FRANKFORT, Ky. (WMDJ) – Starting Monday, the Department for Local Government will begin accepting applications from local governments and entities for funding from Kentucky’s 2022 Disaster Recovery Program.

Local governments, nonprofit organizations and for-profit businesses can apply for their share of $297 million in federal funding allocated to the state to help with impacted areas of historic flooding in 2022.

Applications will be accepted starting April 1st for housing and infrastructure projects, economic development and resiliency planning.

Gov. Andy Beshear announced that Breathitt, Letcher, Knott, Perry and Pike Counties, will receive 80 percent of the funds since they were the most affected. Another 15 counties, including Floyd County, will share 20% of the funding.

Applications will be available starting Monday online at https://kydlgweb.ky.gov/.

MARTIN, Ky. (WMDJ) – Officials gathered Wednesday for the opening of a new addiction recovery housing facility in Floyd County.

Frontier Behavioral Health held a grand opening ceremony at their newest facility located across from Garth Vocational School in Martin.

Gov. Andy Beshear attended the ceremony saying, “(Addiction) arose in our lifetime. We should not leave it to our children, it has taken so many lives.”

“This is a part of what we’ve been trying to do all over Kentucky,” said Gov. Beshear. “That’s to ensure, no matter where you are, no matter when it is, that if you’re ready for treatment that there is a bed ready for you that day.”

The 16-bed facility will serve men in recovery with education and health services while helping them to get into the workforce.

Frontier officials said there are plans to expand the facility to another building located next door soon.

PRINTER, Ky. (WMDJ) — The Kentucky State Police (KSP) Electronic Crime Branch arrested Matthew D. Williams, 38, on charges related to a child sexual abuse material investigation.

Williams was located, interviewed, and arrested as the result of an undercover Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) investigation. The KSP Electronic Crime Branch began the investigation after discovering the suspect uploading sexually explicit images of juveniles to an online social media account.

The investigation resulted in a search warrant for Williams and his residence in Printer on March 26, 2024. Equipment used to facilitate the crime was seized and taken to KSP’s forensic laboratory for examination. The investigation is still ongoing.

Williams is currently charged with seven counts of possessing matter portraying a minor under the age of 12 in a sexual performance and seven counts of distribution of matter portraying a minor under the age of 12 in a sexual performance. These charges are Class-C felonies punishable by five to ten years in prison. Williams was also charged with one count of possessing matter portraying a minor over the age of 12, but under the age of 18, in a sexual performance and one count of distribution of matter portraying a minor over the age of 12, but under the age of 18, in a sexual performance. These charges are Class-D felonies punishable by one to five years in prison. Williams was lodged in the Floyd County Detention Center.

The Kentucky Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force is comprised of more than twenty-six local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. The mission of the ICAC Task Force, created by the United States Department of Justice and administrated by the Kentucky State Police, is to assist state and local law enforcement agencies in developing a response to cyber enticement and child sexual abuse material investigations. This support encompasses forensic and investigative components, training and technical assistance, victim services, prevention and community education. The ICAC program was developed in response to the increasing number of children and teenagers using the internet, the proliferation of child sexual abuse material, and the heightened online activity of predators searching for unsupervised contact with underage victims.

SALYERSVILLE, Ky. (WMDJ) – Kentucky State Police arrested two individuals after Troopers discovered illegal drugs during a routine traffic stop in Magoffin County.

Jerry Finch, 46 of Salyersville and Felisha Crace, 34 of Jackson were both arrested and lodged in the Big Sandy Regional Detention Center for trafficking meth, possession of a handgun and other drug charges.

Troopers seized 51 grams of suspected methamphetamine and firearms during the arrest, which happened in Salyersville on March 21st, 2024.

DAVID, Ky. (WMDJ) – A Floyd County man is facing charges including assaulting of a deputy.

Deputies were sent to the home of Jacob Estep, 25 of David to serve an arrest warrant.

Estep attempted to flee by hiding in the home’s basement. After being cornered, Estep struck K-9 Bear in the face and punched a deputy. K-9 Bear bit Estep on the arm and deputies hit Estep with two rounds of a taser to arrest him.

