The Kentucky State Police (KSP) Post 11 London is investigating a murder in Wayne County following the discovery of a deceased man with a gunshot wound early this morning.

At approximately 4:15 a.m. on March 30, 2025, KSP Post 11 London was contacted by Wayne County 911 regarding a male subject found at a Monticello residence, located on Cart Bell Ridge Road, with an apparent gunshot wound. The Wayne County Sheriff's Office initially responded to the scene, and after determining that foul play may have been involved, requested the assistance of the Kentucky State Police to conduct a formal investigation.

The victim has been identified as 46-year-old Berry Rainer Rose III, who was found outside his home. Mr. Rose was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Wayne County Coroner’s Office.

Following an investigation, Kentucky State Police Troopers located and apprehended Norman E. McGuire, a 60-year-old resident of Monticello, KY, at a residence on Circle Road. McGuire has been arrested and charged with First-Degree Murder in connection to the death of Mr. Rose.

Detective Keegan Bray is leading the ongoing investigation, with assistance from KSP’s Post 11 London Investigative Team, the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office, and the Wayne County Coroner's Office. The investigation is still active, and further details will be released as they become available.

A former Pulaski County Deputy Jailer has been charged with alleged misconduct. 

Jeff Henderson has the story...

Funding has been approved for a new lake project for the City of Liberty.

Mayor, Dr. Sam Haddad, and former Casey County Judge Executive, Garland Hoskins, stopped by 98.7 The Buck to make the announcment... 

??A BOIL WATER ADVISORY HAS BEEN ISSUED FOR 

HWY 1676 FROM THE INTERSECTION OF CAL WILES RD TO HENDRICKS RD AND ALL ROADS IN BETWEEN.

THIS IS DUE TO A MAIN LINE BREAK??3/19/25 

Customers in this area should boil any water used for human consumption, bringing to a rolling boil for at least three minutes and boil water for short term use only. This advisory will be in effect until further notice if you have any questions, contact your water provider.

A Pulaski County man was arrested on drug charges Friday. 

Around 5:30 PM, Casey County Deputy Jacob Atwood initiated a traffic stop on a 2001 Buick Regal traveling south on KY 837 due to a registration issue. The vehicle continued for 300 yards before stopping on Pond School Road.

The driver, Jeffrey L. Gaddis, 47, of Eubank, appeared nervous, had unbuckled his seatbelt, and exhibited bloodshot, glassy eyes. He failed to provide proof of registration and claimed the vehicle's insurance was under his girlfriend's name. While searching for documents, a bulge in Gaddis's pocket caught the deputy's attention. When asked to empty his pockets, Gaddis attempted to conceal a clear container holding a plastic bag of suspected methamphetamine.

Deputy Atwood detained Gaddis, and retrieved a glass pipe with meth residue from the vehicle. Gaddis admitted to smoking meth before work but did not show sufficient signs of impairment during field sobriety tests. He was arrested and transported to Casey County Jail on charges of No Insurance, No Registration Receipt, Possession of Methamphetamine (1st Degree), and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

On Thursday afternoon, Casey County Deputy Tyler Luttrell stopped a 2008 Ford Fusion with a cracked windshield on Dillon Street in Liberty. The driver, Chelsea N. Lawhorn, 35, admitted she lacked proof of insurance and showed signs of impairment. She confessed to smoking marijuana the previous night, and field sobriety tests confirmed she was under the influence.

During the arrest, Lawhorn handed over a cigarette pack containing marijuana and a suspected Suboxone pill. A subsequent vehicle search uncovered a small container in the driver’s door with a baggie of suspected methamphetamine. Lawhorn claimed the meth belonged to a friend who had been in the car earlier.

She was booked into Casey County Jail on multiple charges, including DUI, possession of methamphetamine, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia, as well as driving without insurance and with an obstructed windshield.

Kentucky State Police (KSP) Post 15 Troopers responded to a two-vehicle injury collision at the intersection of KY 150 and Bloomfield Road in Washington County on March 16, 2025, at 4:06 P.M. EST.

The preliminary investigation revealed that John Keeling, 98, of Springfield, was traveling north on Bloomfield Road in a 2013 Cadillac CTS when he attempted to cross KY 150 to continue north onto Bloomfield Road. Mr. Keeling failed to see a 2015 Ford Taurus traveling west on KY 150, operated by Tyler Edrington, 36, of Shelbyville, colliding with it.

