FRANKFORT, Ky. (April 26, 2024) - Today, Gov. Andy Beshear announced that the Kentucky State Police is accepting applications from individuals who want to join an exemplary law agency that is “Built by Tradition. Trained to be the Best,” with a mission of creating a better, safer Kentucky.

“For over 75 years, the Kentucky State Police has safeguarded our great commonwealth, and today we call upon a new generation to carry that torch by applying to become a state trooper,” said Gov. Beshear. “As a cadet, you will receive the training, tools, equipment, knowledge and skills needed to be among some of the most elite law enforcement officers in the nation, leading our state into the future. I commend all our current and future troopers for the work they do day in and day out.” 

Individuals accepted to join Cadet Class 105, which is slated to begin in November 2024, will earn $67,500 annually and have access to an improved retirement system with a sick leave buyback program. Interested applicants should visit the online portal to submit their application. This portal allows individuals to apply from any electronic device.

Applications are due by close of business on June 30.

“We have a very short window for individuals to apply to become a state trooper, so I encourage interested applicants not to wait and to apply today,” said KSP Recruitment Branch Commander Sgt. Michael Murriell. “The ‘Built by Tradition. Trained to be the Best’ campaign was designed to provide potential candidates a historical glimpse of the agency while focusing on the modern-day training and technology their academy experience will provide.”  

Murriell said the agency’s recruitment team will be attending career fairs, college events, fitness centers and other public events to recruit potential troopers for Cadet Class 105.

KSP is recruiting both new officers for Cadet Class 105 and currently certified peace officers for the law enforcement accelerated program (LEAP). To qualify for the 14-week LEAP training at KSP, a candidate must have been a full-time certified law enforcement officer for a minimum of two years. The candidate must not be under a local government contract with their current or previous police agency.

KSP is committed to maintaining and strengthening its workforce to enhance public safety, maintain critical services and better reflect the diverse communities it serves. Troopers serve on the front lines daily by responding to calls for service and interacting directly with their communities to ensure safety and security for all. Individuals who are ready to serve mankind, safeguard lives and property, assist their fellow brothers and sisters in law enforcement and reduce crime are encouraged to apply to wear the sacred badge of honor.

For more information on the application process, minimum requirements and a list of required supporting documentation, visit KSP’s website.

For questions or assistance with applying, email the KSP recruitment branch at KSPRecruit@ky.gov. 

The Beshear-Coleman administration believes every single Kentuckian has the right to feel safe in their community, workplaces and schools, and the Governor has taken steps to increase public safety. In the last two years, his administration has secured a historic more than $18,000 pay increase for Kentucky State Police troopers and officers. Due to these increases and the tireless efforts from the KSP recruitment branch, more than 1,000 sworn personnel are now wearing the badge of honor, the highest number since 2017.

Gov. Beshear has also supported training for local law enforcement officers by raising the current training stipend to an all-time high, and the state supported the construction of a new training facility in Richmond.

Since taking office, Gov. Beshear has awarded nearly $10 million in grant funding to assist state and local law enforcement agencies in purchasing the tools and resources that will not only allow them to protect Kentucky communities but will also ensure their safety as they stand on the front lines every day.

Last year, Gov. Beshear signed House Bill 380 expanding the eligibility of potential peace officers to include individuals who are not yet 21 years of age but will reach this statutory requirement by the time certification is completed to help law enforcement agencies expand their workforce. 

In February 2023, Gov. Beshear and the KSP welcomed 103 cadets, the largest starting class since 2014, to the state police training academy.

Also, as the Governor recommended in January 2022, $12.2 million was included in the state budget for KSP to purchase body cameras, which is the first time in the commonwealth’s history that funding has been allocated for this much-needed expense.

KIMPER, Ky. (WMDJ) – An accident involving the use of an UTV has claimed the life of a Pike County man.

The accident happened early Sunday morning, April 21st, around 5:38 a.m. on Upper Johns Creek Road in Kimper.

