A Clementsville man is facing multiple charges after a Thursday night traffic stop led to a drug investigation.

Casey County Deputies Tyler Luttrell and Austin Harris were leaving a residence on Dry Creek Road around 10 p.m. when they encountered a 2010 Ford Edge blocking the end of the driveway. As deputies approached, the vehicle drove off in the middle of the roadway. A traffic stop was initiated.

Deputy Luttrell approached the passenger side while Deputy Harris spoke with the driver, identified as 44-year-old Jody S. Bandy of Clementsville. Deputy Luttrell recognized Bandy from a recent encounter and was aware he had three active warrants. Bandy was taken into custody, and the warrants were confirmed by dispatch.

Deputies observed signs of impairment. Bandy admitted to using drugs earlier that day and agreed to perform Field Sobriety Tests, which indicated he was under the influence.
During the stop, deputies found $1,142 in cash hidden in Bandy’s shoe. He initially claimed it came from selling jewelry. However, later admitted he had purchased six ounces of methamphetamine earlier that day for $1,000—and had sold the drugs, accounting for the cash.

The vehicle contained two digital scales with suspected meth residue—one in the back and one behind the passenger seat.

Bandy was transported to Casey County Jail.

He is charged with reckless driving, DUI (3rd offense), driving on a DUI-suspended license (aggravated, 2nd offense), failure to wear seat belts, no registration receipt or plates, no insurance, trafficking in methamphetamine (1st degree, less than two grams), and possession of drug paraphernalia.

With July 4th quickly approaching, the U.S. Postal Service is reminding customers that while fireworks are a fun way to celebrate Independence Day, they are strictly prohibited in the mail system.

Fireworks of all kinds — including sparklers, firecrackers, bottle rockets and Roman candles — are considered hazardous materials and are banned from all air and ground transportation through USPS because they pose a threat to safety.

“Shipping fireworks through the mail puts our employees, customers and transportation networks at serious risk,” said Acting Postmaster General and CEO Doug Tulino. “Even small items like firecrackers or bottle rockets can cause fires, explosions or injuries if mishandled.”

To keep employees and facilities safe, the Postal Service uses a range of tools, including technology and inspection protocols, to detect nonmailable items. Individuals caught mailing fireworks may face civil penalties, criminal charges, and other consequences. Last year, the Postal Inspection Service opened 1,700 investigations regarding customer attempts to send hazardous materials through the mail, including fireworks and other explosives. 

To help ensure a safe and celebratory holiday, the Postal Service encourages customers to review the list of hazardous and restricted items before shipping any package. A full list is available in Publication 52 – Hazardous, Restricted, and Perishable Mail. The Postal Inspection Service has also released a public service announcement on fireworks in the mail.

To ensure certified businesses can compete fairly for federally and state funded transportation projects, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) is seeking public input on proposed goals for disadvantaged businesses.

To comply with a longstanding federal requirement, the Cabinet’s Office for Civil Rights and Small Business Development is developing a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) participation goal for the next three federal fiscal years to be reviewed by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) that historically takes effect Oct. 1.

The virtual public forums provide a convenient opportunity to give input and learn more about how the Cabinet establishes fair goals while states await further guidance from FHWA.

The Office will host virtual public forums next week to explain the proposed goals and how they will be established. Participants must register by emailing tony.youssefi@ky.gov or calling 502-782-4817. Forums will be hosted on the following dates:

Monday, June 30 from 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. EDT

Tuesday, July 1 from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. EDT

Wednesday, July 2 from 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., and 1:30 - 2:30 p.m. EDT

The 2025 goals and methodology once completed, will be available online on the KYTC Office for Civil Rights website. Information is also available by calling 1-502-782-4817.  The comment period will be from June 30 through July 30.

Written comments can be submitted online to tony.youssefi@ky.gov or mailed to:

Tony Youssefi
Office for Civil Rights and Small Business Development
Kentucky Transportation Cabinet
200 Mero Street
Frankfort, KY 40622

The OCRSD is committed to ensuring equitable business opportunities throughout Kentucky.

Pulaski County Sheriff Bobby Jones reports a Lexington man is in custody following a traffic stop on Highway 461.

The incident began when Detectives from the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Division were conducting interdiction on Highway 461. Detectives observed a vehicle travelling South on Highway 461 with expired registration. Detective Lieutenant Daryl Kegley conducted a traffic stop of the vehicle.

Upon stop, the driver was unable to provide current insurance or registration on the vehicle.
While on the stop, Detective Trent Massey and K9 Leo arrived on scene. Detective Massey
conducted a free air sniff of the vehicle, while Detectives continued with normal traffic stop
duties. Following the walk around of the vehicle, Detectives conducted a search of the vehicle.
 

