A Liberty man was arrested Friday evening following a confrontation with police on Strong Branch Road. 

Casey County Deputy Austin Harris, responding to an incident involving a juvenile, arrived at the scene with Officer Adam Hewitt. Reno J. Smith, 28, confronted the officers in the driveway, yelling and cursing, and later threw objects in anger.

The juvenile’s grandmother explained the situation. When questioned, Smith continued his aggressive behavior, throwing a rubber hose that nearly struck Deputy Harris. Smith then clenched his fists and threatened physical violence, prompting the deputy to restrain and arrest him. 

Smith was charged with Disorderly Conduct (2nd Degree), Terroristic Threatening (3rd Degree), and Menacing, and transported to Casey County Jail.

A domestic dispute escalated into drug charges for a Liberty woman. 

Around 7 p.m. Saturday, Casey County Deputy Jacob Atwood responded to a physical domestic incident at 1128 Bowman Trail Rd. 37-year-old Rachel L. Woodrum reported that Jacob Holt had assaulted her, leaving a knot on her head. EMS arrived, but Woodrum declined transport.

Deputies tracked Holt to Liberty Manor Apartments. He had visible injuries, expressed concern for a child in the home and voluntarily disclosed the presence of methamphetamine and needles in the home. 

Child Protective Services (CPS) conducted an in-home visit, during which Woodrum became irate that Holt had not been arrested. She consented to searches, leading deputies to discover methamphetamine residue in a pipe and additional suspected meth in a vase. Woodrum admitted to using meth the previous evening.

When informed of her arrest, Woodrum resisted, requiring deputies to forcibly detain her. She claimed the drugs belonged to Holt but admitted both had used meth. 

Woodrum was transported to Casey County Jail and charged with Possession of Methamphetamine (1st Degree, 2nd Offense), Drug Paraphernalia, and Resisting Arrest.

Bridge repairs are taking longer than expected.

Jeff Henderson reports from Pulaski County...

A Somerset man, facing sexual crime charges in Pulaski County, has now been indicted in federal court on five counts of production of child pornography.

Jeff Henderson has details...

A tragic boating accident on Lake Cumberland has claimed one life, as confirmed by the Wayne County Coroner’s Office (WCCO).

The incident occurred Sunday evening in the White Oak Creek area, where a fishing boat discovered the victim.

Emergency responders, including teams from the Nancy Fire Department, Pulaski County Search and Rescue, Kentucky Fish and Wildlife, and the Wayne County Coroner's Office, rushed to the scene. Despite their efforts, the individual was pronounced dead.

Authorities have not yet identified the deceased, and the circumstances surrounding the crash remain under investigation.

The Kentucky State Police Post 11 London, is investigating a two-vehicle collision that occurred on April 27, 2025, at approximately 7:52 a.m. in Wayne County, KY at the intersection of west KY90 and KY1547 in Wayne County.

The preliminary investigation indicates that a 2008 Maroon Cadillac CTS operated by Seth A. Bolen, 19 years old of Monticello, KY, was traveling south on KY1546 pulled out on west KY90 into the path of a 2023 Freightliner traveling west and being driven by Demario D. Adams, 34 years old of Murfreesboro, TN, causing a collision.

As a result of the collision the passenger Elijah W. Bolen, 18 years old of Monticello, KY, was ejected from the Maroon Cadillac, he suffered fatal injuries Elijah Bolen was pronounced deceased on the scene by the Wayne County Coroner’s Office. The driver Seth Bolen was also ejected from the vehicle and was flown to the University of Kentucky Albert B. Chandler Hospital for serious injuries suffered in the collision. Demario Adams was also flown to the University of Kentucky Hospital for his injuries but was later released.

KSP Post 11 Detective Shane Bowling is conducting the ongoing investigation. He was assisted on the scene by KSP Post 11 personnel, Wayne County EMS, Wayne County Sheriff’s Office, and local fire departments.