Estep was charged with assaulting an officer, assaulting a service animal, fleeing police among other charges.

IVEL, Ky. (WMDJ) – A Floyd County couple is facing child neglect and drug charges after deputies discovered them high on drugs in a motel room.

Deputies were called to the Alpike Motel in Ivel to check on the welfare of a sick child allegedly being neglected by its parents who appeared to be intoxicated. 

Deputies discovered two syringes and a bag containing what appeared to be heroin along with the 7-year-old child in the room.

The parents, Megan Ball and Dustin Case, were both arrested on charges of endangering the welfare of a minor and possession of heroin and drug paraphernalia.

WHEELWRIGHT, Ky. (WMDJ) – The Wheelwright City Commission is making efforts to create tourism dollars for the town.

Commissioner Michael “Bub” Tackett introduced a proposal during Wednesday’s city commission meeting, which was approved, to transform a vacant 60-acre space near city hall into a recreation area for tourism.

The space would be used as a campsite and fairgrounds, which would provide a place for visitors to camp and allow the city a more developed area to host festivals and events.

Tackett also hopes to secure grant funding to develop the city’s mountains into a trail system and make Wheelwright an ATV-friendly town.

WASHINGTON, DC (WMDJ) - More federal funding has been secured for improvements to Martin County’s water system.

U.S. Rep. Harold “Hal” Rogers has acquired a $5 million in Community Project Funding from the Consolidated Appropriations Act. The bipartisan federal funding package was signed into law on March 9, 2024.
 
Since 2017, Congressman Rogers has secured $18.5 million in federal funding for Martin County water and wastewater improvements.
 
“Clean water is not only critical to our health, but our rural economy. Martin County’s troubled water system is improving, but we still have work to do, and I’m pleased that this additional $5 million earmark request withstood the complex funding process in Washington,” said Congressman Rogers, Dean of the House. “I have been working diligently with federal, state and local officials to eliminate the long history of water outages in Martin County, so local folks can feel safe using the water from their faucets year-round.”
 
The federal funding, secured by Congressman Rogers in recent years, has been provided to install a new water intake, replace and extend water lines, eliminate the use of contaminated well water local homeowners, install a new storage tank and booster pump station, replace water meters, and improve the water treatment plant with an updated monitoring system.
 
“I want to thank Congressman Rogers for his steadfast commitment to improving Martin County’s infrastructure and delivering clean potable water to all of our citizens. This earmark will go a long way in achieving our shared goal,” said Martin County Judge Executive Dr. Lon Lafferty. “It’s comforting to know that we have a leader such as Congressman Rogers who truly cares about the health and quality of life of those he represents.”
 
Congressman Rogers secured a $3.1 million earmark last year to upgrade the sewer plant and expand wastewater service to approximately 100 households and small businesses.
 
In total, Congressman Rogers secured 15 Community Project Funding earmarks in the FY24 Consolidated Appropriations Act totaling nearly $86 million, along with other important wins for Southern and Eastern Kentucky. Learn more about recent federal funding that Congressman Rogers voted for, by visiting halrogers.house.gov.

PAINTSVILLE, Ky. (WMDJ) – Two Ohio residents have been arrested after transporting drugs into Johnson County. 

Kentucky State Police arrested Makayla Garner, 20, and Antwan Freeman 22, both of Akron, OH after Troopers discovered approximately 1 kilogram of suspected methamphetamine inside their vehicle during a routine traffic stop in Paintsville.

Both were lodged in the Big Sandy Regional Detention Center. 

Makayla Garner, 20, of Akron, OH, was arrested and lodged in the Big Sandy Regional Detention Center on charges of Trafficking Controlled Substance (methamphetamine) and speeding violation.

Antwan Freeman, 22, of Akron, OH, was arrested and lodged in the Big Sandy Regional Detention Center on charges of Trafficking Controlled Substance (methamphetamine).

Drug tips can be reported to investigators at Post 09 by calling (606) 433-7711.  Callers can remain anonymous.

