Due to a main line break in the City of Liberty, a city-wide boil water advisory has been issued for all customers within city limits. In response, East Casey Water has extended a county-wide boil water advisory, with a few exceptions.

The advisory does not apply to the following areas: Highway 127 from the Russell County line to Highway 501, Highway 501 South, Highway 910, the South Fork area, High Ridge, and the Hollis Judd area.

All other customers are advised to boil any water intended for human consumption—such as drinking, cooking, or brushing teeth—by bringing it to a rolling boil for at least three minutes. Boil water for short-term use only.

The advisory will remain in effect until further notice. For more information, contact your local water provider.

Sheriff Bobby Jones reports three Pulaski County residents are in in custody following a
traffic stop on Highway 461, late Monday night.

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, exceeding the posted speed limit. The vehicle crossed the center line of the roadway on multiple occasions. Detective Tan Hudson conducted a traffic stop of the vehicle.

Upon stop, the driver of the vehicle began revving the engine and a passenger in the back seat began moving around the vehicle erratically. Detective Trent Massey and Detective Lieutenant Daryl Kegley arrived on scene to assist. The occupants of the vehicle were ordered out of the vehicle, due to their suspicious behavior. Having everyone removed from the vehicle, Detective Hudson began his normal traffic stop routine.

While Detectives were identifying the occupants, Detective Trent Massey deployed his K-9, Leo, to conducted a free air sniff of the vehicle. Following the free air sniff, Detective Massey informed Detectives Leo indicated the presence of illegal narcotics in the vehicle.
Detectives then began a search of the vehicle. During a search of the vehicle, Detectives located 2 small baggies of methamphetamine, a baggie containing 4 Gabapentin tablets and a Xanax tablet, marijuana, and baggies.

The driver, David Pyles, age 48, of Somerset, was arrested and charged with the following:
- Speeding 10 MPH Over Limit
- Trafficking in Controlled Substance 1 st Degree 2 nd Offense (> 2 gms methamphetamine)
- Drug Paraphernalia – Buy/Possess
- Failure of Owner Maintain Required Insurance
 

A passenger, Autumn Parrett, age 39, of Somerset, was arrested and charged with the following:
- Trafficking in Controlled Substance 1 st Degree 1 st Offense (> 2 gms methamphetamine)
- Drug Paraphernalia – Buy/Possess

- Possession of Marijuana
 

A second passenger, Joshua Barnett, age 38, of Somerset, was arrested and charged with the following;
- Trafficking in Controlled Substance 1 st Degree 1st Offense (> 2 gms methamphetamine)
- Possession of Controlled Substance 1 st Degree, 2 nd Offense (methamphetamine)
- Possession of Controlled Substance 3 rd Degree – Drug Unspecified
- Drug Paraphernalia – Buy/Possess

The large bag of methamphetamine was later weighed and totaled 225.9 grams.
 

The investigation is still ongoing by Detective Tan Hudson. Detectives were assisted on the
scene by Lieutenant Richard Smith, Deputy Grant Bryant, and Lieutenant Matt Bryant.
 

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.

On October 21, 2025, at 7:24 A.M. EST, Kentucky State Police (KSP) Post 15 Troopers responded to a two-vehicle injury collision on US 127, near the intersection with KY 501, in Casey County.

The preliminary investigation revealed that John Gingerich, 20, of Liberty, was traveling north on US 127 in a horse-drawn wagon.  The wagon was not equipped with rear-facing lights or a slow-moving vehicle reflective placard.  A Kia Sedona operated by Jacob Goodman, 33, of Columbia, was also headed north on US 127 when he did not see the wagon upon approach and struck it in the rear.  

John Gingerich was transported from the scene to the Casey County Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased by the Casey County Coroner.  Jacob Goodman was not injured during the collision; however, three juvenile passengers in his vehicle were transported to the Casey County Hospital with minor injuries.

KSP Post 15 Troopers were assisted at the scene by the Casey County Sheriff's Office, Casey County EMS, Dunnville Fire Department, and the Casey County Coroner’s Office. Detective Weston Sullivan is investigating the collision.

Peak season has arrived for deer activity on Kentucky roadways, and motorists are reminded to stay alert for wildlife to keep safe as state transportation officials’ issue their annual Antler Alert. Nearly half of wildlife collisions occur during the last three months of the year.   

“We see deer-related crashes rise sharply this time of year,” said State Highway Engineer James Ballinger. “Last November we had more than 700 wildlife collisions – the highest of any month. Drivers should be extra alert, especially at dawn and dusk, and slow down in areas where deer are likely to cross. A moment of caution can prevent a serious crash.”

According to Joe McDermott, deer program coordinator with the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources (KDFWR), deer movement is near peak activity this year when the rut, otherwise known as mating season, begins at the end of October and continues through December.

“Deer activity peaks in the fall not only because of the rut, but also because their food sources and cover change as the seasons shift,” McDermott said. “As foliage disappears and crops are harvested, deer are more likely to travel greater distances and cross roadways in search of food and shelter. That means drivers should expect to encounter deer almost anywhere, anytime this season.”

In Kentucky, there were 3,406 highway crashes in 2024 that reported a vehicle striking a deer, up nearly 180 over the previous year and the highest recorded in the last five years. As a result of those collisions, six people were killed – three more than the previous year – and 22 were seriously injured, which was a decrease from last year. 

Hopkins County saw the highest number of reported crashes last year – 133. Half of the top 10 counties with the most crashes were in western Kentucky. A list of crash counts by county are available here.

State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Co. issues a yearly report of collisions involving deer and other wildlife based on insurance claims. Despite a national decrease in wildlife involved collisions, for the year ending June 30, 2025, State Farm reported more than 1.7 million animal collision claims in the United States, of which more than 1.1 million involved deer. 