THIS ADVISORY HAS BEEN LIFTED.

Liberty Water Treatment has issued a BOIL WATER ADVISORY for customers on South Highway 127, from the Central Ky Ag-Expo Center, to the City Limits.

Customers in this area should boil any water used for human consumption, bringing to a rolling boil for at least three minutes, and for short-term use only.

This advisory will be in effect until further notice.

If you have any questions, please contact your water provider.

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) is warning Kentuckians of fraudulent text messages impersonating tolling agencies, which feature a suspicious link similar to the KYTC licensing website address.

If you receive one of these texts, do not click the link. Even if the website or link looks like it belongs to KYTC, the text is a scam. KYTC will not send text messages to collect tolls, and we are taking appropriate steps to have the fraudulent websites taken down.

The scam messages warn customers of unpaid tolls, and indicate fees will be incurred if payment is not sent immediately. 

If you have provided any personal information, contact your bank immediately. You can also report this to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at www.ic3.gov, or to the Federal Trade Commission at www.reportfraud.ftc.gov, or visit the Kentucky Office of the Attorney General website, www.ag.ky.gov, to follow their guidance concerning potential identity theft. You can also forward the suspicious message to 7726 (SPAM) to alert your mobile provider as well.

A Liberty man was arrested Friday evening after deputies responded to reports of a suspicious individual at Lake Liberty. 

Around 7 p.m., Casey County Deputy Austin Harris was dispatched to investigate a man exhibiting erratic behavior, driving a Jeep Cherokee up and down the road, stopping, getting out, and moving to the back seat.

Upon arrival, Deputy Harris and Officer Adam Hewitt found 45-year-old William O. Clements of Liberty swinging his arms, jerking his hands and head, and pacing around the vehicle. When questioned, Clements claimed he was just walking around but continued swaying as he spoke. He admitted to taking Suboxone but later disclosed he had used meth earlier at his home.

Clements declined to undergo field sobriety tests but consented to a vehicle search, which yielded no contraband.

Clements was arrested and taken to Casey County Hospital, where he refused a blood test. He was then transported to Casey County Jail and charged with DUI-substance (4th offense).

Saturday night around 9:45 p.m., Casey County Deputy Austin Harris was traveling eastbound on KY-70 when he encountered a 2009 Chevy HHR driving on the yellow line. After observing the vehicle swerving for about a mile, he initiated a traffic stop. The driver, 21-year-old Devon A. Carr of Greensburg, initially braked, then veered into the opposite lane before pulling into a parking lot.

Approaching the vehicle, Deputy Harris detected the strong odor of marijuana and noticed Carr’s red eyes. Carr admitted to smoking about an hour earlier and stated he was “buzzed but not stoned.” He agreed to perform the Standardized Field Sobriety Tests but failed. 

A search of the vehicle revealed a pink bong, which Carr admitted he had used to smoke a bowl earlier. He was then arrested and transported to Casey County Hospital, where he consented to a blood test. Carr was later taken to Casey County Jail and charged with DUI-substance and reckless driving.

A domestic dispute in Dunnville, KY led to the arrest of 35-year-old Henry A. Owens, who allegedly damaged his mother Pearlie Pierce's vehicle with blocks of wood.

The incident occurred around 10 a.m. Tuesday on Old U.S. 127. According to Deputy Jayson Grider of Casey County, Owens reportedly shattered the car's windshield, rear glass, right headlight, and taillights, while also attempting to hit his mother and sister, Frances Owens, with wooden blocks.

Deputy Grider made contact with Owens at his residence, where Owens openly admitted to damaging the car and expressed no remorse, stating that he was “mad as hell” and “didn’t care.” Evidence, including broken glass and wood blocks, was found on the roadway in front of Owens' house.

Henry Owens has been charged with second-degree Criminal Mischief and Wanton Endangerment, and he is currently lodged in the Casey County Jail.

A Casey County man faces multiple charges following a traffic stop Thursday night. 