PIKEVILLE, Ky. (WMDJ) – A Johnson County woman has died after her vehicle was found submerged in the Levisa Fork of the Big Sandy River near Walmart Supercenter in Pikeville on Sunday evening.

Kentucky State Police received a call of a missing person Sunday afternoon after the family of Vanessa Crum, 52, of Van Lear, became concerned when she did not report to work.

A ping of Crum’s cell phone enabled investigators to obtain a potential location.  An officer with Pikeville Police Department located Crum’s vehicle.

The initial investigation indicated Vanessa Crum was operating a 2023 Nissan Rogue on U.S. 23, when Crum’s vehicle exited the roadway, went over an embankment, and became submerged into the Levisa Fork River. Crum was pronounced deceased on scene by the Pike County Coroner’s Office.

Detective Mahala Lewis is investigating and was assisted on scene by Kentucky State Police Post 9 personnel, Pikeville Police Department, Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife, and Pike County Emergency Management.

PRESTONSBURG, Ky. (WMDJ) - The first-ever John P. Carroll Essay Contest has been announced by Big Sandy CTC.  Open to high school and college students in eastern Kentucky, the contest has been created in honor of the late Professor John Carroll, who taught at the college for 20 years and served as the program coordinator of BSCTC’s Education Program.

The contest is open to all high school and college students in Eastern Kentucky. Essays must be between 500 to 700 words. Submissions will be accepted until May 3, 2024. In a personal essay, participants should reflect on one of the following themes: Patience, Professionalism, Kindness, Simplicity, or Goodness OR In a personal essay, describe what it means to be a simple man.

Winners will be announced in late May and will receive $100 First Place, $75 Second Place, and $50 Third Place. Email submissions (Word or PDF) to Dr. Mary Wallen, mary.wallen@kctcs.edu. Include “John Carroll Essay Contest” in the subject line.

Judging criteria will include originality of thought, clarity of expression, descriptive details, relevance to the theme, and overall impact.

The essay contest – with the writing themes – has been created to honor the wonderful legacy of Professor Carroll.

Dr. Denise King, BSCTC Provost, said, “John Carroll was a tireless advocate for students; he took the time to see each person's potential and sought to pave the way for their success. So many successful members of our community could point to him as a champion who supported them as they took on the challenge of collegiate work.”

For more information, contact Dr. Wallen at mary.wallen@kctcs.edu.

KNOTT COUNTY, Ky. (WMDJ) – The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet advises motorists of a bridge closure along KY 1091 in Knott County for bridge repairs. The bridge is located at the intersection of KY 1091 and KY 7 near the Buckingham area, just east of the Knott/Floyd County line.

Crews will perform deck and concrete repairs on the bridge starting Monday, Mar. 18, at 9 a.m. Repairs will last approximately one week. During this time, the bridge will be closed, and motorists must use an alternate route.

Schedules are subject to change based on weather conditions. 

FRANKFORT, Ky. (WMDJ) – A bill that could jeopardize the safety of coal miners is now awaiting final approval in the State Senate.

House Bill 85 proposes that coal mines with a crew of less than 10 people would only require one mine emergency technician.

Rep. Ashley Tackett-Laferty (D) opposed the bill, saying it would eliminate, “much-needed safety positions currently available for coal miners in an inherently dangerous work zone.”

Retired Mine Safety and Health Administration Federal Mine Inspector Roger Wilhoit said a bill like this only increases dangers in the mines.

The bill is aimed at helping smaller mines remain in operation.

HB 85 passed in the House 75-18 and is now in the Senate awaiting approval.

SALYERSVILLE, Ky. (WMDJ) – Two people were arrested on drug charges during a traffic safety stop in Magoffin County.

Kentucky State Police seized approximately 75 grams of suspected fentanyl, one pound of suspected marijuana, an ounce of suspected cocaine, drug paraphernalia, and a firearm were seized. 

Armando Elizondo, 24, of Lexington, along with Chad Wallen, 41 of East Point, were both arrested and lodged in the Big Sandy Regional Detention Center.

