. After a brief struggle, Terry was handcuffed and placed in the patrol vehicle. She was transported to the Casey County Jail and charged with Criminal Trespass-1st Degree, Resisting Arrest, Menacing, and Terroristic Threatening-3rd Degree.

A Liberty man was arrested Friday evening after officers responded to a domestic dispute.

On Friday around 7 PM, Casey County Deputy Austin Harris was dispatched to a location eight miles east of Liberty on Henson Ridge Road for a physical domestic in progress. Deputy Harris, along with Deputy Jacob Atwood and Officer Adam Hewett, arrived on the scene. As they approached the property, Gregory A. Hines, 42, of Liberty, walked down the sidewalk. When Deputy Harris began explaining their presence, Hines fled, prompting Harris to deploy his taser after multiple warnings. Hines was subdued and taken into custody.

Hines claimed the house was his and mentioned having sugar problems, prompting an EMS call. While escorting Hines to the road, Deputy Harris detected the odor of marijuana. Hines admitted to having marijuana in his jacket pocket. A search of Hines' bag revealed dry containers with suspected methamphetamine and burnt marijuana roaches.

Family members stated that Hines had been hitting the dishwasher but nothing physical had occurred. EMS transported Hines to Casey County Hospital, where he denied treatment and was deemed alert and competent.

Hines was arrested and charged with Fleeing or Evading Police-3rd Degree, Resisting Arrest, Possession of Methamphetamine-1st Degree, and Possession of Marijuana and Drug Paraphernalia. He was transported to Casey County Jail.

A Casey County couple were arrested on drug charges following a traffic stop around 10 PM on Saturday night.

Deputy Austin Harris of the Casey County Sheriff's Office observed a 2002 Ford F150 pickup, driven by Gary Schubert, 56 of Liberty, driving erratically on W KY 70, swerving into the opposite lane and traveling in the middle of the road. After a one-mile pursuit, the truck stopped at a house.

Schubert claimed his erratic driving was due to his truck's mechanical issues. He admitted to having no insurance or registration and did not possess a valid driver's license. Schubert exhibited signs of impairment, and consented to a vehicle search, during which deputies found a baggie of suspected methamphetamine.

Schubert admitted to having meth in his system, stating he had used it that morning. His passenger, Melissa Popplewell, age 43, also of Liberty, was also arrested after admitting ownership of the container of meth, but denying recent meth use.

Schubert faces charges of Driving on a DUI Suspended License, Possession of Methamphetamine-1st Degree (2nd Offense), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, DUI-Controlled Substance-3rd Offense, No Insurance, Reckless Driving, and No Registration Plates/Receipt. Popplewell was charged with Possession of Methamphetamine-1st Degree/2nd Offense and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Both were transported to the Casey County Jail.

An Ohio man was killed in an accident in Russell County over the weekend.

Russell County Sheriff Derek Polston reports that Daviyn Hubbard, 21, of Akron, Ohio, tragically lost his life in a car accident on Sunday morning. Just before 9 AM, Hubbard was traveling east on Wooldridge Road off South Highway 127 in a 2025 Toyota Camry when he lost control in a curve. His car went off the shoulder on the right side of the roadway, and attempts to regain control were unsuccessful, resulting in a collision with a tree.

Hubbard was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Russell County Coroner. The accident is under investigation by Deputy Bill Greer and the Russell County Coroner’s Office.

Assistance at the scene was provided by Deputy Devin Blakey, Russell County EMS, Jamestown Fire Department, Russell County Search and Rescue, and the Kentucky State Police.

The Casey County Fiscal Court met in regular session Monday.

Casey County Judge Executive Rand Dial asked for a motion to approve the application for an Ambulance Grant...

That motion was made and approved.

Judge Dial also asked for pre-authorization to pass the funds to EMS without delay...

... That motion was approved.

Judge Dial asked the Magistrates to submit proposals for future bridge repairs...

Magistrates voted to make some amendments to Jail Policy & Procedures ...

Under Miscellaneous Business, Judge Dial told the court that ARPA funds now require a contract to be in effect ... 

