The Casey County Board of Education met in a special session Thursday.
Here's Superintendent, Barry Lee...

The Casey County Fiscal Court met in regular session Monday.

Prior to the meeting, the Court held a hearing for public comment on County Road aid funds. Judge Executive, Randy Dial...

With no public comments, the hearing was concluded.

During the regular meeting, Judge Dial gave the first reading for the 2025-26 Fiscal Year Budget...

Yearly Bids were awarded:  Cleaning of the Judical Center went to B&H Cleaning; Gas/Diesel - White Oil; Asphalt - Hinkle Contracting; Road Oil - Hudson Materials; Stone - washed 8's - Gaddy Shamrock, all others - Hinkle; Chip & Seal (labor) - Gaddy Shamrock; Pest Control - R&R Pest Control.
 

Rosemary Sparr, and Jennifer Hamilton were appointed to the Library Board.

Judge Dial says the County is looking for a local Building Inspector...

Magistrates voted to surplus 3 Mack Trucks for the auction in June, and Sawn Morgan was hired at the Road Department.

Judge Dial gave an update on Discressionary Road repairs...

A curfew has been issued in parts of Pulaski County due to the recent storm damage.

Jeff Henderson reports from Somerset...

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) District Eight Office is continuing cleanup efforts in the aftermath of a powerful storm system that swept through Pulaski County overnight Friday. While crews have made progress in clearing debris, the storm’s damage remains extensive, and roadways, including a portion of U.S. 27 in Somerset, are still closed.

Motorists should expect delays and allow for additional travel time, particularly for the Monday morning commute. Alternate routes are strongly recommended as cleanup operations continue.

Traffic Signal Repairs and Power Outages

KYTC Traffic Technicians are actively repairing damaged traffic signals, prioritizing those where electrical service has been restored. However, many signals remain inoperable due to ongoing power outages. Along U.S. 27 in Somerset, signals #19 through #25 are currently non-functional and could remain offline for several days or longer.

Motorists should treat all intersections without functioning traffic lights as four-way stops and proceed with extreme caution.

Road Closures in Pulaski County

Due to severe damage, the following roadways are closed until further notice:

- KY 1643

- KY 769

- U.S. 27 from Bourbon Road (MP 12.2) to KY 914 (MP 13.7)

KYTC crews are working alongside utility companies and emergency responders to assess damage and reopen roads as conditions permit.

KYTC asks the public for patience as response teams continue to work in challenging conditions. 

Stay Informed

KYTC encourages residents to stay updated on road conditions and ongoing recovery efforts through official channels:

- Twitter: @KYTCDistrict8

- Facebook: facebook.com/KYTCDistrict8

KYTC District 8 is responsible for maintaining state highways across Adair, Casey, Clinton, Cumberland, Lincoln, McCreary, Pulaski, Rockcastle, Russell, and Wayne counties

Some local officers who were killed in the line of duty were honored this week.

Jeff Henderson has details. 

State and local officials gathered Thursday to celebrate the reopening of the Kentucky 80 Fishing Creek Bridge in Pulaski County.

Jeff Henderson has the story... 

Three people were arrested on drug charges Saturday.

Casey County Deputy Austin Harris was dispatched to a home for a welfare check on children that were around and possibly using narcotics. Assited by Deputy Jacob Atwood and LPD Officer Adam Hewitt, officers made contact and got permission to search the home. Drugs were found in a container next to where a child was playing. 

Arrested were Christopher N. Watson, 40, Jordan T. Watson, 38, & Meagan R. Pendergraft, 34, all of Liberty. All three face numerous charges, including: trafficking Methamphetamine-1st degree, drug paraphernalia, possession of a controlled substance-2nd and 3rd degree, wanton endangerment 1st degree, and prescription controlled substance not in proper container. Jordan & Meagan are additionally charged with possession of marijuana.

They were all transported to the Casey County Jail.

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

Mr. Lee received high marks from the Board in their Superintendent evaluation.

The School Board will host a special called meeting, Thursday, May 29th at 7pm at the Board Annex.