According to Kentucky State Police, a Polaris UTV exited the roadway, over an embankment and struck a tree.

Michael Hardin, 34, of Kimper, was pronounced dead at the scene by the Pike County Coroner’s Office. 38-year-old Kyle Hardin of Phelps was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment.

The investigation is ongoing by KSP Accident Reconstructionist, Detective Jason Merlo. Detective Merlo was assisted on scene by Kentucky State Police Post 9 personnel, Kimper Volunteer Fire Department, and Lifeguard Ambulance Service.

PRESTONSBURG, Ky. (WMDJ) – Instructors with Big Sandy Community and Technical College (BSCTC) and the Mountain Arts Center are celebrating the success of a new “Introduction to Songwriting” collaboration event.

The event was made up of 75 students from the Floyd County School System and the David School.

Local songwriters Bobby and Teddi Cyrus guided students during the workshop with an overview of the songwriting process, from conception to a performance of original student songs on stage at the MAC.

Students also learned about the potential for earning dual credits through courses offered by BSCTC, providing a pathway to further education and career development in the music industry.

The "Introduction to Songwriting" class is part of an ongoing partnership between BSCTC and the Mountain Arts Center.

FRANKFORT, Ky. (WMDJ) — New statistics say the annual unemployment rates increased in 80 Kentucky counties in 2023, decreased in 22 and stayed the same in 18 counties.

The annual jobless rate for Woodford County was the lowest in the commonwealth in 2023 at 3.1%.

Magoffin County recorded the state’s highest annual unemployment rate in 2023 at 9.8%. It was followed by Martin County, 8.3%; Elliott County, 8.2% and Lewis County, 8%.

MCCARR, Ky. (WMDJ) – A Pike County man died following an UTV accident over the weekend in McCarr.

Kentucky State Police responded to a call at 11:39 p.m. Saturday night with reports that an UTV collision had occurred on KY Route 1056.

Dalton Mounts, 29, of Freeburn, was operating a Polaris Razor when the UTV exited the roadway and overturned. Michael Sincell, 28, of Freeburn, a passenger in the UTV was pronounced deceased on scene by the Pike County Coroner’s Office. The investigation is ongoing by KSP Accident Reconstructionist, Detective Joshua Scott.

Detective Scott was assisted on scene by Kentucky State Police Post 9 personnel and STAT Ambulance Service.

FLOYD COUNTY, Ky. (WMDJ) – The deadline to vote in the primary election is Monday, April 22nd.

Registration can be completed either online or in person at a local county clerk’s office until 4 p.m. this afternoon. The website to register online is Elect.ky.gov.

The Primary election is May 21st.

FRANKFORT, Ky. (WMDJ) – Gov. Andy Beshear has announced he is taking an economic development trip to further support job growth. Gov. Beshear will travel this week to Germany and Switzerland to meet with leaders at existing Kentucky companies and businesses considering future investment in the United States.

“As we continue to build on our record economic momentum of the past few years, it is critical that we continue to nurture partnerships with our existing employers and also develop new relationships with successful companies around the globe,” Gov. Beshear said. “This visit will provide a valuable opportunity for us to continue to share the message that there is no better place to do business in the United States than right here in the commonwealth.”

Kentucky set a new record as jobs grew by 9,400 in March.

Kentucky has nearly 540 internationally owned operations that employ more than 117,000 people statewide. 

Frankfort, Ky. – State Auditor Allison Ball released the results of a special examination of Elkhorn City, her office announced Wednesday. The examination, which differs from a standard financial audit, covers the City's activities between July 1, 2020, and March 31, 2023.

“This special examination was initiated after we received reports of improper financial activity in Elkhorn City government," Auditor Ball said. “This report will provide a clear path forward for the Elkhorn City leaders to restore order in their finances so that tax dollars can be used to best serve the community."

