As families across Kentucky take to the roads this Thanksgiving, Team Kentucky is reminding drivers that safety should always come first. Buckling up and avoiding distractions like cell phones not only protects you and your passengers but also helps keep your highways safe for everyone.

Over the last 10 years, distracted driving has become one of the leading causes of vehicle crashes on our nation’s roads. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), any activity that pulls a driver’s eyes off the road, hands off the wheel, or attention away from the task of driving creates a serious safety hazard. Texting while driving is particularly dangerous, as it combines all three types of distraction at once: visual, manual and cognitive. Even a momentary lapse in attention can significantly increase the risk of a crash.

Data from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s (KYTC) Office of Highway Safety shows that each year distracted driving and driver inattention results in more than 40,000 crashes, more than 11,000 injuries and more than 150 deaths.

“The most heartbreaking crashes are the ones we know didn’t have to happen,” said KYTC Secretary Jim Gray. “A seat belt clicked and a phone put away can be the difference between a close call and a tragedy. We all have the power to make choices that protect our families and everyone sharing the road.” 

According to NHTSA, when worn correctly, seat belts reduce the risk of death by 45% for front-seat vehicle occupants and 60% for pickup truck, SUV and minivan occupants. Properly fastened seat belts contact the strongest parts of the body, such as the chest, hips and shoulders. A seat belt spreads the force of a crash over a wide area of the body, putting less stress on any one part. 

According to KOHS, each year in Kentucky, nearly half of those killed in motor vehicles are not wearing a seat belt.   

A Pulaski grand jury has indicted former deputy judge executive Dan Price on new charges stemming from an August arrest.

Jeff Henderson has details... 

The Casey County Board of Education also held their regular monthly meeting Monday night.

Here’s Superintendent, Barry Lee…

Liberty City Council met in regular session Monday.

The Council approved a first reading of an amendment to the City Sticker ordinance, giving violators a two week grace period for payment of tickets.

They also approved a first reading of an amendment to the water agreement with East Casey Water for a raise in the water rate.

Here’s Mayor, Dr. Sam Haddad…

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 9amET THIS MORNING THROUGH 7pmET THIS EVENING.

* WHAT...Periods of snow showers are expected.  Snow accumulations of a half to one inch will be possible.

* WHERE... Portions of south central Indiana and east central, north central, northwest, and south central Kentucky.

* IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions as snow showers move through. The hazardous conditions could impact the Monday evening commute.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Slow down and use caution while traveling.

Shortly before 5 p.m. Tuesday, Casey County deputies Austin Harris and Tyler Luttrell responded to a residence on West KY 70 to investigate suspected drug activity involving 54-year-old Lloyd J. Mason of Liberty.

Deputies found Mason outside his garage with two women — Donna Stephens, 41, of Henderson, and Elizabeth Simpson, 36, of Nancy. Mason admitted to having methamphetamine on the property and consented to a full search.

Inside the garage, deputies discovered drug paraphernalia and meth in a backpack claimed by Stephens. Additional meth and marijuana were found in Simpson’s vehicle following a K9 alert. Meanwhile, Mason was seen tampering with a chair, where deputies uncovered scales, meth, and cocaine.

Mason admitted to transporting meth to Adair County. Stephens and Simpson denied knowledge of the drugs found in their belongings.

Vehicles were impounded, and all three were taken to the Casey County Jail.

Lloyd Mason was charged with Trafficking Methamphetamine-1st Degree-2nd Offense (over 2 grams), Trafficking Cocaine-1st Degree (over 4 grams), & Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Donna Stephens was charged with Trafficking Methamphetamine-1st Degree (over 2 grams), & Drug Paraphernalia.

Elizabeth Simpson was charged with Possession of Meth-1st Degree-2nd Offense, Possession of Marijuana, & Drug Paraphernalia.

Pulaski County Sheriff Bobby Jones reports a northern Kentucky man is 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 was traveling at speeds in excess of 100 MPH and swerved in the roadway. Detective Tan Hudson conducted a traffic stop of the vehicle, along with Detective Trent Massey.

Upon stopping the vehicle, Detectives approached the driver and detected the odor of marijuana emanating from the vehicle. The driver of the vehicle, James Ryan Brown, age 36, of Independence, admitted marijuana had been smoked inside of the vehicle. Brown was asked to exit the vehicle, as he exited Detectives observed plastic bag sticking out from Brown’s sock. Detectives recovered the item and discovered a bag containing suspected methamphetamine.

During a search of the vehicle, Detectives located 2 more baggies of methamphetamine, 2
baggies of marijuana, glass pipe, baggies, and 2 sets of digital scales.
 

The items were weighed and the total weight of the methamphetamine was 100.50 grams. The total weight on the marijuana was 8.1 grams.

Brown was arrested and charged with the following:
- Speeding 26 MPH or more over Speed Limit
- Careless Driving
- Failure of Owner to Maintain Required Insurance 1 st Offense
- Trafficking in Controlled Substance 1 st Degree 1 st Offense (> 2 grms methamphetamine)
- Trafficking in Marijuana (less than 8 oz.) 1 st Offense
- Drug Paraphernalia – Buy/Possess
 

The investigation is still ongoing by Detective Trent Massey. Detective Massey was assisted on scene by Detective Lieutenant Daryl Kegley, Detective Tan Hudson, Lieutenant Richard Smith, Deputy Grant Bryant, and Deputy Noah Dishman.

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.

God’s Food Pantry in Somerset will benefit from some federal funding.

Jeff Henderson has more…

A Liberty man is behind bars following a narcotics investigation late Friday night.

Deputy Jacob Atwood with the Casey County Sheriff’s Office says a tip led authorities to the home of 47-year-old Brandon V. Phillippe on Riverview Drive. Phillippe, who is on probation, was met by Probation Officer Adam Wilson and several law enforcement officers during a home visit.

Authorities say Phillippe had just come from the basement when a black handgun case containing nearly $9,700 in cash was found above the stairwell. Phillippe claimed the money belonged to his mother—who later denied it.

A search of the home uncovered alcohol, a glass pipe, and a large stash of drugs and paraphernalia in the basement, including suspected meth, marijuana, suboxone, digital scales, small baggies, and three handguns. Officers also found individually packaged narcotics and a vacuum sealer, consistent with trafficking.

Phillippe was arrested and lodged in the Casey County Jail. He faces multiple charges, including trafficking meth and marijuana—both second offenses—trafficking a controlled substance, possession of a handgun by a convicted felon, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Three Somerset residents accused in a federal drug case have now entered plea agreements, according to court records.

Jeff Henderson has details…