Due to prolonged dry weather and heightened fire risk, Casey County Judge/Executive Randy Dial has issued an executive order enacting a county-wide ban on all open burning, effective immediately.

Citing Kentucky Revised Statute 149.401, the order responds to increasingly hazardous conditions in grasslands, woodlands, and residential areas.

The ban will remain in place until sufficient rainfall reduces the threat of wildfires. Violators may face fines ranging from $50 to $500 under state law.

Kentucky State Police (KSP) Post 15 Troopers responded to a single-vehicle injury collision on KY 527 (Saint Francis Raywick Road) in Marion County on August 22, 2025, at 5:17 P.M. EST.

The preliminary investigation revealed that Brian Hatt, 51, of Raywick, was traveling north on KY 537 in a Raywick Fire Department 2008 International tanker truck. Mr. Hatt was responding, with the vehicle’s emergency equipment activated, to assist the Loretto Fire Department with a fire incident. The vehicle dropped off the right shoulder of the roadway, causing the edge of the roadway to collapse.

Mr. Hatt lost control of the vehicle and crossed the roadway. The vehicle then exited on the left side of the roadway, striking an earth embankment, causing it to overturn. Mr. Hatt was ejected from the vehicle, and a passenger, Leonard Winkler, 58, of Raywick, was entrapped. Mr. Hatt and Mr. Winkler are firefighters with the Raywick Fire Department. 

Brian Hatt was flown by helicopter from the scene and transported to the University of Louisville Hospital with life-threatening injuries. Leonard Winkler was also flown by helicopter from the scene and was transported to the University of Kentucky Hospital with serious injuries. 

KSP Post 15 Troopers were assisted at the scene by the Marion County Sheriff's Office, Marion County Rescue, Marion County EMS, Kentucky State Highway Department and multiple local fire departments. Detective Weston Sullivan and Trooper Josh Smith are investigating the collision.

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) advises motorists that beginning Tuesday, Sept. 2, KY 70 in Casey County will be temporarily closed as crews perform bridge deck restoration work.

The closure will take place on the Green River bridge (mile point 14.6), located between U.S. 127 and KY 1649. The bridge will be closed to through traffic for approximately four weeks.

A signed detour route will be posted.

The start date and duration of work may be adjusted for inclement weather or other unforeseeable delays. Drivers should expect delays and are encouraged to allow extra time in reaching their destination.

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.   

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) advises motorists that beginning Monday, Aug. 25, KY 49 in Casey County will be reduced to one lane for bridge deck restoration work.

The project will take place on the Martins Creek Bridge (mile point 10.71), located between Martins Creek Road and KY 78. Temporary traffic signals will control traffic on both the northbound and southbound approaches during the lane closure.

Work is scheduled to be completed by Sept. 25. The starting date and project duration may be adjusted due to weather conditions or other unforeseen circumstances.

Motorists are reminded to expect delays and are encouraged to allow extra travel time while work is underway.

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) District 8 announces that the westbound lanes of the Fishing Creek Bridge on the Louie B. Nunn Cumberland Expressway (mile point 84.4) in Pulaski County have reopened to traffic following emergency repairs.

The bridge was closed on Aug. 4 after a routine inspection revealed damage to the bridge deck. For safety, westbound traffic was immediately stopped in the westbound direction. KYTC engineers performed a full inspection of both bridges at the site. No issues were identified on the eastbound structure, which remained open to traffic.

Repair plans for the westbound bridge were quickly developed and expedited. With materials secured this week, contractors completed the necessary deck repairs, allowing the bridge to safely reopen to motorists.

KYTC appreciates the patience of travelers and the efforts of crews who worked diligently to complete the emergency repairs in a timely manner.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Somerset-Pulaski County Economic Development Authority is stepping down from that position.

Jeff Henderson reports from Somerset… 

Several customers of East Casey Water were without water Sunday.

Crews eventually found the leak and repairs were underway yesterday evening.

A Boil Water Advisory has been issued for Creston, Clementsville, & Rheber, including Tennessee Ridge, KY-1547, and all side roads.

Customers in those areas 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.

Pulaski County Sheriff Bobby Jones reports that a Pulaski County man is in custody following a traffic stop on Tuesday evening.

The incident began when Detectives from the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Division were conducting surveillance on Highway 790 in Bronston. Detectives had been conducting an investigation into Calvin Carrender, age 56, of Bronston. Detective Tan Hudson observed a vehicle, known to be operated by Carrender, travelling westbound on Highway 790. Detective Hudson observed the vehicle operating in a careless manner and conducted a traffic stop of the vehicle.

While Detective Massey was performing normal traffic stop duties, Detective Trent Massey
arrived on scene with K-9 Leo. Detective Massey deployed K-9 Leo for a free air sniff around the vehicle. K-9 Leo alerted to the scent of narcotics on vehicle.

A search of the vehicle and Carrender was conducted. During the search, Detectives located a box containing approximately 50 grams of methamphetamine, five (5) Suboxone, and $492.00 in cash.