Around 9 p.m., Deputy Austin Harris observed Charles R. Prewitt, 41, of Liberty, driving northbound on US127 near Walnut Hill Elementary School. Knowing Prewitt's license was suspended due to a DUI, Harris initiated a traffic stop. 

During the stop, Prewitt admitted his license was suspended and revealed he lacked vehicle insurance. He consented to a search of his vehicle, where Harris discovered a glass pipe with suspected marijuana hidden in the headliner compartment. 

Officer Adam Hewitt arrived to assist and later found a zipper pouch under the passenger door containing a glass pipe with suspected meth and white pills. Prewitt initially denied ownership but later admitted the pouch and meth pipe were his, claiming the pills were Tylenol.

Prewitt was arrested and charged with multiple offenses, including driving on a DUI-suspended license (third offense), possession of methamphetamine (third offense), possession of marijuana, drug paraphernalia, and vehicle-related violations.

The Kentucky State Police Post 11 London, is investigating a two-vehicle collision that occurred on April 20, 2025, at approximately 3:50p.m. In Rockcastle County, KY on Brindle Ridge Road.

The preliminary investigation indicates that a 2015 Blue Ford F250 operated by a male juvenile of Brodhead, KY was traveling south on Brindle Ridge Road when he crossed the center line into the northbound lane into the path of a 2005 Dodge neon being driven by Jacob Madden, 21 of Berea, KY resulting in a head on collision.

As a result of the collision Mr. Madden suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased by the Rockcastle County Coroner’s Office at the scene. The juvenile operator and juvenile passenger of the 2015 Ford F250 were transported by Rockcastle EMS to Rockcastle Regional Hospital to be treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

KSP Post 11 Trooper Shane Bowling is conducting the ongoing investigation. He was assisted on scene by KSP Post 11 personnel, Rockcastle County EMS, Brodhead Fire Department, Brindle Ridge Fire Department and Rockcastle County Coroner’s Office.

Kentucky State Police (KSP) Post 15 Troopers responded to a single-vehicle injury collision on Sano Mount Olive Road in Russell County that occurred on April 20, 2025, at 1:14 A.M. CST.

The preliminary investigation revealed that David King, 31, of Columbia, was traveling east on Sano Mount Olive Road in a 2009 Chevrolet HHR when he exited the right side of the roadway and struck a tree. 

A juvenile passenger in Mr. King’s vehicle was transported to the Russell County Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased by the Russell County Coroner. A second juvenile passenger was transported to the University of Kentucky Hospital with life-threatening injuries. A third juvenile passenger was transported to the Russell County Hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. 

David King was arrested and charged with Vehicular Homicide Under the Influence of Alcohol, DUI 3rd Offense, Assault 1st Degree (2 counts), Wanton Endangerment 1st Degree (3 counts), Failure to Wear Seat Belts, and Reckless Driving. Mr. King was lodged in the Russell County Detention Center.

KSP Post 15 Troopers were assisted at the scene by the Russell County Sheriff’s Office, Russell Fire/EMS and the Russell County Coroner’s Office. Senior Trooper Brandon Roark is investigating the collision.

Under general business Judge Executive Randy Dial submitted a draft budget for fiscal year 25-26. Annual budgets were accepted for the soil conservation district and the extension office. 

Magistrates voted to advertise for the yearly bids.

Surplus property was declared for the Casey County Sheriff's Office as well as the jail. Those items will be submitted for the consignment sale this weekend at the central Kentucky Ag Expo center.

Two vacancies are coming up on the library board. The seats currently held by Rosemary Spar and Greg Powell are soon to expire. That item was tabled for further discussion.

Under road business, magistrates voted to participate in the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet road aid agreement. Here's Judge Executive Randy Dial..

That motion was made and approved.

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

A Pulaski County man was arrested on Easter Sunday.
He is being held on a charge of murder. 

Jeff Henderson reports...

Several people arrested for trafficking drugs as Pulaski County authorities execute a search warrant at a Somerset, residence.