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

The Council also heard from Mr. Christopher Hall, Associate Dean of Career & Technical Education at Somerset Community College, concerning an exciting apprenticeship program. He will present details on the program this evening at the Casey County Public Library...

A tragic incident unfolded in Casey County early Monday morning, resulting in the loss of one life.

Casey County Coroner Mike Brown reported that emergency responders arrived at a mobile home on High Point Road shortly before 7 a.m. Upon entering the residence, they discovered 73-year-old Humberto Medellin had passed away inside.

A woman managed to escape and was taken to a hospital for treatment, though her current condition remains unclear. Authorities do not suspect foul play in the incident.

At least one person has died as the result of an early morning fire in Casey County.

Several units from Liberty and Brush Creek Fire Departments responded to the scene in the pre-dawn hours on Monday morning, on High Point Drive, approximately five miles north of Liberty, off KY 49.

Casey County Ambulance Service also responded.

This is a developing story. We'll have more information as it is made available.

As millions of Americans plan visits to lakes and rivers throughout the Cumberland River basin this summer, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District reminds visitors of the importance of practicing safety around open water.

Last year there were 14 tragic fatalities at Nashville District lakes, most of which were water related. More than half of these involved boating/fishing. All the fatalities occurred between April and September and only two of the 14 fatalities were wearing a life jacket, one of which was worn improperly.

The district needs the public’s help to reduce the number of fatalities at the 10 USACE-managed lakes and projects on the Cumberland River. USACE rangers stress the importance of water safety year-round when talking with visitors, but especially during the summer season when most public recreation fatalities occur.

“The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers wants all visitors to USACE recreation areas this summer to have a wonderful and safe experience, especially if your activities involve water,” said Maj. Gen. Jason E. Kelly, USACE deputy commanding general for civil and emergency operations. “Take appropriate precautions, wear a life jacket and recreate responsibly so you can safely return home at the end of the day.” 

People of all ages are strongly encouraged to practice water safety this summer. 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. An adult can drown in 60 seconds. While boating, if you are not wearing a life jacket when an accident occurs and you unexpectedly enter the water, you will not have time to access a life jacket to save your life if needed. Please wear a life jacket and ask others to wear theirs too.

- 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 because 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 by ensuring you and they wear properly fitted life jackets whenever enjoying your favorite outdoor water recreational activity.

- Air Temperature and Water Temperature are not the same – The water temperature in rivers and lakes can be significantly colder than the air temperature and jumping or falling into cold water can be a dangerous shock to your body, so it’s important to wear a properly fitted life jacket to increase your chances of survival. Keep in mind that although the air temperatures are rising, water temperatures are slow to rise, and some lakes and rivers have cold water temperatures year-round. 

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

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. The district also manages the Cumberland River and its tributaries, balancing the demands for water releases to flood risk management, commercial navigation, production of hydropower, recreation, fish and wildlife, water supply and water quality.

The public can obtain news, updates and information from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District on the district’s website at https://www.lrd.usace.army.mil/About/Districts/Nashville-District/, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/nashvillecorps and on X at www.x.com/nashvillecorps. Follow us on LinkedIn for the latest Nashville District employment and contracting opportunities at https://www.linkedin.com/company/u-s-army-corps-of-engineers-nashville-district.

Two men were arrested in Lincoln County late Tuesday in connection to recent thefts at a construction site.

Around 9:30pm, Lincoln County Sheriff's Deputies responded to a call reporting that contractors working at the old Kings Mtn School had caught two subjects on the property.

During their investigation, Deputies learned that the two men had unlawfully entered the property on multiple occasions to remove metal and copper wiring from the building. 

Deputy Brandon McIntosh arrested Steven Cook and Zachary Devine both of Stanford Ky. Both were charged with burglary 3rd degree.

During a follow up investigation by Deputy Ron Luster, it was determined that the subjects had sold the stolen metal to a scrap yard. 

Assisting were Lt. Michael Mullins, Deputy Butch Phillips and transport Deputy James Cunnigan.

The Danville Police Department is pleased to report a significant development in the investigation of the robbery that occurred in Danville, KY, on April 24th.