John Keeling was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Washington County Coroner. Tyler Edrington sustained minor injuries during the collision and was transported to a local hospital for treatment.

KSP Post 15 Troopers were assisted at the scene by the Washington County Sheriff’s Department, Springfield Police Department, Washington County Fire/EMS, Washington County Coroner and the Kentucky State Highway Department. Detective Weston Sullivan continues the investigation of the collision.

Taylor Rousey with the Casey County Bank presented the court with some options concerning deposits...

...No action was taken. 

A second reading and adoption was approved for a budget amendment. Here's Casey County Judge executive Randy Dial...

Magistrates voted to allow Judge Dial to seek bids for exterior cleaning for the Judicial Center, and a portion of the old courthouse.

Under road business, magistrates approved the rural secondary road program, with one addition....

The court also voted to set specifications for any new construction roads that would be added to the county inventory.

Judge Dial also presented the court with some options concerning proceeds from the sale of the college building, using a portion of those funds toward scholarships for Casey County students...

Magistrates also approved the purchase of a mini-excavator for the county road department. The cost will be around $85,000 and will come out of the general fund.

Full audio from the meeting ...

??A BOIL WATER ADVISORY HAS BEEN ISSUED FOR HWY 1674;

FROM ADDRESS 2229, TO VALLEY RD, AND HALL RIDGE RD. 

THIS IS DUE TO A MAIN LINE BREAK??3/17/25

Boil any water used for human consumption, bringing to a rolling boil for atleast three minutes, and for short-term use only. This advisory will remain in effect until further notice. For more information, contact your water provider.

A Jackson County man has been arrested for allegedly transported a minor from Pulaski County into West Virginia.

Jeff Henderson reports... 

Pulaski County Sheriff Bobby Jones reports the arrest of a Pulaski County man following allegations that he sexually assaulted two underage girls.

Just before midnight on January 4, 2025, Pulaski County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a
call of a missing fourteen-year-old girl in Science Hill. A few minutes later, Deputy Dylan West located the missing girl in a truck with Marion Adam Pence, 28, of Eubank, in the parking lot of a nearby church.

Based on the initial scene investigation, the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office’s Criminal
Investigation Division was contacted, and Detective Branson Patterson then continued the
investigation.
 

Through further investigation, Det. Patterson collected information and evidence, and
charged Pence with Rape in the Third Degree. Pence was then lodged in the Pulaski County Detention Center on a $100,000 bond.

In the following days after Pence’s initial charge, Det. Patterson became aware that Pence
had possibly sexually assaulted a second victim in this case, who was eleven years old at the time of the alleged offense. As a result of Det. Patterson’s investigation into the alleged
second victim, Det. Patterson obtained a warrant of arrest for Pence, charging him with Rape in the First Degree, Victim Under the Age of Twelve. Det. Patterson served this arrest warrant on Pence on March 12. Pence is now held on a second bond of $125,000.
 

Det. Patterson is continuing the investigation. Det. Patterson was assisted in the investigation by Sgt. Alex Wesley and Deputies Dylan West, Evan Whitis, Logan Crabtree, Jared Pierce, and Ronnie Golden.

Sheriff Jones asks that if anyone has any information that may be helpful to this investigation to please contact the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office at 606-678-5145 or at the tip line at 606-679-8477.

On March 3rd, shortly before 8 PM, Casey County Sheriff Chad Weddle and deputies arrived at Gary Rodgers' residence at 231 N. Hatfield Road to serve a sealed indictment warrant.

Upon arrival, Gary D. Rodgers, 50, was outside & stated that Jacob Kidd was inside. Rodgers invited the deputies in and called for Kidd, but he was not found. Two meth pipes were spotted in plain view on Rodgers' bed.

Rodgers was informed of the indictment warrant and consented to a search of his trailer, which revealed:
- $546 in cash
- A blue container with digital scales, a baggie of meth, and 9 orange pills
- A bag with two empty baggies and two meth pipes
- A loaded 9mm Taurus pistol with three magazines and 13 rounds of ammo

Rodgers admitted ownership of the items, & confessed to selling and giving away meth, including to a confidential informant.

During the investigation, Jacob Kidd returned and was questioned about a complaint regarding Robbie Goode's Ford tractor. Kidd stated it was out of fuel and was instructed not to return to Goode's property.

Rodgers was charged with trafficking in methamphetamine (over 2 grams, firearm enhanced), possession of drug paraphernalia, and possession of a handgun by a convicted felon. He was booked into Casey County Jail.