Special Examination Findings Include:
 

• Elkhorn City failed to pay required employer contributions totaling $116,555 to the Kentucky Public Pension Authority for City employee pensions.
• The City failed to file required reports with the Department for Local Government, causing the Department to withhold more than $50,000 in state grant dollars.
• On numerous occasions, City employees' paychecks were unpaid due to insufficient funds in the City's bank account.
• $89,276 of Local Government Economic Assistance Fund dollars were spent without documentation.
• Elkhorn City impermissibly issued Christmas bonuses to employees, totaling $17,948.
• The City's water utility billing and collection process resulted in 245 water utility customers with past due balances, totaling $116,498.
• City Council members were consistently given financial reports that did not accurately convey the City's financial position.
• The City routinely failed to justify its expenditures with adequate supporting documentation, questioning the legitimacy of those expenditures.
• At least 12 City contractors did not have 1099 forms issued.

PRESTONSBURG, Ky. (WMDJ) – A traffic stop led to a drug arrest in Prestonsburg early Sunday morning.

Prestonsburg City Police pulled over a vehicle after being alerted that the vehicle had been linked to previous drug activity in the area. The vehicle was also registered to an owner who had a suspended driver’s license.

Over 47 grams of Fentanyl and nearly 2 grams of cocaine were discovered in the back seat during a search.

Authorities arrested Zachary Wayne Mason, 33, of Maysville, who was a passenger in the vehicle and charged him on possession and drug trafficking charges.

MARTIN, Ky. (WMDJ) – The Floyd County Sheriff’s Department is investigating a two-vehicle crash that claimed the lives of a young Floyd County couple Friday evening.

The accident happened just outside of Martin on KY Route 122 near the entrance to Waste Connections.

Whitney Moore, 21 and Corey Duncan 24, were both pronounced dead at the scene by the Floyd County Coroners Office. The name of the driver occupying the other vehicle or their condition has not been relased.

The cause of the accident is still under investigation.

HINDMAN, Ky. (WMDJ) – A celebration of recovery was held Saturday in Hindman in a building once filled with flood water.  

Spectators filled Knott County Central High School’s Morton Combs Athletic Center Saturday to enjoy music from country legend Clint Black and Knott County native Tyra Madison, while raising money for continued flood and disaster relief efforts following the July 2022 flooding.

The Knott County Community Foundation and the Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky presented officials with Knott County Long Term Recovery a check for $25,000.

FLOYD COUNTY, Ky. (WMDJ) – This year is Auxier Greenhouse’s 50th anniversary and this Saturday, Mountain Comprehensive Care Center will kick off a year of celebration with an Open House event from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m.

Mountain Comprehensive Care Center’s greenhouse program provides Day Training services for individuals with intellectual or development disabilities.

Officials have used the phrase, “Where plants help people grow” at the greenhouse. Clients learn to plant, grow and care for the plants, along with many valuable life skills. It allows them to be productive in general and for themselves in a safe, but real-world atmosphere.

MCCC's Day Training Program provides supportive instruction to developmentally and intellectually disabled adults in a positive environment at each of its greenhouse facilities. Day Training focuses on the development and enhancement of vocational and other life skills, providing the opportunity for individuals to improve their independence through vocational tasks; social interaction and interpersonal relationships; effective communication; enhancement of self-care and daily living skills; money management and community participation.

The greenhouse is located at 40 Greenhouse Lane in Prestonsburg at the intersection of Ky. Route 321 and Ky. Route 3.

WAYLAND, Ky. (WMDJ) – Gov. Andy Beshear visited Floyd County on Tuesday joining volunteers with the Appalachia Service Project celebrating the progress being made at the high-ground community site in Wayland.

Eleven homes are being built on the four-acre site with partial funding from the Team Eastern Kentucky Flood Relief Fund. Each home received $100,000 from the fund.

Officials expect that the homes will be ready for occupancy in June.