On the morning of Saturday, May 3rd, a vigilant citizen discovered a black backpack containing several pill bottles near the roadside in Brodhead, KY. Acting swiftly, the citizen delivered the backpack and its contents to the Rockcastle County Sheriff’s Office.

Through the cooperation of the DEA, the Rockcastle County Sheriff’s Office successfully transferred the recovered evidence to the Danville Police Department. Investigators from both the Danville Police Department and the DEA later confirmed that the narcotics found in the backpack were indeed part of the items stolen during the robbery.

In total, more than 2,300 pills consisting of various controlled substances were recovered, marking a crucial breakthrough in the ongoing investigation.

The Danville Police Department extends its sincere gratitude to the honorable citizen whose swift actions facilitated this discovery, as well as to the Rockcastle County Sheriff’s Office and the DEA for their collaborative efforts in recovering these stolen narcotics.

Pulaski County Sheriff Bobby Jones a Pulaski County man in custody following an investigation.

The incident began when Detectives from the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Division began an investigation into illegal narcotics being sold from a residence on Elihu Drive. During the course of the investigation, Detectives discovered Nelson Lee West, Age 54, of Somerset, was trafficking in methamphetamine.

On March 31, 2025, Detectives executed a search warrant at West’s residence. During the search of the residence, Detectives located approximately 131.7 grams of methamphetamine in three separate baggies, marijuana, glass pipes, and over $1,000.00 in cash. Part of the methamphetamine was located inside of a hidden compartment in the bathroom.

The items were sent to the Kentucky State Police lab, as the investigation continued.
 

A Pulaski District Court Warrant was issued on this case. On May 1, 2025, Detectives went to the residence on Elihu Drive. Detectives knocked on the door and could hear people moving around inside. Detectives forced entry into the residence and located West in the bedroom. West was arrested and transported to the Pulaski County Detention Center where he was charged with the following:
- Trafficking in a Controlled Substance 1 st Degree 2 nd Offense over 2 grams of
methamphetamine
- Possession of Marijuana
- Drug Paraphernalia – Buy/Possess

The investigation is still ongoing by Detective Lieutenant Daryl Kegley.
 

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.

Two men were arrested Sunday after being found in possession of stolen farm equipment in Casey County.

Just before 1 p.m., Deputy Jayson Grider responded to a report of a stolen tractor tiller from the estate of Gary Means on Poplar Hill Road in Liberty. Means’ son and Nathan Durham informed officers that additional items—including a utility trailer, toolbox, brush guard, and trailer axle—had also been taken.

Durham reported seeing Jacob D. Dean, 33, of Liberty, hauling the stolen items on a trailer at a residence on Calvary Ridge Road. When officers arrived at the location, they found Dean along with Josh W. McElroy, 30, of Crab Orchard, and observed some of the stolen property in plain view.

Dean and McElroy claimed they were hired by an acquaintance to transport the equipment, allegedly purchased for $100. McElroy stated he was unaware the items were stolen. However, Means Jr. clarified that no one except Durham had permission to remove property from the estate.

Both men were arrested and charged with Theft by Unlawful Taking (Farm Equipment) valued over $1,000.

A Danville couple were arrested in Liberty on Friday night after a traffic stop revealed marijuana and prescription pills in their vehicle.

Around 8 p.m., Casey County Deputy Austin Harris observed Patrick Cross, 37, driving a GMC Sierra erratically after pulling out of A&D Market. Noting his apparent nervousness, Harris ran the license plate, which returned a verification for proof of insurance, and initiated a stop. Upon approaching the vehicle, Harris detected the odor of burnt marijuana and noticed three children in the back seat.

Emily Cross, 32, admitted that she and Patrick had smoked marijuana earlier but claimed they did not do so while the children were present. When asked about his impairment level, Patrick stated he was “buzzed.” However, during a sobriety test, he was unable to follow instructions and exhibited signs of impairment.

A search of the vehicle led Officer Adam Hewett to a container in Emily’s purse containing marijuana and a baggie with three Oxycodone pills. Initially, Emily claimed Patrick had placed the pills there and that the bag originally contained four pills. Patrick later admitted to taking one earlier that morning.

Both were arrested and transported to the Casey County Jail following Patrick's blood test at the hospital. 