A search warrant was issued for Carrender’s residence; however, occupants of the residence had already fled the scene. No other items were located at the residence.
 

Campbell was arrested and charged with the following:

- Trafficking in a Controlled Substance, 1 st Degree, 1 st Offense Over 2 grams of
Methamphetamine
- Trafficking in a Controlled Substance, 2 nd Degree, 1 st Offense Over (Drug
Unspecified & 20 D.U)

The investigation is still ongoing by Detective Lieutenant Daryl Kegley, with further charges
expected. Lt. Kegley was assisted on the scene by the Pulaski County Criminal Investigations Division, Deputy Marcus Harrison, and Deputy Joey Johnson.

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.

Pulaski County Sheriff Bobby Jones reports that a Russell County man is in custody following a traffic stop on Monday evening.

The incident began when Detectives from the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics
Division were conducting surveillance on the Cumberland Parkway. Detectives had been
conducting an investigation into Sean Campbell, age 51, of Liberty. Detectives observed
Campbell traveling eastbound on the Cumberland Parkway operating a silver Ford F-150,
bearing a registration plate that was registered to a Buick. Deputy Grant Bryant conducted a
traffic stop of the vehicle.
 

Upon stopping the vehicle and making contact with Campbell, Deputy Bryant observed
an open alcoholic beverage container in the center cup holder. Deputy Bryant removed Campbell from the vehicle to perform Standard Field Sobriety Tests (SFSTs). While Deputy Bryant was performing SFSTs, Detective Trent Massey arrived on scene with K-9 Leo. Detective Massey deployed K-9 Leo for a free air sniff around the vehicle. K-9 Leo alerted to the scent of narcotics at the driver’s side door.

A search of the vehicle and Campbell was conducted. During the search, Detectives
located a black zip-up case in the center floorboard of the vehicle that contained the following: a plastic bag containing 113.8 grams of suspected methamphetamine, digital scales, and a prescription bottle of suspected liquid methadone with the name removed. Detectives also located a loaded .38 Special revolver tucked in between the driver’s seat and center seat cushion.

A check of Campbell’s criminal history confirmed that he is a prior convicted felon. Also located within the passenger compartment of the vehicle were numerous empty plastic baggies, numerous glass smoking pipes, and a second set of digital scales. A search of Campbell’s person was conducted and he possessed $415 in cash.

Campbell was found to be operating the vehicle with an expired Operator’s License and
was unable to produce current registration for the vehicle that he was operating.
 

Campbell was arrested and charged with the following:
- No Registration Plates
- No Registration Receipt
- Operating Vehicle with Expired Operator’s License

- Trafficking in a Controlled Substance, 1 st Degree, 1 st Offense Over 2 grams of
Methamphetamine (Firearm Enhancement)
- Possession of Handgun by Convicted Felon
- Possession of a Controlled Substance, 2 nd Degree – Drug Unspecified
- Drug Paraphernalia – Buy/Possess
- Possession of an Open Alcoholic Beverage Container in Motor Vehicle Prohibited
 

The investigation is still ongoing by Detective Trent Massey. Detective Massey was
assisted on the scene by Lieutenant Detective Daryl Kegley, Deputy Grant Bryant, Kentucky
State Police Drug Enforcement/Special Investigations West Division and members of the
Southeastern KY FBI Drug Task Force.
 

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.

Casey County Schools are set to resume classes on Monday, Aug. 25th.

School Board met in regular session last night. Here’s superintendent, Barry Lee…

Kentucky State Police (KSP) Post 15 Troopers responded to a two-vehicle injury collision at the intersection of Lone Valley Road and Robin Road in Taylor County that occurred on August 8, 2025, at 7:48 A.M. EST.

The preliminary investigation revealed that Wesley Burton, 23, of Campbellsville, was traveling south on Lone Valley Road in a 2011 Chevrolet Silverado. Mr. Burton attempted to make a left turn onto Robin Road. Due to limited visibility created by a sharp curve at the intersection, Mr. Burton failed to see an oncoming 2024 Yamaha motorcycle, operated by James Austin, 32, of Campbellsville, traveling north. The vehicles collided in a head-on manner on Lone Valley Road.  

James Austin was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Taylor County Coroner. Wesley Burton was not injured during the collision. 

KSP Post 15 Troopers were assisted at the scene by the Taylor County Sheriff's Office, Campbellsville Police Department, Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife, Campbellsville Fire/EMS and the Taylor County Coroner’s Office. Detective Weston Sullivan is investigating the collision.

Pulaski Co. Sheriff Bobby Jones reports the arrest of a Pulaski man for a sex crime.

Daryl Kimball, 66, of Burnside was arrested on Wednesday, August 6, and
charged with Sexual Abuse in the First Degree, Victim Under the Age of
Twelve. Kimball was arrested at his residence without incident.
 