On April 11th, around 8:30 p.m., Deputy Grant Bryant, joined by several deputies, served the warrant at a home on James Meece Road.

Upon announcing their presence, officers heard movement inside and quickly entered, detaining several occupants. One of them, Jarred B. Polston, 32, was found exiting a bathroom where methamphetamine was later discovered in the toilet. A further search uncovered over 170 grams of suspected methamphetamine, more than 35 grams of heroin, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia throughout the house.

Polston was arrested on multiple charges, including drug trafficking, tampering with evidence, and being a persistent felony offender. Also arrested was Destini F. Wrye, 33, who faced warrants for trafficking methamphetamine and cocaine, escape, and parole violations. Jonathan Dick, 36, was taken into custody on probation violation warrants, while Taylor Hobbs, 29, was arrested outside the residence for failure to appear on two warrants.
 

All suspects were transported to the Pulaski County Jail without incident. The investigation remains ongoing.

Authorities arrested a Somerset man and woman after an anonymous tip led to the discovery of methamphetamine in their vehicle.

On April 1, around 3 p.m., Pulaski County Deputy Noah Dishman was investigating reported drug activity on Jacksboro Street in Ferguson, when he observed a Chevrolet Trailblazer weaving in its lane.

Upon stopping the vehicle, he identified the driver as Carrie N. Minor, 43, and the passenger as Kevin S. Hall, 45, both of Somerset. With their consent, a search of the vehicle uncovered multiple bags of suspected methamphetamine in a zippered bag on the passenger-side floorboard, as well as additional methamphetamine in Minor’s purse.

Hall was also found carrying money and digital scales, consistent with drug trafficking.

Minor was arrested on charges including possession of methamphetamine and failure to maintain insurance, while Hall faced charges of drug possession and trafficking.

Both were transported to the Pulaski County Jail.

Many Kentuckians are now facing the aftermath of severe weather from both the devastating storms and flooding that occurred between February 14 and March 7, as well as the storms that began April 2. These repeated incidents can take a serious toll on mental health and leave people feeling stressed, anxious, or overwhelmed.

For adults and children having negative feelings or thoughts, free crisis counseling is available through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) Disaster Distress Helpline.

Call 800-985-5990 (Spanish Press 2) or text “TalkWithUs” to 66746 (for Spanish text “Hablamos” to 66746) to connect with a trained crisis counselor. SAMHSA’s Disaster Distress Helpline provides free, 24/7, 365-day-a-year crisis counseling and support to people experiencing emotional distress related to natural or human-caused disasters.

Stress, anxiety, and other depression-like symptoms are common reactions before, during and after a disaster. This national hotline provides immediate crisis counseling for people who are feeling emotional distress related to any natural or human-caused disaster. The hotline is toll-free, multilingual, and confidential, offering crisis support service to all residents in the United States and its territories.

Counselors can also provide information about recognizing emotional distress and its effects, coping tips and referrals to other call centers for more support.

For more information about who is most at risk for emotional distress from natural disasters and to find related resources, visit https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/disaster-distress-helpline.

The Somerset City Council met in regular session this week.

Jeff Henderson reports...

Liberty City Council held a special called meeting Tuesday for a second reading of an ordinance aimed at borrowing $400,000 for water line repairs due to recent storms. 

Mayor of Liberty, Dr. Sam Haddad... 

Around 1:30am on Saturday, Casey Co. Deputy Jacob Atwood responded to a single-vehicle accident on KY 198.

Upon arrival, he learned from first responders that the driver, identified as 18-year-old Steven T. Sargent of Danville, was being evaluated by Casey County EMS. A firefighter at the scene noted the presence of an alcohol odor.

Deputy Atwood entered the ambulance, detecting the same odor and observing dilated pupils in Sargent. When asked about the cause of the crash, Sargent admitted he was speeding. He refused medical treatment and stepped out of the ambulance to his vehicle with the deputy.