Elizondo faces charges of Trafficking Controlled Substance (Cocaine), Trafficking Marijuana, Possession of Handgun by Convicted Felon, and other traffic related violations.

Wallen faces charges of Trafficking Controlled Substance (Fentanyl), and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Drug tips can be reported to investigators at Post 09 by calling (606) 433-7711.  Callers can remain anonymous.

FLOYD COUNTY, KY. (WMDJ) - Floyd County Judge Executive Robbie Williams signed a proclamation declaring March as Nutrition Month in Floyd County.

Williams said, “Nutrition is very important and something we need to focus on so we can have healthier communities. In 2013, we ranked 120th out of Kentucky’s counties for overall health. We have been improving and now are at 108. While we have made some progress, we want to see that number improve faster because that means that Floyd Countians our citizens are healthier.”

During the event, Williams was joined by Danita Hampton, CEO of McDowell ARH Hospital, and Amy Hyden, Registered Dietitian with Sodexo at Highlands ARH Regional Medical Center.

Hyden says Nutrition Month is about raising awareness of the importance of making better food choices consistently. 

Hyden says, “Go day by day. Small changes add up, and making a few different choices, such as choosing water over pop or fruit over a candy bar, can make a difference.” Hyden says that while a person is making small changes on a daily basis, it’s also important not to get discouraged if they overindulge one day or on one meal. “Trying to make your diet healthier is not a make-or-break situation; it’s a constant work in progress. Early dietary patterns tend to continue into adulthood, so it is important to develop healthy habits early on to help prevent obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease.”

For older adults, Hyden suggests a stronger focus on “protein, Vitamin B-12, and hydration. According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, many fall short when it comes to consumption of these nutrients.”

Hyden sees added sugar from beverages, fried foods, and fast foods are some of the unhealthiest dietary habits people in our region have. 

If you think eating healthier is more expensive, Hyden says, “Look for lower-cost options. Grow a garden and can or freeze to preserve produce to have all year round. Frozen produce from the store can cost less than fresh; just avoid added sugar and salt from sauces. Buying the produce in season can also reduce cost.”

Hyden offers a few simple tips to get started making healthier dietary choices.

• Incorporate vegetables in different ways such as adding them to soups and casseroles.
• Try each vegetable prepared in different ways such as raw, cooked, or roasted as they can have different flavors depending on the preparation. 
• Have your child participate in preparing the vegetable so they are more likely to try it. 
• Eat a rainbow. The wide variety of colors of fruits and vegetables contain different phytonutrients. To get all the health benefits of these nutrients, make sure to consume different colors every day.

For families who are on the go, pack healthy snacks such as fruits, vegetables, low-fat cheese, yogurt, and nuts. Prepare snacks the night before so they are ready to throw into a bag or cooler before you leave home.  

If you want to speak with a dietitian, talk with your primary care provider about a referral. Dietitians gather food and nutrition-related history, take measurements, and analyze bloodwork results to form a nutrition diagnosis and then recommend nutrition interventions. The next steps are monitoring and evaluating the results of the changes made.

FLOYD COUNTY, Ky. (WMDJ) – Prestonsburg Mayor Les Stapleton resigned his position on Tuesday evening following accusations from a former city employee of sexual harassment in a lawsuit filed in Floyd Circuit Court. 
 

During a meeting of the Prestonsburg City Council, Councilman Shag Branham read a prepared statement from Stapleton saying he was resigning his position after suffering a "life-altering" injury he had sustained last week while working on the roof of his home. 
 

Stapleton, who was not present at the meeting, addressed the sexual lawsuit in his statement saying the suit had, "absolutely zero-bearing" on his decision to resign. 
 

Councilman Rick Hughes was chosen to finish out Stapleton's term until November, when the position of Mayor will be added to the ballot along with other city council members. 

A former female employee of the Mountain Arts Center is accusing Stapleton of sexual harassment in the lawsuit.

A copy of the lawsuit obtained by WMDJ indicates says Stapleton, "sexually harassed her both verbally and physically by engaging in severe, pervasive, inappropriate, and unwelcomed sexual conduct.”