A 17-year-old is facing attempted murder charges after allegedly attacking a coworker at the Goose Creek Candle Company in Liberty. 

According to Liberty Police, the incident occurred around 10 a.m. on Wednesday when the teenager reportedly approached another employee and slit their throat in what authorities describe as an "unprovoked attack." 

The injured employee was airlifted to UK Hospital and is currently in stable condition.

...Today and tonight.

The combination of mild temperatures, occasionally gusty winds, and low humidity

could result in increased fire behavior this afternoon.

...Wednesday through Monday.

Gusty winds and moderate to heavy rain are possible Friday night and Saturday

as a strong low pressure system is expected to track through the central United States.

Strong to severe storms may also accompany this system.

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

Superindendent, Barry Lee... 

Liberty City Council held their regular monthly meeting yesterday at City Hall.
Mayor, Dr. Sam Haddad...

The City Sticker issue was tabled for later discussion.

There was also a brief discussion concerning the number of junk cars, and dogs around the city. No action was taken.

UPDATE:  The Sheriff's Office says, ANYONE CAUGHT WITHHOLDING INFORMATION OR HARBORING A MISSING JUVENILE WILL BE CHARGED/ARRESTED. Possible charges include kidnapping, unlawful transaction with a minor, hindering an investigation, etc.

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

The Casey County Sheriff's Office is asking for the public's help in locating a missing teen.

• Harmony Smith
• 16 years old
• 5’5
• 110lbs
• Brown hair past shoulders
• Brown eyes

Last seen Saturday, March 8th on Possom Trot Rd, Liberty, KY Casey County.

If you have any information call the sheriffs office at 606-787-6821 or dispatch at 606-787-9411.

No one was injured in a bizarre incident recently when a confused driver wound up driving onto a boat dock.

Jeff Henderson reports... 

Pulaski County Sheriff Bobby Jones reports two Pulaski County residents are in custody following a traffic stop on Sunday.

The incident began when Detectives from the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Division, along with patrol Deputies, were conducting interdiction in the Shopville area. While conducting surveillance Detective’s observed a gray passenger car commit traffic violations. When the driver noticed law enforcement, he turned onto Highway 934.
Deputy Grant Bryant activated his lights, to initiate a traffic stop, however the vehicle travelled on for approximately ¼ mile, and eventually pulled over at a church.

As Deputies had the occupants step out of the vehicle, they observed illegal narcotics in the passenger seat. A search of the vehicle discovered approximately 55.8 grams of Fentanyl, 3.1 grams of methamphetamine, over $3,500.00 in cash, digitals scales, baggies, and various drug paraphernalia.

The driver, David Derrick Lewis, age 44, of Somerset, had a suspended driver’s license.
During the investigation, Detectives were made aware the Fentanyl discovered was uncut, pure Fentanyl. Lewis, was arrested and charged with Careless Driving, No Insurance, Driving on Suspended or Revoked Operators License, Aggravated Trafficking in Fentanyl (over 28 grams), Trafficking Meth-1st Degree, 2nd Offense (over 2 grams), Possession of Marijuana, & Drug Paraphernalia.

The passenger, Christina Allred, age 33, of Nancy, was charged with Aggravated Trafficking Fentanyl (over 28 grams), Trafficking Meth-1st Degree (over 2 grams), Possession of Controlled Substance-1st Degree, Possession of Marijuana, &  Drug Paraphernalia.
 

The investigation is still ongoing by Detective Trent Massey. The Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office was assisted on the scene by the Kentucky State Police.

Casey County Sheriff Chad Weddle reports: On Thursday, around 1:30 PM, his office received information that two individuals, Jeremy Sears and Danile Sears, were at Roy Patterson's residence. Both Sears had active arrest warrants.

Upon arrival, Officers made contact with Roy Patterson, who consented to a search of his residence. During the search, Sheriff Weddle discovered crystal meth on Patterson's dresser in his bedroom, additional meth on the kitchen stove, a meth pipe under a couch cushion, and digital scales on a chair cushion.

Patterson claimed the meth was not his but admitted to using it the previous day after being tested. No one else was located in the residence. 

Roy D. Patterson, 38, of Kings Mountain, was charged with:

? Possession of Methamphetamine, 1st Degree (3rd Offense)

? Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

He was lodged in the Casey County Jail.

A Casey County woman is facing her 3rd arrest for Meth charges.