During the interaction, Deputy Atwood observed signs of dry mouth and asked Sargent if he had been drinking, to which Sargent initially claimed he had consumed one beer earlier in the evening.

Sargent failed field sobriety tests. A field breath test confirmed the presence of alcohol. After further questioning, Sargent admitted to having 3–4 beers.

Sargent was transported to Casey County Jail, where he consented to a breath test. The Intoxilyzer recorded a blood alcohol concentration of .109.

Sargent was charged with Reckless Driving and DUI (under 21 years of age).

Pulaski County Sheriff Bobby Jones reports the arrest of an Albany man and woman following a traffic stop revealing possession of a firearm by convicted felons.

Around 10:30pm Thursday night, Deputy Dylan West conducted a traffic stop on a speeding vehicle in Science Hill, with assistance from Deputy Noah Wesley. During a search of the vehicle, deputies found a handgun in the driver’s seat. A background check confirmed both individuals were convicted felons.

Matthew G. Wray, 36, was charged with Speeding 26+ MPH, Careless Driving, No Tail Lamps, and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Brittany A. Wray, 35, faced the same firearm possession charge. Both were transported to the Pulaski County Jail. 

Pulaski County authorities arrested a Bronston man during a traffic stop that uncovered suspected crack cocaine.

In the early morning hours on April 9th, Deputy Grant Bryant of the Pulaski County Sheriff's Office stopped a motorcycle on Hwy 914 in Somerset, after observing it cross the fog line. The rider, identified as Ryan Anderson, 41, of Bronston, was cited for careless driving.

Officer Nick Taylor of the Somerset Police Department assisted during the stop and established probable cause to search Anderson for illegal substances.

A pill container believed to contain crack cocaine was discovered during the search, leading to Anderson's arrest.

At the Pulaski County Jail, a pipe consistent with drug use was also found. Anderson faces multiple charges, including Careless Driving, Possession of a Controlled Substance (1st Degree, 1st Offense - Cocaine), and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Annabelle Shackelford, Arianna Kelley, & Riley Mondie

Pulaski County Sheriff Bobby Jones reports the indictment of a Somerset man, Jesus Alberto Chavez, 32, on April 3, 2025 for forty-five counts of sexual crimes, ranging from Rape and Sodomy in the Third Degrees to Use of a Minor Under Sixteen in a Sexual Performance, Promoting a Sexual Performance by a Minor Under Sixteen Years of Age, and Possession of Matter Portraying a Sexual Performance by a Minor.

Chavez was originally arrested by Detective Ryan Jones of the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office’s Criminal Investigation Division on October 23, 2024 for one count each of Rape and Sodomy in the Second and Third Degrees. This stemmed from an initial investigation by Deputy Seth Gover on October 20, 2024. The case was then assumed by Det. Jones.

Based on Det. Jones’ investigation, on December 5, 2024, Chavez was indicted by a Pulaski Grand Jury for one count each of Rape and Sodomy in the Second and Third Degrees, as well as one count of Sexual Abuse in the First Degree. Det. Jones then presented evidence to a Russell County Grand Jury on December 17, 2024, who indicted Chavez on one count each of Rape and Sodomy in the Third Degrees.

Det. Jones’ further investigation resulted in the additional forty-five counts of indictment on Chavez on April 3.

Chavez is currently being held on $100,000, $200,000, and $500,000 for the three indictments in Russell and Pulaski Counties.

Sheriff Bobby 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.

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) in partnership with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) is seeking public input regarding proposed improvements to KY 49 in Casey County. The project proposes reconstructing KY 49 at Brush Creek Hill from Hilltop Drive to Lower Brush Creek Road. 

The KYTC Project Team has prepared an interactive presentation that may be accessed from April 1^st, 2025 until April 30^th, 2025. This presentation may be accessed by visiting transportation.ky.gov/DistrictEight.