Detectives removed the driver, James Washington, age 49, of Lexington. Detectives also
removed a female passenger and a juvenile from the vehicle.
 

Upon searching the vehicle, Detectives located a baggie containing suspected crack cocaine.
 

Following roadside interviews, Washington was arrested and charged with the following:

• No Registration Plates
• No Registration Receipt
• Failure of Owner to Maintain Required Insurance 1 st Offense
• Trafficking in Controlled Substance 1 st Degree, 2 nd or > Offense – (> or = 4 grams of cocaine)

The investigation is still ongoing by Detective Trent Massey. Detectives were assisted on the scene by Task Force Officer Dillon Blair, London Police Department, and Deputy Marcus
Harrison.

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.

Authorities have successfully recovered a stolen Can-Am side-by-side and arrested a suspect in connection with the case.

The theft occurred on Friday, June 6, 2025, around 7:00 p.m., when the vehicle was taken from storage units located off Highway 914 near Chris Way. Security footage captured a male subject on a bicycle in the area around the time of the incident.

Following an investigation, Deputy Joey Johnson obtained an arrest warrant for 24-year-old Daulton Huling of Burnside, KY, on charges of Theft of Auto Over $10,000. On June 11, deputies located Huling in the Antioch area of Burnside and took him into custody on the Pulaski District Court warrant. During the arrest, they also recovered the stolen side-by-side.

Huling was transported to the Pulaski County Detention Center, where he is being held on a $25,000 bond.

The Kentucky State Police Post 11 London was notified by Pulaski County 911 at 7:45 p.m. on Sunday, June 15, 2025, regarding a barricaded subject near the intersection of East Mount Vernon St. and Crawford Ave. in Somerset, Ky.

The initial investigation indicates that John Woody, 69, of Somerset, shot from his home into neighboring residences. The Somerset Police Department responded, and after unsuccessfully attempting to negotiate with Mr. Woody requested the response of the Kentucky State Police Special Response Team to assist. After a brief standoff, Mr. Woody began firing shots towards troopers. Less-lethal force was utilized to remove Mr. Woody from the residence and place him under arrest.

John Woody was charged with

1.Wanton Endangerment 1st - Discharge of Firearm

2.Murder of First Responder (Peace Officer) (Attempt).

Somerset Police Department has charges on Mr. Woody as well.

Kentucky State Police Detective Keegan Bray is continuing the investigation. He was assisted by Post 11 personnel, the Somerset Police Department, and the Kentucky State Police Special Response Team.

Pulaski County Sheriff Bobby Jones reports the arrest of a Somerset man and a Monticello woman after a high speed pursuit leads to the discovery of a quantity of illegal substances.
 

On June 9, 2025, at approximately 12:15am, deputies were notified of a Chevrolet
Equinox that had fled from a Somerset Police Department traffic stop. Shortly after notification, Deputy Noah Dishman observed a vehicle matching the description traveling on Bourbon Rd at a high rate of speed.

Dep. Dishman turned around to attempt to initiate a traffic stop on the vehicle, but prior to catching up to the vehicle he observed it travel through the intersection of Bourbon Rd and Hwy 914 without stopping at the stop sign, and nearly traveling into the ditch.

Dep. Dishman again attempted to initiate a traffic stop on Hwy 914, but the vehicle
continued westbound to the intersection of W. Hwy 80. After turning onto W. Hwy 80, deputies observed the vehicle increase speed as it continued westbound to Hwy 196. The vehicle was eventually stopped on Hwy 196 into Russell County.

After stopping the vehicle, deputies with both Pulaski and Russell counties ordered the
driver out of the car and identified him as Kisean Cowan, 18 years of age, Somerset, KY. A
passenger in the vehicle was also ordered to exit, and was identified as Harlie Gibson, 18 years of age, Monticello, KY.

Detectives with the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Division were called to the
scene of the stop, where K9 Leo performed an open air search around the vehicle. After a
positive indication of the presence of controlled substance, deputies located a black magnetic box with a quantity of drug paraphernalia, white crystal like substances believed to be methamphetamine, marijuana and digital scales.

Kisean Cowan was arrested from the scene and charged with Speeding 26mph or Greater,
Fleeing or Evading Police 1 st Degree (Motor Vehicle), Disregarding Stop Sign, two counts of Disregarding Traffic Controlled Device-Traffic Light, Traffic in Controlled Substance 1 st Deg 1 st Off over 2gms (Methamphetamine), Traffic in Marijuana 1 st Off., Drug Paraphernalia-Buy/Possess, Operating Motor Vehicle Under Influence of Controlled Substance 1 st Off and No Operators/Moped License.

