FLOYD COUNTY, Ky. (WMDJ) – Kentucky State Police are searching for a Floyd County man wanted for several outstanding charges and failure to appear in court.

Troopers are searching for Jody D. Spriggs, 39 of Drift. He is slender build, standing 5’9” tall with blue eyes.

If you have any information on the whereabouts of Spriggs, please contact KSP Post 9 in Pikeville at (606) 433-7711.

FLOYD COUNTY, Ky. (WMDJ) – A Floyd County man has been arrested after deputies with the Floyd County Sheriff’s office received tips leading to the return of stolen property in the David community.

Cory Pitts has been arrested and faces several charges of theft. He was lodged in the Floyd County Detention Center.

Deputies have recovered thousands of dollars in stolen property, including a side-by-side, pressure washers, fishing and camping equipment and tools.

Officials are still searching for more leads with additional arrest are pending.

PRESTONSBURG, Ky. (WMDJ) – The Floyd County Sheriff’s office is asking for the public’s help involving numerous thefts recently.

Deputies are working several thefts in the Maytown and David communities and are asking anyone with any information that could assist in these crimes to contact their office.

Sheriff John Hunt says you can always remain anonymous by using the anonymous tip line at (606) 949-2020. You can also Text-A-Tip , which goes directly to deputies in-car computers, by texting (606) 477-8477 or simply call dispatch at 886-6171.

FLOYD COUNTY, Ky. (WMDJ) – Governor Andy Beshear has announced the next step in completing the Mountain Parkway expansion.

Beshear said the project received federal approval of the Supplemental Environmental Assessment for public review.

The assessment identifies the recommended alignment of the last segment of the Mountain Parkway expansion between Magoffin and Floyd County.

The KY Transportation Cabinet is currently accepting public comments on the assessment plan until Monday, Feb. 26. The public may submit comments via mail to KYTC District 10, Attn: Aric Skaggs, P.E., P.O. Box 621, Jackson, KY 41339, email at info@mtnparkway.com or by phone at (606) 666-8841.

PIKEVILLE, Ky. (WMDJ) – The City of Pikeville will launch a new automated parking enforcement system next week.

The new system will begin Monday, January 29, 2024 and will be utilized for those parking on downtown streets, aiming to cut down on cars overstaying parking time limits.

Officials say it will streamline parking compliance, bolster local business support and alleviate issues related to double parking.

PAINTSVILLE, Ky. (WMDJ) – Police in Paintsville have opened an investigation into the theft of a Boy Scouts travel trailer.

The trailer was parked at Hutch Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Paintsville and reported stolen this week.

A $1,500 reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person of persons responsible.

If you have information, please call (606) 297-5066 or the Paintsville Police Department.

DAVID, Ky. (WMDJ) – A Floyd County woman died in a fire Sunday morning.

The residential fire happened on Buckeye Branch in David around 8 a.m.

Firefighters with Middle Creek Volunteer Fire Department discovered one person dead when responding to the blaze.

The woman’s body has been sent to Frankfort for an autopsy and identification according to Floyd County Coroner Greg Nelson. Nelson indicated that the body’s condition made it difficult to positively identify.

PRESTONSBURG, Ky. (WMDJ) – Two Prestonsburg smoke shops had their business licenses revoked after employees sold illegal products to underage teenagers.

Prestonsburg City Police Chief Ross Shurtleff says Quick Stop Smoke Shop on North Lake Drive and Quick Tobacco on South Lake Drive has since reopened under new operating licenses, however both locations can no longer sell THC products.

Both locations sold electronic vape pens containing THC to underage buyers in a controlled sell conducted by Prestonsburg City Police.

In October, authorities received five reports of teens showing overdose-like symptoms at Prestonsburg High School that required medical care.

MOUNT VERNON, Ky. (WMDJ) – Kentucky State Police are investigating a shooting in Rockcastle County that ended in one person being pronounced dead.

Joseph A. Dawson, 48, of Berea, was shot and killed during a verbal argument with his wife Katherine Dawson, and her family member, Phillip Fox.

Dawson made threats to kill both Katherine and Fox, then brandished a machete before Fox retrieved a gun and shot Dawson, who was pronounced dead at the scene.

The case will be presented to the Rockcastle County grand jury.

FLOYD COUNTY, Ky. (WMDJ) – Prestonsburg Mayor Les Stapleton has decided to delay his intentions on running for state senate in the 29th District.

Stapleton released a statement saying that he’s excited about upcoming city improvement projects this spring and that while trying to campaign, he found himself not giving his full attention to the residents of Prestonsburg.

In November, Stapleton had announced he was challenge republican incumbent Johnnie L. Turner of Harlan County.

The district covers parts of Floyd, Knott, Harlan, Bell and Letcher counties.

JOHNSON COUNTY, Ky. (WMDJ) – A former teacher at Johnson Central High School has been indicted for using technology to persuade a minor to engage in sexual contact.

Kevin Conley, 48, was reportedly indicted by a Johnson County grand jury in December.

Johnson Central principal Justin Arms released a statement saying they were aware of the allegations and could not comment publicly regarding the matter, yet the district is working with Kentucky State Police and the Commonwealth Attorney’s Office with their case.

Conley is scheduled for arraignment on January 26th.

MINNIE, Ky. (WMDJ) – Kentucky State Police are conducting a death investigation after a Floyd County man was found dead on Tuesday.

KSP discovered James Osborne, 64 of Minnie, dead near his vehicle on new Route 680 at the entrance to Drift Hollow Road just before 10 p.m. Tuesday evening.

Osborne’s remains have been sent to the State Medical Examiner’s Office in Frankfort for an autopsy. The death remains under investigation.

Anyone with information is asked to call KSP Post 9 at (606) 433-7711.

PRESTONSBURG, Ky. (WMDJ) – The Floyd County Justice Center was closed earlier today due to a bomb threat.

The courthouse was temporarily evacuated until the building could be searched.

Officials say bomb threats were also made against multiple courthouses across the state.

PIKEVILLE, Ky. (WMDJ) – Officials have confirmed the identity of a Pike County woman, whose body was discovered in November near a utility road.

The body of Melissa Wolford, 42 of Phelps, was located near the community of Jamboree.

The cause of death is still currently under investigation. Kentucky State Police say foul play is suspected.