Project background information, its purpose and need, along with an interactive mapping depicting the preferred roadway alignment and affected properties. A comment form will be provided at the end of the presentation and everyone is encouraged to complete this form. 

Hard copies of all presentation materials and the comment review form will be available at the KYTC District 8 Office located at 1660 South Highway 27, Somerset, KY 42501.

If you are unable to access meeting materials via internet or at the location defined above, you may contact Joseph Gossage to schedule a separate in-person review by appointment.  All comment forms and written statements will become part of the official project record. 

In accordance with the “Americans with Disabilities Act," if you have a disability for which the Transportation Cabinet needs to provide accommodations, or if you require the presentation materials in a language other than English, please contact Joseph Gossage at the KYTC District 8 Office at (606) 677-4017. 

Roads across District 8 remain affected by high water. The safety of motorists remains our top priority, and we urge all drivers to use caution, obey road closure signs, and avoid driving through flooded areas—turn around, don’t drown!

Flooded roads added throughout the day will be listed as NEW. Roads in which water has receded are listed below as CLEAR and will then be removed from the list during the next update.

The following roads in District 8 are currently impacted by high water:
Casey County:
• KY 2310 MP 0-1 
Lincoln County:
• KY 39 MP 11.5 -CLEAR
• KY 698 MP 0 (Lincoln/Casey County line) -CLEAR
Pulaski County:
• KY 1642 MP 4.3
Rockcastle County:
• U.S. 25 MP 27 (Rockcastle/Madison County line) -CLEAR
• U.S. 25 MP 22-24 -CLEAR
• KY 490 MP 1-3 -CLEAR
• KY 1329 MP 0-5.5 -CLEAR
• KY 89 MP 0-3 -CLEAR
• KY 1912 MP 1-2 and 5-6 -CLEAR
 

Please note, additional roads may be flooded that are not on this list. 

For Kentucky’s latest traffic and travel information, visit goky.ky.gov or navigate traffic by downloading the free Waze app at www.waze.com. Motorists can also access traffic information for the District 8 counties at www.facebook.com/KYTCDistrict8 and at www.twitter.com/KYTCDistrict8.  

Several roads across District 8 remain affected by high water. The safety of motorists remains our top priority, and we urge all drivers to use caution, obey road closure signs, and avoid driving through flooded areas—turn around, don’t drown!

Flooded roads added throughout the day will be listed as NEW. Roads in which water has receded are listed below as CLEAR and will then be removed from the list during the next update.

The following roads in District 8 are currently impacted by high water:

Adair County:

• KY 767 (Pelham Branch Road) MP 2.5
• KY 768 MP 0.6
• KY 206 MP 0.8 - CLEAR
• KY 1323 (Bull Run Road) MP 0.05
• KY 551 MP 11.9 and MP 15.3

Casey County:

• KY 70X MP 0-1
• KY 1988 MP 0-2
• KY 1640 MP 8-9
• KY 2313 MP 0-1

Cumberland County:

• KY 704 MP 6-10

Lincoln County:

• KY 39 MP 11.5
• U.S. 27 MP 21.9 (Lincoln/Garrard County line) -NEW

Pulaski County:

• KY 1642 MP 4.3

Rockcastle County:

• U.S. 25 (Rockcastle/Madison County line) MP 27 mud slide

Please note, additional roads may be flooded that are not on this list. 

For Kentucky’s latest traffic and travel information, visit goky.ky.gov or navigate traffic by downloading the free Waze app at www.waze.com. Motorists can also access traffic information for the District 8 counties at www.facebook.com/KYTCDistrict8 and at www.twitter.com/KYTCDistrict8.  

Sheriff Bobby Jones recognizes Crimes against Children Detective Jay Picard for receiving recognition from the Children’s Advocacy Center as a “Legendary Partner”. 

Each year, the 15 regional Children's Advocacy Centers across the state of Kentucky nominate someone in each of their regions as their Legendary Partner.  This person is recognized at a statewide event at the Capitol for their dedication and service in working with child victims of abuse. 