Both are charged with Possession of Controlled Substance-1st Degree (drug unspecified), Possession of Marijuana, & Drug Paraphernalia, Wanton Endangerment-2nd Degree, & Prescription Controlled Substance Not in Proper Container. 

Patrick was additionally charged with DUI (Aggravated Circumstance), & No Insurance.

A Casey County man was arrested Saturday evening after a traffic stop led to DUI charges.
 

Around 6 p.m., Casey County Deputy Jacob Atwood observed a 2010 Nissan Altima, driving erratically in rainy conditions on KY 49. The vehicle repeatedly crossed the fog line and centerline, prompting Atwood to initiate a stop near Hilltop Drive.

Upon contact, the driver, Jonathan A. Wilson, 43 of Liberty, hesitated before rolling down his window, revealing an Absolut Vodka bottle in the passenger seat. He initially claimed to have had “not much” to drink but later admitted to consuming two shots. 

During field sobriety tests, he displayed significant impairment, including swaying and difficulty following instructions. His breath test indicated the presence of alcohol, and further testing at the jail showed a blood alcohol concentration of .197.

Wilson’s son arrived at the scene, requesting to take his vehicle instead of having it towed. Atwood accommodated the request.

Following failed attempts to reach an attorney, Wilson ultimately consented to the breathalyzer test, which confirmed a high level of intoxication. He was charged with Careless Driving and DUI-2nd Offense (Aggravated Circumstance).

On April 24, 2025, the AHIDTA Madison County Drug Task Force (MCDTF), in collaboration with the AHIDTA Central Kentucky Interdiction Team (CKIT), executed a search warrant at a residence in Fayette County. The search warrant was a result of a month’s long drug trafficking investigation by MCDTF Detectives. 

The search led to the seizure of approximately:

- 2.5 pounds of fentanyl

- 1.3 pounds of cocaine

- 9.7 pounds of methamphetamine

- 20.6 pounds of marijuana

- 9 dosage units of suspected ecstasy

- 5 handguns (1 confirmed stolen)

- Approximately $9,000 in cash

Kevin D. Sanders, 47 years old, of Chicago, Illinois was taken into custody and lodged into the Fayette County Detention Center. Sanders faces multiple charges, including one count of Aggravated Trafficking in a Controlled Substance involving more than 28 grams of fentanyl; three counts each of Trafficking in Controlled Substance – Fentanyl and Methamphetamine; one count each of Trafficking in Controlled Substance – Cocaine and Trafficking in Marijuana over 5 pounds; five counts of Possession of a Handgun by a Convicted Felon; and one count of Receiving Stolen Property.

The Madison County Drug Task Force (MCDTF) conducted the operation with support from the Appalachia HIDTA Central Kentucky Interdiction Team, the Kentucky State Police Aircraft Branch, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

Federal charges are currently pending.

The MCDTF is an Appalachia HIDTA-funded initiative comprised of Detectives from the Richmond Police Department, the Madison County Sheriff’s Office, and the Kentucky State Police.

A coordinated effort between the Harrodsburg Police Department and the Boyle County Sheriff's Office resulted in a significant arrest and the confiscation of narcotics and firearms.

Following an investigation conducted by Harrodsburg Police officers, law enforcement executed a search warrant at a residence in Danville. As a result, Pernell Doneghy, a Danville resident, was taken into custody. Officers seized suspected marijuana and cocaine, along with firearms and U.S. currency.

The case remains open, with additional charges and arrests pending.

The Harrodsburg Police Department extends its gratitude to the Boyle County Sheriff's Office for its invaluable assistance in this operation. We remain committed to working together to ensure the safety and security of our communities.

Two individuals were arrested on drug charges following a welfare check at 936 Shugars Hill Road on Saturday afternoon.

Casey County Deputies Tyler Luttrell and Hannah Lynn encountered Julia K. Carmickle outside the residence. Julia voluntarily produced a baggie containing a white crystal-like substance, which she identified as methamphetamine, & indicated there were additional drugs inside the house.

While retrieving her belongings, Julia directed the deputies to the living room, where drug paraphernalia—including needles, a loaded needle, a tourniquet, and a straw—were discovered. Julia was subsequently placed under arrest.