The lawsuit, filed by attorney Mark Wohlander, claims the incidents took place during work hours at City Hall and the MAC. The woman also claims, “her job security and job benefits were conditioned on her submission to his sexual advances and request for sexual favors.”

JOHNSON COUNTY, Ky. (WMDJ) - Paintsville ARH Hospital announces that it has received certification from DNV as an Acute Stroke Ready Center, affirming the hospital’s readiness to handle strokes and stroke-related medical problems. 

The advantage of an Acute Stroke Ready certified program is that these stroke centers usually serve communities where access to a larger, more equipped hospital is too far for patients to reach in limited time. We know that Time is Brain; the faster a patient can get to a certified stroke center, the faster the patient will be diagnosed and treated. Saving this valuable time is known to decrease complications of a stroke.

“This certification assures our community that we have the resources and commitment to provide the best possible stroke care,” says Paintsville ARH Hospital CEO Kathy Stumbo. “It’s a combination of the right equipment, personnel, and training to quickly assess, identify and treat stroke. This includes the ability to efficiently transfer patients in the instances they require treatment beyond our capabilities. Achieving certification validates the tremendous effort we have put into this program, ensuring the health and safety of our patients.”

The DNV Acute Stroke Ready (ASR) Certification is derived from evidenced-based standards set forth by the Brain Attack Coalition and the American Stroke Association. It affirms that Paintsville ARH Hospital addresses the initial diagnosis, initial treatment and, when necessary, facilitates quick transfer to a specialized stroke center with a higher spectrum of stroke care. 

“Achieving certification shows a commitment to excellence,” says Patrick Horine, President of DNV Healthcare USA Inc. “It helps demonstrate to your community that you are providing the highest level of care that this hospital is designed to offer.”

According to the American Stroke Association, stroke is a leading cause of death, killing nearly 130,000 people each year, and is a leading cause of serious, long-term adult disability. Because stroke or “brain attack” affects blood flow to the brain, rapid and effective treatment can save lives and provide the best chance of limiting the extent of long-term damage. 

MARTIN, Ky. (WMDJ) - The Martin City Police Department has received three police cruisers.

All three cruisers are fully equipped and were donated by the Versailles Police Department.

The city had three cruisers and a police-equppied Tahoe before the addition of the donated cruisers. The new additions will help take the place of older vehicles.

FLOYD COUNTY, Ky. (WMDJ) – An employee in the Floyd County School District has been indicted on rape and sodomy charges.

John Martin, of Drift, has been indicted by a Floyd County Grand Jury on charges of first-degree rape and first-degree sodomy.

According to the indictment, the alleged offenses took place between August 1995 and June 1997.

Floyd County Schools released the following statement saying, “The Floyd County School District is aware of a criminal indictment against a district employee concerning a 1995 matter. Upon first notice of this matter the district took immediate steps to ensure that students were safe and the employee was placed into a position where he would not be working with, or around, district students. The District takes allegations of wrongdoing very seriously and has cooperated with law enforcement throughout the investigation of these claims while balancing the safety and wellbeing of our students with the legal rights of the employee. We will continue to prioritize the safety of our students and staff throughout these proceedings. Due to the ongoing nature of these proceedings, the District cannot comment on specific allegations or personnel matters.”

Martin has served as a teacher, coach and bus driver in the district for several decades. Most recently, Martin was working in a janitorial position at the Floyd County Board of Education.

JOHNSON COUNTY, Ky. (WMDJ) – One person has been taken into custody after hacking a students’ social media account and making threats of a school shooting in Johnson County.

According to a statement, officials with Johnson County Schools received information Sunday regarding a potential threat of a school shooting at Johnson County Middle School. Officials took immediate action working with the Johnson County Sheriff’s Department and the Kentucky State Police.

The individual that hacked the student’s account and made the threat has been identified and taken into custody. Officials later determined that there was no present danger to any students or staff at any Johnson County school.

Additional law enforcement officials were at Johnson County Middle today as a precaution.