The Lake Cumberland Children's Advocacy Center staff vote on and select one community partner who has stood out as going above and beyond in support of the Children's Advocacy Center's mission and in their services to the community. 

This year, Detective Jay Picard, with the Pulaski County Sheriff's Office’s Criminal Investigation Division, was selected.  

In the Children’s Advocacy Center’s recognition, they stated, “Detective Jay Picard goes above and beyond to serve his community and the Children’s Advocacy Center.  He and his wife were among our biggest supporters when we established an alternative location in Pulaski County to better serve the children in that area.  His dedication and commitment to the children of our community shows every time he walks through the door.  He has a heart and passion for the work that he does.  He is a huge advocate for the kids, and they are always excited to see him.  Detective Picard truly is “legendary”, and we could not be more grateful and honored to have him as our 2025 Legendary Partner.”

Detective Picard has been with the Pulaski County Sheriff's Office since May of 2021 and was assigned to the Criminal Investigations Division in October of 2023.  

Sheriff Jones stated that “Detective Jay Picard is truly an asset to the overall mission of the Pulaski County Sheriff's Office and has done an outstanding job in his role as a Detective with the Criminal Investigation Division, especially in the area of investigating crimes perpetrated against children, our most vulnerable citizens”.  

On March 25, 2025, Detective Jay Picard received recognition from Attorney General Russell Coleman in a special presentation ceremony in the Capitol Rotunda in Frankfort, surrounded by family, friends, and coworkers.  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Apr520uYxIo

Kentucky State Police (KSP) Post 15 Troopers responded to a two-vehicle injury collision on County House Road in Monroe County on April 1, 2025, at 8:15 P.M. CST.

The preliminary investigation revealed that Ty Graves, 19, of Tompkinsville, was traveling west on County House Road on a 2007 Honda motorcycle when he attempted to overtake another vehicle, also traveling west on County House Road, in a no-passing zone. Mr. Graves failed to see a 2023 Ford Explorer traveling east on County House Road, operated by Marilyn Deweese, 76, of Tompkinsville, colliding with it.

Ty Graves was transported to a local hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased by the Monroe County Coroner. Marilyn Deweese 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 Monroe County Sheriff’s Department, Monroe County Fire/EMS and the Monroe County Coroner. Senior Trooper Brandon Roark continues the investigation of the collision.

Pulaski County Sheriff Bobby Jones reports three individuals are in custody following a search at a Bronston residence on Sunday.

The incident began when Detectives from the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Division were conducting surveillance on the residence of a suspected drug dealer. Detectives had knowledge the occupant of the residence, Jonathan G. Lewis, age 35, of Bronston, had active warrants for his arrest. Detectives contacted the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office Patrol Division, to assist on the takedown.

Detectives conducting surveillance on the residence, observed a motorcycle leaving the property, along with a White Chevrolet pickup truck. Detectives contacted the additional Deputies to pull into the residence, before the subject could leave.

As Deputies were pulling into the property, the encountered Lewis on the motorcycle. Lewis
attempted to elude Deputies by going in between the police cars and a boat parked on the
property. Lewis lost control of the motorcycle and laid the bike over. Deputies converged on
Lewis. When Lewis wrecked the motorcycle, a bag containing methamphetamine fell and landed on the ground.

Deputies also stopped the white Chevrolet. The driver of the Chevrolet, Charvonta Arkee
Wright, age 33, of Louisville, consented to a search of the vehicle. Upon searching Wright and the vehicle, Deputies located $1886.00 in cash. A passenger in Wright’s vehicle was checked and released.

Lewis gave consent for Deputies to search the residence. Upon searching the residence, Deputies located a female inside, Erica Turner, age 30, of Somerset. Deputies checked with Pulaski 911 dispatch and learned Turner had an active warrant for her arrest.
 