The charge stems from an investigation that began in April of this year,
when it was reported that Kimball had subjected two minor females, ages
three and four, to sexual contact. At the time of the alleged offenses,
Kimball resided in the Bronston area. Following the initial investigation by
Sergeant Preston Pitman and Deputy Seth Gover, who were assisted by
the Department for Community Based Services, the Sheriff Office’s
Criminal Investigation Division was assigned to the case.
 

Kimball is currently lodged in the Pulaski County Detention Center under a
bond of $50,000.
 

Detective Lieutenant Matt Bryant with the Criminal Investigation Division is
continuing the investigation. Lt. Bryant was assisted in the investigation by
Sheriff Jones, other members of the Sheriff’s Office, and Chief Mike Hill of
Burnside Police Department.
 

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.

Pulaski County Sheriff Bobby Jones confirms three individuals were arrested Wednesday following a drug-related search at a Bronston.

The Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Division had been watching the home of suspected drug dealer Eric Gosser, 41, who had active warrants. After securing a search warrant, detectives—alongside the Patrol Division and U.S. Marshals—executed the raid.

Inside the residence, Gosser was found with approximately 14.4 grams of methamphetamine, $310 in cash, a pistol, and additional drugs and paraphernalia nearby. He was arrested on multiple charges, including:

- Trafficking in methamphetamine (enhanced with a firearm)

- Possession of a handgun by a convicted felon

- Possession of controlled substances and drug paraphernalia

- Parole violation

Also inside was Keith Taylor, 51, who had an active probation violation warrant. He was found with 3.7 grams of meth and a glass pipe. Taylor faces charges for:

- Possession of methamphetamine

- Drug paraphernalia

- Multiple probation violations

Outside the residence, deputies encountered Megan Bennett, 33, exiting a vehicle with a purse containing meth, marijuana, and Gabapentin tablets. Bennett resisted arrest, became combative, and had to be forcibly placed in a cruiser. She was charged with:

- Possession of methamphetamine and marijuana

- Possession of a controlled substance

- Disorderly conduct

During the operation, one individual admitted to ingesting pills shortly before officers arrived. Deputies administered Narcan, and EMS assessed the individual, who declined further treatment.

The investigation, led by Detective Trent Massey, remains ongoing. Agencies assisting included the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office Patrol Division, U.S. Marshals Service, and Somerset/Pulaski EMS.

On Monday at approximately 5:30 PM, Deputy Jacob Atwood responded to a report of a reckless driver operating a Toyota wagon. The vehicle had reportedly passed another car on a double yellow line at around 4:40 PM.

Later, dispatch received notice of a two-vehicle collision near Malone Cemetery Road. One female involved in the accident declined law enforcement response. Deputy Pruner arrived on scene and confirmed that the vehicle reported earlier was involved in the crash.

According to the other motorist, the driver of the Toyota—later identified as 42-year-old Patricia Breece Means of Liberty—smelled strongly of alcohol. Means reportedly handed over her vehicle information, stated that both parties were at fault, and then left the scene.

Means was eventually located at her mother’s residence. She stated she had left the scene in order to find cell phone service and contact authorities. Dispatch advised that Means initially refused to disclose her location, prompting the use of a phone ping to determine her whereabouts.

Means was placed under arrest for leaving the scene of an accident (failure to render aid or assistance) and transported to the Casey County Jail.

CASEY CO. INDICTMENTS:

Rose Mae Franks age 50 of Liberty:  Possession of methamphetamine, 1st degree, 2nd Offense, and Possession of drug paraphernalia.

Michael G Hamilton age 24 of Kings Mountain:  Criminal mischief first degree, driving on a suspended or revoked operator’s license,  DUI second offense, Possession of marijuana, Possession of methamphetamine-1st degree, 2nd offense, possession of drug Paraphernalia, and violation of a Kentucky EPO/DVO.

Brian Lewis Kendrick age 44 of Gravel Switch:  Public intoxication-controlled substance, possession of methamphetamine-1st degree, 3rd or subsequent offense, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Robert Blane Miller age 46 of Liberty:  Posession of methamphetamine-1st degree, 3rd or subsequent offense, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

William Lee Shoemaker age 25 of Monticello:  Fleeing or evading police-1st degree (motor vehicle), careless driving, reckless driving, driving on a suspended or revoked operator’s license, no insurance, & 4 counts of wanton endangerment-1st degree of a police officer.

Skylar Lee Stevens age 19 of Liberty:  All terrain vehicle violations, fleeing or evading police-2nd degree (Motor vehicle), and fleeing or evading police-3rd degree.

Bradley Chance Watts age 30 of Kings Mountain:  Reckless driving, DUI-substance, Driving on a suspended or revoked operator’s license, trafficking methamphetamine 1st degree over 2G, possession of Drug Paraphernalia, failure to register transfer of a motor vehicle, no Insurance, failure to or improper turn signal, giving officer false Identifying Information, possession of Controlled Substance 2nd degree (drug unspecified), and Persistent felony offender 1st degree.

We remind our listeners an indictment is only a legal accusation not an indicator of guilt.