The Transportation Cabinet offers these driving tips to stay safe:  

• Stay Aware: Be vigilant, especially in forested terrain, and during dusk and dawn when deer are most active. 
• Be Prepared: Always wear a seat belt (it’s the law) and eliminate distractions (phones down!). 
• Turn On Headlights: Keep them on bright unless other vehicles are approaching. 
• Slow Down: Take your foot off the gas immediately if you spot a deer crossing the roadway; they tend to travel in groups. 
• Don’t Swerve: Trying to avoid a deer can result in a more serious crash with an oncoming vehicle or roadside object. 
• If There’s a Crash: Keep both hands on the wheel and apply brakes steadily until stopped. 

Kentuckians should drive safely and scan the roadside, especially at sunrise and sunset when deer are most active. Motorists are asked to report all deer-vehicle collisions to police. KYTC traffic engineers use the crash data to aid in placing deer-crossing warning signs and other safety measures. 

Kentucky was one of 17 states to receive a federal grant aimed at making roadways safer for people and wildlife. The $1.2 million award funded a wildlife-vehicle collision reduction plan and a pilot study in central Kentucky that was completed this year. Analysts examined vehicle collisions along the U.S.60/Interstate 64 corridor in Jefferson, Shelby and Franklin Counties where white-tailed deer are involved in a high number of collisions. Data was collected to understand deer habitat and behavior patterns using drones, GPS collars, trail cameras and field surveys. Countermeasures like adding fencing, managing vegetation and lighting expansion are some considerations being considered. 

A Somerset man is in jail. Police say he shot and killed his neighbor.

Jeff Henderson has details…

Some Somerset residents & businesses may notice an increase in their rates for garbage collection.

Jeff Henderson lifts the lid on the story… 

Sheriff Bobby Jones reports two Bronston men are in custody following a traffic stop in
the Shopville community on Saturday night.

The incident began when Deputy Grant Bryant was on Highway 461 conducting his normal
duties when he observed a black Dodge Challenger, with expired registration. The vehicle turned on Old Mount Vernon Road, where Deputy Bryant conducted a traffic stop. After stopping the vehicle, Deputy Bryant witnessed a Dodge Caliber stop behind him. Deputy Bryant observed the driver of the Caliber, Johnathon Welty, age 34 of Bronston, change positions with a passenger, Shane Deffenbaugh, age 27, of Bronston. Deputy Bryant was familiar with Welty and knew he had a suspended driver’s license. Deputy Bryant detained that vehicle as well.

Deputy Caleb Wesley arrived on scene to assist, along with Deputy Dylan West and his K-9
Rocky. Deputy West deployed Rocky to conduct a free air sniff of both vehicles. Following the free air sniff, Deputy West determined that K-9 Rocky indicated the presence of illegal
substances in both vehicles.
 

Deputies conducted a search of both vehicles. Inside of the Caliber, Deputies located
approximately 205.2 grams of methamphetamine. Inside of the Challenger, Deputies located marijuana and a syringe inside of a purse. The driver of the Challenger, Caitlyn Fragosa, age 31, of London, claimed the items in the purse belonged to her.

Fragosa was issued a citation by Deputy Dylan West for the following:
- No/Expired Registration Plates
- No/Expires Kentucky Registration Receipt
- Possession of Marijuana
- Drug Paraphernalia – Buy/Possess
 

Johnathon Welty was arrested by Deputy Grant Bryant and charged with the following:
- Trafficking in a Controlled Substance 1 st Degree, 2 nd Offense over 2 grams
(Methamphetamine)
- Operating on Suspended/ Revoked Operators License
- Failure to Produce Insurance Card
- Failure of Non-Owner Operator to Maintain Required Insurance

Shane Deffenbaugh was arrested by Deputy Grant Bryant and charged with the following:
- Trafficking in a Controlled Substance 1 st Degree, 1 st Offense over 2 grams
(Methamphetamine)

Deputy Bryant was assisted on the scene by Deputy Caleb Wesley, Deputy Dylan West, Sergeant Alex Wesley, and K-9 Rocky. The investigation is on-going.

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.

The Casey County Board of Education held their regular monthly meeting last night.Superintendent, Barry Lee…

Barry Lee, Superintendent of Casey County Schools, and also representing the Economic Development Authority, presented the Council with a resolution in support of returning Driver Licensing to Liberty & Casey County…

Mayor, Dr. Sam Haddad…

This year’s theme for the downtown Christmas Celebration is a Victorian Christmas. More information can be found on the Liberty-Casey County Chamber of Commerce facebook page.

On Monday afternoon, shortly before 2:00 PM, Casey County Sheriff Chad Weddle, acting on complaints of suspected drug activity involving William Delmer Luttrell, 50, of Thomas Ridge Road in Dunnville, contacted Probation Officer Wilson to report heavy drug traffic at Luttrell’s residence.

Sheriff Weddle, along with Probation & Parole Officers Wilson and Harrod, proceeded to the property. Luttrell was located behind the outbuildings and voluntarily consented to a search of his person and property.

During the search, a baggie containing methamphetamine was found on Luttrell. He also disclosed the presence of a meth pipe inside one of the outbuildings. Officers detected a strong odor of marijuana from the same structure. Initially denying knowledge, Luttrell later claimed the marijuana was acquired through a tool trade.

A backpack inside the outbuilding was found to contain approximately 15 ounces of marijuana. After being read his rights, Luttrell admitted ownership of all items but stated he does not use or sell marijuana.

Luttrell was charged with:

•      Possession of Methamphetamine, 1st Degree (Third Offense)

•      Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

•      Trafficking Marijuana (Over 8 oz, Under 5 lbs)

•      Parole Violation (Technical Offense)

He was lodged in the Casey County Jail.