During the search of the residence, Deputies located numerous items of paraphernalia to include digitals scales, baggies, syringes, a handgun, and a glass smoking pipe. Deputies asked Lewis to search vehicles in the driveway of the residence, including a white Dodge pickup truck Lewis had been observed operating earlier in the day. A firearm was visible in the passenger seat of the vehicle. Lewis refused to allow Deputies to search the vehicle.

Detectives applied for a search warrant to search the residence and all of the vehicles in the
driveway. Upon searching the vehicle, Deputies located the handgun in the seat and shot glasses containing methamphetamine residue.

During the investigation, Detectives were able to establish that Wright was Lewis’ drug supplier and had delivered the methamphetamine to him. Following the search warrant, the following individuals were arrested and charged with the following:
Jonathan Lewis:

•  Trafficking in Controlled Substance 1 st Degree, 1st Offense over 2 grams (Methamphetamine) (Enhanced with a firearm)
•  Drug Paraphernalia – Buy/Possess
•  Failure to Appear (Pulaski District Court Warrant)
•  Contempt of Court (Pulaski District Court Warrant)
•  Contempt of Court (Pulaski District Court Warrant)
•  Contempt of Court (Pulaski District Court Warrant)
•  Contempt of Court (Pulaski District Court Warrant)
•  Contempt of Court (Pulaski District Court Warrant)
•  Contempt of Court (Pulaski District Court Warrant)
•  Failure to Appear (Edmonson Circuit Court Warrant)

Charvota Arkee Wright:

•  Trafficking in Controlled Substance 1 st Degree, 1st Offense over 2 grams (Methamphetamine)
•  Drug Paraphernalia – Buy/Possess
   

Erica Turner was arrested and charged with the following;

•  Contempt of Court (Pulaski District Court Warrant)

The investigation is still ongoing by Detective Tan Hudson.
 

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 remain anonymous. You can also leave a tip on our webpage at http://www.pulaskisheriff.com.

With another round of severe weather on the way here in Kentucky, you need to stay prepared.

It’s critical to have multiple ways to receive emergency alerts—whether you’re at home, school, work, or out in the community. Stay alert, follow guidance from your local officials, and keep up with the latest forecasts by following your local National Weather Service office. Read more about emergency alerts here.

???????Before a Tornado

• Have a pre-determined place to meet after a disaster.
• Increase your situational awareness by monitoring the weather on weather.gov, watching local TV, or listening to NOAA Weather Radio.
• Know the signs of a tornado: dark, greenish sky; large hail; dark, low clouds; and loud roaring sounds.
• When a tornado watch is issued, practice your drill and check your safety supplies.
• Flying debris is the greatest danger in tornadoes, so store protective coverings (e.g., mattress, sleeping bags, thick blankets, etc.) in or next to your shelter space, ready to use on a few seconds’ notice.
• Tornado rule of thumb: Put as many walls and floors between you and the tornado as possible.
• In a mobile home: Get out! Go to a neighbors, underground shelter, or a nearby permanent structure. Most tornadoes can destroy even tied-down mobile homes.
• Read the Commonwealth of Kentucky Division of Emergency Management’s Tornado Safety List here

Prepare for Flooding

• If you are under a flood warning, find safe shelter right away. Remember, just six inches of moving water can knock you down, and one foot of moving water can sweep your vehicle away.
• Follow instructions from local officials. If told, evacuate immediately. Never drive around barricades. Local responders use them to safely direct traffic out of flooded areas.
• Stay off bridges over fast-moving water. Fast-moving water can wash bridges away without warning.
• Avoid driving except in emergencies.
• Read the Commonwealth of Kentucky Division of Emergency Management's Flood Safety List here.pdf

Be Ready for a Power Outage

• Locate flashlights, radio and extra batteries now.
• Charge electronic devices now.
• Generators are helpful during power outages but can present serious health and safety risks. Only use a generator outdoors and far from open doors and windows to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Read the Commonwealth of Kentucky Division of Emergency Management's Preparedness Checklist here.