Harlie Gibson was arrested from the scene and charged with Drug Paraphernalia-
Buy/Possess and Public Intoxication Controlled Substance.

Both Cowan and Gibson were lodged in the Pulaski County Detention Center without
further incident. The Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office were assisted by the Russell County
Sheriff’s Office.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District is seeking information about an incident of vandalism at historic Mill Springs Mill the weekend of June 7-8, 2025.

Lake Cumberland staff documented damage and destruction to the public restrooms at the recreation area and urge anyone with information related to this incident to call the resource management office at 606-679-6337 and the Wayne County Sheriff at 606-348-5416.

The gristmill has milled wheat and corn on the shoreline of the Cumberland River since the 1800s and remains in operation today.  The mill is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, while the grounds are part of the legislative boundaries for the Mill Springs Battlefield National Monument, also on the NRHP and a national historic landmark. Mill Springs Mill Recreation Area supports a rare glimpse of historic resources and is free for the public to enjoy and experience. 

Jonathan Friedman, resource manager at Lake Cumberland and Laurel River Lake, said acts of vandalism have the potential to temporarily or completely close resources available to the public.

“Repairs and replacement of the damaged facilities are ultimately paid at taxpayer expense,” he stressed.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers encourages the public’s continued stewardship of treasured public spaces such as Mill Springs Mill Recreation Area. Witnesses of this vandalism are encouraged to step forward.

Kentucky State Police (KSP) Post 15 Troopers responded to a two-vehicle injury collision on Russell Springs Road in Adair County that occurred on June 9, 2025, at 9:04 P.M. CST.

The preliminary investigation revealed that Lucas Gregorio, 39, of Columbia, was traveling west on Russell Springs Road in a 2015 Nissan Rogue. Mr. Gregorio crossed the centerline of the roadway and collided with a 2022 Dodge Ram, operated by Bobby Sexton, 49, of Columbia, traveling east on Russell Springs Road.  

Lucas Gregorio was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Adair County Coroner. Bobby Sexton and a juvenile passenger in his vehicle were transported to the TJ Health Columbia Hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. 

KSP Post 15 Troopers were assisted at the scene by the Adair County Sheriff's Office, Adair County Fire/EMS, Adair County Coroner’s Office and the Kentucky State Highway Department. Senior Trooper Trevor Sagrecy is investigating the collision.

The Casey County Board of Education held their regular meeting for the month of June last night.

Mrs. Luann Williams gave a presentation to the Board and reported that there were 11 English Language Learning students that graduated from the program. A relatively large number, as the highest to date were three.

Superintendent Barry Lee presented a First Reading of Annual Policy Updates. One significant item was a District Traceable Communication System. The purpose is to prohibit interaction between School Employees and students on any social platform.

The next regular meeting for the School Board will be July 14th.

Liberty City Council met in regular session Monday.

Second reading was approved for a Budge Amendment to include a $64,000 loan for Gas Line repair.

A Fireworks Ordinance was discussed but no action was taken.

City Stickers were a hot topic. Here's Mayor, Doctor Sam Haddad...

First Readings were approved for Amending and Adopting the 24/25 Budget.

Pay increases of $100 per month were approved for the City Fire Chief and Assistant Chief.

There will be a Special Called Meeting on Monday at 5:30pm for Second Reading of the Budget.

Kentucky State Police (KSP) Post 15 Troopers responded to a two-vehicle injury collision at the intersection of US 68 and Lebanon Bypass in Marion County that occurred on June 7, 2025, at 9:53 A.M. EST.

The preliminary investigation revealed that Justin Baron, 26, of Loretto, was traveling west on US 68 in a 2002 Dodge Ram and approached the intersection with the Lebanon Bypass. Mr. Baron attempted a right turn at the intersection at a high rate of speed. Mr. Baron lost control of his vehicle, traveled across the intersection, and collided with a 2010 GMC Sierra that was stopped at the traffic light heading south on Lebanon Bypass. The GMC Sierra was operated by William Norris, 55, of Loretto.

William Norris was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Marion County Coroner. A passenger in Mr. Norris’ vehicle, Shirley Norris, 82, of Lebanon, was transported to the Ephraim McDowell Regional Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries. Justin Baron was transported to the Spring View Hospital, where he was treated and released for minor injuries. Upon release from the hospital, Mr. Baron was arrested by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office on charges related to an incident prior to the collision. Additional charges relating to the collision are forthcoming from KSP.  

KSP Post 15 Troopers were assisted at the scene by the Marion County Sheriff's Office, Lebanon Police Department, Marion County Fire/EMS, Marion County Coroner’s Office and the Kentucky State Highway Department. Senior Trooper Weston Sullivan is investigating the collision.