The next regular meeting of the Casey County Fiscal Court will be Jan. 20th, 2025.

Full audio from Monday's meeting can be heard below...

East Kentucky Power Cooperative held an informational public meeting Wednesday evening to inform Casey County residents about their Liberty Station Project.

EKPC proposes constructing a new electric-generating station fueled by natural gas at a 100-acre site, approximately 4 miles north of Liberty on Carr Sasser Road. The site is located near the juncture of the Co-op's existing electric transmission line & an interstate natural gas transmission line.

Liberty Station could produce enough electricity to support around 95,000 homes. It will feature units that can start up & reach full power within 10 minutes & will provide a flexible resource to ensure reliable electric service.

As backup fuel, the units will use ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel oil. Two 630,000-gallon tanks would allow up to 72 hours of continuous full-load operation.

The total cost to construct Liberty Station is around $500,000, with the help of low-interest financing from the USDA.

Construction is expected to start in late 2026 and conclude in early to mid-2028, with the facility to be in operating in late 2028. Once commissioned, annual local property tax revenue is estimated to be at least $400,000.

Liberty Station will create 23 new full-time jobs from plant operators to plant maintenance, which will have the station fully staffed 24 hours a day.

Casey County Board of Education held their regular monthly meeting last night.
Here's Superintendent, Barry Lee...

Liberty City Council met in regular session Monday.

County Judge Executive, Randy Dial, swore in some new & returning Councilmen.

The Council got an update on the proposed new lake project from Former County Judge Exec., Garland Hoskins.

Here's Mayor, Dr. Sam Haddad...

Full recording from the meeting is posted below...

A burglary at a Willow Springs Road residence results in an arrest.

Casey County Deputy Jayson Grider responded to a burglary call on Sunday at 521 Willow Springs Rd., the residence of Shayna Luttrell, who was out of town. Her sister, Carrie Moore, reported the incident and was present upon the deputy's arrival.

The back door of the home was open, and the outbuilding door had been screwed shut. A Harley Davidson motorcycle and a small green dirt bike were missing. Inside the residence, a purple toolbox was gone, the washer door had been removed, and several items were missing. Phone cables outside the trailer were cut, disabling the wifi/phone service.

During the investigation, it was discovered that a neighbor, Kevin S. Hatter, age 47, along with another male and two females, had been inside the residence removing items. The following day, Shayna provided a list of missing items.

While investigating, Deputy Grider encountered Mr. Hatter, who admitted to taking the items, claiming he thought Shayna had abandoned the property because he hadn't seen her in three or four days. The stolen items were found hidden on Hatter's father's farm.

The stolen property was recovered with the assistance of Sheriff Chad Weddle, Special Deputy Robin Lynn, and Casey County Road Department employees.

Kevin Hatter was charged with Burglary-2nd and 3rd degree, Criminal Mischief-2nd degree, Theft by Unlawful Taking (over $10,000), and Tampering with Physical Evidence. He was lodged in the Casey County Jail.

Pulaski County first responders have a new meaning for the term "Baby Boomers!"
Jeff Henderson reveals the story from Somerset...

A woman who initially got away from police was arrested later that same day in a separate traffic stop.

Around 9 PM on Monday, Casey County Deputy Jacob Atwood stopped a 1998 Mercedes on Poff Emerson Rd for an inadequate silencer and a broken driver-side headlight.

The driver, Michael Randolph, had a female passenger concealing her face. Deputy Atwood recognized her tattoo and identified her as Meagan R. Pendergraft, 34, of Liberty, who had an active warrant. When Deputy Rodgers attempted to remove her from the vehicle, she resisted, dropping a glass pipe with methamphetamine residue. After a brief struggle, she was arrested.

Earlier that same day at around 7:03 PM, Deputy Atwood had stopped a Buick Lacrosse for an unilluminated registration plate. The driver, who provided the name Meagan Pendergraft, fled during the stop, initiating a pursuit. The pursuit was eventually terminated due to weather conditions and her positive identification.

Pendergraft faces multiple charges, including possession of methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, resisting arrest, wanton endangerment-1st degree, wanton endangerment-1st degree (police officer), and fleeing police.