Shortly before 6 p.m. on Friday, Deputy Austin Harris of the Casey County Sheriff's Office arrived at a residence on W. KY 70 to serve an indictment warrant on Melissa A. Popplewell, 44, of Liberty. Upon his arrival, the door unexpectedly swung open after he knocked. Announcing his presence by stating, "Sheriff's Department," Popplewell invited him inside.

The deputy informed Popplewell that she had a warrant for her arrest. During a routine check for weapons, Popplewell produced a green "ON" container and admitted that it contained methamphetamine. Upon inspection, the container was found to hold a baggie of suspected meth.

Popplewell was transported to the Casey County Jail. She faces charges of Possession of Methamphetamine in the First Degree (Third Offense) and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Around 11 PM on Wednesday, Liberty Police Officer Ron Goodpaster noticed a vehicle driving slowly on the bypass with a broken taillight. He initiated a traffic stop at Liberty Elementary School. The vehicle entered the parking lot by driving over a curb and parking stoppers, made a loop, crossed the stoppers again, and came to a stop. Casey County Deputy Austin Harris arrived to assist.

Deputy Harris approached the driver, 24-year-old Francisco G. Lopez of Arizona, and immediately detected the smell of alcohol. Lopez's eyes were glassy and bloodshot. When asked how much he had consumed, Lopez claimed "only two beers." He failed field sobriety tests, and a PBT indicated a high level of alcohol. 

A search of the vehicle revealed a six-pack of Michelob Ultra on the back floorboard—two bottles remained, while three were empty and one was nearly empty under the back seat.

Lopez was arrested and charged with DUI, No Tail Lamps, Reckless Driving, Open Alcoholic Beverage in a Motor Vehicle, and No Operator’s License. He was taken to Casey County Jail. 

Around 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, Deputy Austin Harris of the Casey County Sheriff's Office observed a pizza box fly out of a northbound vehicle on KY 206. He conducted a traffic stop at Crockett Trail near the intersection of KY 206 and W KY 70.

The driver, identified as Kimberly Brown, 38, of Campbellsville, was found to have a suspended license and an active warrant. Brown exhibited slurred speech and glossy eyes, prompting Deputy Harris to conduct field sobriety tests. She demonstrated multiple signs of impairment, including nystagmus, inability to balance, improper turns, and use of arms for stability during the exercises.

After being read her Miranda rights, Brown admitted to taking Suboxone earlier in the day. She was transported to the hospital for a blood test and later lodged in Casey County Jail, facing charges of criminal littering, driving on a suspended license, and DUI–controlled substance (2nd offense). Brown was also served with a Taylor County warrant for Failure to Appear.

Kentucky State Police (KSP) Post 15 is conducting a death investigation of a man in Taylor County. 

KSP received a call from the Taylor County Dispatch Center Friday at 12:48 P.M. EST requesting investigative assistance with a death investigation on Gaddis Ridge Road in Taylor County.

The preliminary investigation indicates that a vehicle was found burnt, and a deceased male was located outside of the vehicle. An autopsy was scheduled at the State Medical Examiner’s Office to determine cause of death.

The investigation is ongoing and is being conducted by Detective Dexter Colvin. He was assisted at the scene by other KSP Post 15 personnel, Taylor County Sheriff’s Office, Taylor County Coroner’s Office and Taylor County Fire & EMS.

On February 27, 2025, just before 11:45 p.m., Kentucky State Police, Post 7 in Richmond was contacted by Bluegrass 911 for assistance in investigating a shooting at a residence on Main Street in Crab Orchard, Lincoln County, where three individuals had been shot.

The preliminary investigation indicates Spencer Baldwin, 30, of Crab Orchard, shot Dennis Perry, 40, of Loretto, and Heather Baldwin, 30, of Crab Orchard, before turning the weapon on himself. Dennis Perry sustained life-threatening injuries and was transported by EMS to Ephraim Mcdowell Regional Medical Center.

Heather Baldwin was also transported by EMS to Ephraim Mcdowell Fort Logan Hospital with life-threatening injuries, where she later succumbed to those injuries and was pronounced deceased by Lincoln County Coroner, Farris Marcum.

Spencer Baldwin was pronounced deceased at the scene by Lincoln County Coroner, Farris Marcum. Autopsies will be performed at the Medical Examiner’s Office in Frankfort. 

The ongoing investigation is being conducted by KSP Post 7 Detective Johnathan Walls. He was assisted on the scene by KSP personnel, Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, Lincoln County EMS, Crab Orchard Police Department, and Lincoln County Coroner's Office.