Inside the residence, Henry Hall consented to a search and handed over a glass pipe containing suspected meth residue. Henry admitted to using methamphetamine the previous day. He was arrested and transported to Casey County Jail.

Julia Carmickle, age 23 of Liberty, faces charges of public intoxication (controlled substance), possession of drug paraphernalia, and first-degree possession of methamphetamine. 

Henry E. Hall, age 56 of Liberty, is charged with first-degree possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Interview with Anabel Shackleford, Trinity Crow, & Ashley Branigan for the Casey County Drama Club presentation of Dr. Seuss's THE LORAX!

Kelly E. Allen, 42, Liberty

- Bail Jumping in the First Degree  

- Persistent Felony Offender in the First Degree  

Daniel W. Biddle, 33, Russell Springs

- Theft by Unlawful Taking/Disposition - Firearm  

- Convicted Felon in Possession of a Handgun  

- Convicted Felon in Possession of a Firearm  

- Persistent Felony Offender in the First Degree  

Tara Kailey Duncan, 26, Liberty

- DUI-Controlled Substance - Third Offense  

- Possession of Methamphetamine - 1st Degree - 3rd Offense 

- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia  

Bo Jordan East, 36, Liberty

- Bail Jumping in the First Degree  

Travis R. Hatter, 35, Waynesburg

- Public Intoxication  

- Trafficking Meth-1st Degree (over 2 Grams)

- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia  

- Persistent Felony Offender in the First Degree  

Robert W. Miles, 33, Lexington

- Trafficking Meth-1st Degree-2nd Offense (over 2 Grams)

- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia  

- Trafficking Fentanyl-1st Degree - 2nd Offense

- Tampering with Physical Evidence  

- Possession of a Controlled Substance-2nd Degree

- Prescription Controlled Substance Not in Proper Container (Two Counts)  

- Persistent Felony Offender in the Second Degree  

Phebe J. Wilson, 52, Nicholasville

- Trafficking Meth-1st Degree-2nd Offense (over 2 Grams)

- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia  

- Trafficking Fentanyl-1st Degree - 2nd Offense

- Tampering with Physical Evidence  

- Possession of a Controlled Substance-2nd Degree

- Persistent Felony Offender in the First Degree  

Angela Marie Miranda, 35, Liberty

- Rape in the First Degree  

- Sodomy in the First Degree  

- Rape in the Third Degree  

- Sodomy in the Third Degree  

- Incest - victim under 18 (Four Counts)  

- Unlawful Transaction with Minor in the First Degree / Illegal Sex Act / Victim Under 18 Years of Age (Four Counts)  

- Unlawful Transaction with Minor in the Second Degree  

- Criminal Abuse in the First Degree - Child Twelve or Under  

Roy D. Patterson, 39, Kings Mountain

- Possession of Meth-1st Degree - 3rd Offense 

- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia  

Melissa Ann Popplewell, 44, Liberty

- Possession of Meth-1st Degree - 3rd Offense 

- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia  

Gary Dewayne Rodgers, 51, Liberty

- Trafficking Meth-1st Degree (over 2 Grams) - Firearms Enhanced  

- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia  

- Possession of a Controlled Substance-2nd Degree

- Convicted Felon in Possession of a Handgun  

- Persistent Felony Offender in the First Degree  

Bridget Rowland, 52, Liberty

- Trafficking Meth-1st Degree (over 2 Grams)

Marcus G. White, 55, Liberty

- Complicity to Trafficking Meth-1st Degree (over 2 Grams)

- Persistent Felony Offender in the Second Degree  

- Trafficking Meth-1st Degree (over 2 Grams)

- Possession of Marijuana  

- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia  

- Possession of a Controlled Substance-3rd Degree

- Persistent Felony Offender in the Second Degree  

Jeremy Tyler Watson, 44, Liberty

- Receiving Stolen Property - over $1,000

- Selling/Receiving Vehicle with Removed/Altered VIN  

- Persistent Felony Offender in the First Degree  

An indictment is only a legal accusation, not an indicator of guilt.