Fire fighters respond to a weekend fire at an assisted living facility in Somerset over the weekend.

Jeff Henderson has the story...

Fire fighters respond to a weekend fire at an assisted living facility in Somerset over the weekend.

Jeff Henderson has the story...

Sheriff Bobby Jones reports the shooting of a Pulaski County citizen on the evening of June
4, 2025.

Deputies initially responded to the report of a gunshot victim in the city limits of Science Hill.
Upon Deputies’ arrival, they learned that a Pulaski County man had been injured during the
shooting. He was transported for medical treatment due to his injuries.

Due to the nature of the incident, the Criminal Investigation Division for the Pulaski County
Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene. Sheriff Jones wants to advise the public that this is
believed to be an isolated incident.

The investigation is still in an early phase and Detectives are still currently working to
determine what happened during the shooting.

The Sheriff’s Office was assisted by Somerset Police Department, Somerset/Pulaski EMS,
Science Hill Fire Department, the Pulaski County Special Response Team, and the Kentucky State Police.

The condition of the victim is unknown at this time.
 

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.

On June 4, 2025, at approximately 1:37 PM, Kentucky State Police Post 11 London received a report of a three vehicle collision on U.S. Highway 27 in the Parker’s Lake community of McCreary County.

Preliminary investigation indicates that a 2024 Toyota Highlander, operated by Linda Moncrief, age 77 of Stearns, KY, was traveling northbound on US-27 when she is believed to have experienced a medical emergency. The Highlander crossed the centerline, grazing a 2005 Honda motorcycle traveling southbound and operated by Costello Wilson, age 82 of Pine Knot, Ky, with a juvenile passenger. Neither the operator nor the passenger sustained injuries.

Following this initial collision, the Highlander continued northbound in the southbound lane before entering the emergency lane. It then struck a yellow Honda ATV operated by Roger D. Stanton, age 74 of Parkers Lake, KY, who was in the emergency lane. Both the Highlander and ATV exited the roadway and came to rest in a wooded area.

Mrs. Linda Moncrief was pronounced deceased at the scene by the McCreary County Coroner. Her passenger, Lloyd Moncrief, age 55 of Stearns, Ky, was airlifted to the University of Kentucky Chandler B Hospital, where he is listed in stable condition. Both occupants of the Highlander were wearing seat belts at the time of the incident.

Roger Stanton, the ATV operator, was also pronounced deceased at the scene. He was not wearing a helmet. Both deceased individuals were transported to the State Medical Examiner’s Office, and autopsies are pending.

Detective Shane Bowling is continuing the investigation. He was assisted on scene by Kentucky State Police personnel, McCreary County EMS, McCreary County Coroner Office, and emergency personnel.

On June 4, 2025, at approximately 1:00 PM, Kentucky State Police Post 11 London responded to a report of a two-vehicle injury collision near 900 North Laurel Road in Laurel County.

Preliminary investigation determined a 2024 Taotao moped and its operator, identified as Ronald Begley, age 74, of London, Ky. was lying injured in the roadway. The second vehicle involved, a 2024 Chevrolet Trax, was operated by Darlene Maggard, age 67, of McKee, Ky.

It was determined that both vehicles were traveling northbound on North Laurel Road. The Chevrolet Trax was stopped in the roadway, waiting to make a left-hand turn, when the moped approached from behind and failed to stop, colliding with the rear of the Chevrolet.

Mr. Begley, who was not wearing a helmet at the time of the collision, was transported by Ambulance Incorporated of Laurel County to St. Joseph Hospital in London, where he was pronounced deceased by the Laurel County Coroner.

No other injuries were reported. Alcohol or drugs are not suspected to be factors in this incident. The next of kin has been notified.

Detective Shane Bowling is continuing the investigation he was assisted by Post 11 personnel Ambulance Inc. of Laurel County, Laurel County Coroner Office, and other emergency personnel.

SPRINGFIELD, Ky. (May 31, 2025) – Kentucky State Police (KSP) Post 15 received a call from Washington County Dispatch requesting assistance responding to a report of a tornado in the East Texas community of Washington County that resulted in the death of a Washington County man.

On Friday, March 30, 2025, at 7:39 A.M. EST, KSP Troopers responded to the 3200 block of Long Run Road to assist other emergency services personnel with rescue efforts after a suspected tornado touched down in the area. Upon arrival, Troopers learned that three missing individuals had been reported.  These individuals were subsequently located a short time later.  All of the individuals affected by the tornado have been accounted for.

Ronnie Hill, 48, of Springfield, was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Washington County Coroner from injuries he received during the tornado.  Seven other individuals were injured during the tornado and transported to local hospitals.  Detective Dexter Colvin leads the investigation into the death of Mr. Hill.