“We made a promise to Eastern Kentucky that we would be here until every life and structure is rebuilt,” said Gov. Beshear. “It’s an honor to stand here today with these teams of volunteers so deeply rooted in serving this community that they are dedicating their time and talents to improve the lives of 11 families by building safe and affordable homes, outside of the flood plain. It’s a real testament to the hearts of Kentuckians.”

In October, Gov. Beshear visited the site to announce that the nearly build-ready land, previously owned by the local volunteer fire department, had been donated to build a community on higher ground. The site is located on State Highway 1086 near Main Street in Floyd County. 

“Floyd County is a special place with special people who are strong and resilient,” said Floyd County Judge/Executive Robbie Williams. “They have lived here for decades, their roots run deep, and even when disaster strikes, they do not want to move from our county. I want to thank the Governor, Appalachia Service Project and the Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky’s affiliate, the Floyd County Community Foundation, for their hard work to help our people continue to call Floyd County home.”

Working to address immediate housing needs, the Team Eastern Kentucky Flood Relief Fund continues to partially fund several homes being built on high ground. To date, the fund has provided over $1.4 million for 19 homes, including homes in Floyd, Breathitt, Knott, Perry, Owsley, Martin and Letcher counties. These homes are being built in partnership with nonprofit builders, including HOMES Inc, Housing Development Alliance and Partnership Housing. 

EASTERN, Ky. (WMDJ) – The Floyd County Board of Education will once again purchase school supplies for all children attending Floyd County Schools for the 2024-2025 school year.

The board voted last month to approve the funding to purchase school supplies for all students, preschool through 12th grade. The funding comes from relief funds provided by the American Rescue Plan.

Superintendent Anna Shepherd also added that students between 5th – 12th grade will once again receive devices to use and backpacks.

FLOYD COUNTY, Ky. (WMDJ) – It’s The Great American Eclipse today across America and although eastern Kentucky isn’t in the path of eclipse totality, those in our area will experience a partial solar eclipse of over 90%.

The timeline for today’s eclipse in Floyd and surrounding counties will begin at approximately 1:53 p.m. By 2:36 p.m. half of the moon will be passing in front of the sun. A peak of 92% totality will happen at 3:11 p.m. this afternoon. By 3:45 p.m. the sun will again be covered by half of the moon with the event ending by 4:26 p.m.

The total duration of the eclipse will be 2 hours, 32 minutes and 53 seconds.

The forecast is calling for cloudy skies, with partly cloudy conditions by later today. However, cloudy skies will hinder much of the viewing here locally.

This is the first solar eclipse in North American since 2017. The next total solar eclipse will happen in 2044.

Some things to know about today’s eclipse:

• Floyd County Schools are back in session today following Spring Break, however, classes will be dismissing at 12 noon so students can experience the eclipse at home.
• The East Kentucky Science Center and Varia Planetarium along with Big Sandy Community & Technical College is hosting an Eclipse Extravaganza from 12 noon until 5 p.m. today.
• If you have purchased eclipse glasses, please make sure those glasses indicate that they will block 100% of UV light, 100% of infrared and 99% of visible light. To test your eclipse glasses, hold them up to a regular light bulb. If any part of the bulb can be seen other than the actual light that his shining, they are unsafe to wear.
• Do not look at the eclipse without proper eye protection. You will be at serious risk of injury to look upon the sun during the eclipse for any amount of time with the naked eye.

FRANKFORT, Ky. (WMDJ) - A former Floyd and Johnson County dentist has been found guilty of defrauding Medicaid.

A Franklin County jury found Marcus S. Minix, 73 of Lexington, guilty of one count of Theft by Unlawful Taking (Class D Felony) and one count of Devising or Engaging in a Scheme to Defraud the Kentucky Medical Assistance Program (Class D Felony). Both charges are Class D felonies and punishable by up to five years in prison.

Minix owned and operated an eye care center in Floyd and Johnson counties, where he submitted false billings for services that were never provided. Over a dozen victimized patients could not receive proper eye care because of his criminal activity. Several of his victims were children, including one of whom was legally blind in one eye and had delays getting glasses. 

“The defendant did more than defraud the Medicaid program. He cheated Kentucky families and children out of critical medical care just to make a quick buck,” said Attorney General Coleman. “These are serious crimes, and our team will continue to investigate and prosecute them so we can protect Kentucky families.” 

The case was investigated by Detective Tim Dials and auditor Michael Ward with the Attorney General’s Office of Medicaid Fraud and Abuse Control. Deputy Director David Startsman as well as Assistant Attorneys General Linsey Hogg and Zach Ousley prosecuted the case on behalf of the Commonwealth. 

Minix is due back in Franklin Circuit Court on April 19th.  

FRANKFORT, Ky. (WMDJ) – Voter registration in Kentucky continues to surge ahead of the May primary election.

Secretary of State Michael Adams announced that 8,816 new voters registered in March.

In March, 4,839 voters were removed – 3,578 dead voters, 617 felony convicts, 473 voters who moved out of state, 92 voters who voluntarily de-registered, 55 voters adjudged mentally incompetent, and 24 duplicate registrations. 

Republican registrants account for 46 percent of the electorate, with 1,612,767 voters. Republican registration increased by 2,654 voters, a .16 percent increase. Democratic registrants make up 43 percent of the electorate, with 1,511,958 voters. Democratic registration decreased by 794 voters, a .05 percent decrease. There are 362,567 voters registered under other political affiliations, 10 percent of the electorate. “Other” registration rose by 2,117 voters, a .60 percent increase.

The deadline to register for the May primary is April 22nd. 

PIKE COUNTY, Ky. (WMDJ) – Following the storms that swept through the area earlier this week, Pike County officials are planning to help residents be more informed of impending weather situations.

The Pike County Fiscal Court and Pike County Emergency Management has obtained a grant to provide weather radios to Pike County residents at no cost.

Judge Executive Ray Jones II says, “With the severe weather we’ve had in the last few years, it is important to stay prepared.”

All radios are preset to residents’ areas to provide direct weather-related forecasts, watches and warnings from the National Weather Service.

Distribution centers will be at the following locations:

• Shelby Valley Senior Center on April 10th
• Blackberry Senior Center on April 11th
• Kimper Senior Center on April 16th
• Belfry Senior Center on April 17th
• Elkhorn City Senior Center on April 25th

All distribution centers will be providing sign-up sheets and radios between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

PRESTONSBURG, Ky. (WMDJ) – The Mountain Arts Center has announced the creation of its first-ever professional wind orchestra, under the direction of Slade Presley Denman with plans to host an inaugural concert on June 29th.

Brass and woodwind players, along with percussionist are needed.

Organizers say the project hopes to, “promote the rich cultural heritage and artistic expressions of the Appalachian region through high-quality concerts that deepen the connections within (the) community.”

The audition process involves submitting about a 1 – 1 ½ minute recorded demo by using Dropbox, OneDrive or Google Drive links via email to: sladedenman@me.com. You must also include your name, primary instrument and preferred method of communication in your submission.

A panel of musicians and staff will review your materials in April and a decision will be rendered of which applicants were passed as concert subs and who will be invited to participate in the inaugural concert. All applicants will be notified by the end of May via email.

FLOYD COUNTY, Ky. (WMDJ) – A Floyd County woman has been arrested after leading deputies on a pursuit.

Rebecca Autumn Rose was arrested and charged with numerous drug related charges including trafficking in suspected Fentanyl, Heroin, Methamphetamine and Oxycodone.

Rose also faces charges of reckless driving and resisting arrest after attempting to allude deputies before stopping in a private driveway in McDowell. Rose was apprehended after attempting to flee her vehicle on foot.

Rose was lodged in the Floyd County Detention Center.

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.