FRANKFORT, Ky. (WMDJ) — Knott County is receiving $2.1 million to expand the Ball Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant.

The funding is part of $6.6 million in Abandoned Mine Land Economic Revitalization (AMLER) grants announced Wednesday for projects in Eastern Kentucky.

Officials say the project will increase the plant's capacity from 100,000 gallons per day to 250,000 gallons per day. The expansion is expected to support future housing developments and other growth in Knott and Perry counties.

The upgraded facility will serve developments including Chestnut Ridge, Olive Branch, Hickory Hills, the relocated Robinson Elementary School and the Phoenix development.

A separate $4.5 million AMLER grant was awarded to the city of Campton in Wolfe County to extend water service into the Red River Gorge area.

Kentucky received $29.5 million in AMLER funding for 2026, with additional project awards expected later this year.

FRANKFORT, Ky. (WMDJ) — Visitors spent more than $38 million in Floyd County during 2025, helping generate an estimated $55.6 million total economic impact, according to Kentucky's annual tourism impact report.

The report shows tourism supported 358 jobs in Floyd County and produced more than $10 million in labor income. State and local tax revenue tied to tourism totaled approximately $4.1 million.

Visitor spending included an estimated $5.3 million on lodging, $8.7 million on food and beverages, nearly $13.9 million on retail purchases, $2.7 million on recreation and $7.5 million on transportation.

Statewide, tourism generated a record $14.6 billion economic impact and supported nearly 97,000 jobs across Kentucky in 2025.

For the county by county breakdown you can click here.

Forthe state's report on Economic Impact of Visitors to Kentucky, click here

(WMDJ) — Former clients of Eric Conn are being warned about scam phone calls from people falsely claiming to represent the Social Security Administration.

Conn, a former eastern Kentucky attorney, was convicted in what federal prosecutors described as one of the largest Social Security fraud schemes in U.S. history. Thousands of his former clients were later required to prove their disabilities again through redetermination hearings.

According to AppalReD Legal Aid, some former Conn clients are now being targeted by scammers posing as the Social Security Administration seeking personal information over the phone.

People are encouraged not to provide Social Security numbers, banking information or other sensitive details to unsolicited callers. Instead, they should verify any requests through official channels and request written documentation when possible.

Nearly 1,000 former Conn clients are still dealing with redetermination hearings years after the fraud case was uncovered.

MAGOFFIN COUNTY, Ky. (WMDJ) — A Letcher County man is facing multiple charges after deputies responded to a reported domestic incident on the Bert T. Combs Mountain Parkway.

According to an arrest citation, deputies were alerted to a blue Dodge Ram traveling eastbound on the parkway. A deputy located the truck stopped on the shoulder near KY 9009, about eight miles west of Salyersville.

Authorities said the driver showed signs of impairment, and officers detected the odor of alcohol. Deputies reported the passenger had a bloody nose and a bite mark on her arm.

The citation states the driver admitted to drinking and assaulting the woman.

Following an investigation, 25-year-old John Hayden Fleming of Ermine was arrested and charged with fourth-degree domestic violence assault, DUI, first-degree wanton endangerment, resisting arrest, menacing and second-degree disorderly conduct.

Deputies said Fleming later became combative and made threats toward officers.

He was lodged in the Big Sandy Regional Detention Center.

PRESTONSBURG, Ky. (WMDJ) — A Johnson County man has been arrested in connection with a fatal crash that happened in Prestonsburg more than a year ago.

Joshua Conley, 42, of Paintsville, is charged with vehicular homicide, DUI and operating a vehicle on a DUI-suspended license.

According to court records, the charges stem from a May 20, 2025, crash on U.S. 23 near Town Branch. Authorities allege Conley was under the influence at the time of the collision.

The crash resulted in serious injuries to Susan Pratt, 71, of Kingsport, Tennessee. She later died Sept. 14, 2025, at a Lexington hospital.

A Floyd County grand jury indicted Conley on the charges in February. He was arrested by Kentucky State Police in Greenup County last week and is being held at the Big Sandy Regional Detention Center.

The case remains open and is being investigated by the Prestonsburg Police Department.

*Photo courtesy of Big Sandy Regional Detention Center.

WARFIELD, Ky. (WMDJ) — A Martin County man is facing charges after allegedly pointing a handgun at a woman during an argument at Dempsey Housing in Warfield.

Aaron Michael Jude, 30, of Debord, was arrested June 17 and charged with first-degree wanton endangerment and second-degree criminal trespassing.

According to the arrest citation, a woman reported Jude came to the property looking for her husband. During an argument, Jude allegedly pointed a handgun at her before leaving the area.

Authorities later located Jude at a residence in Debord and recovered the firearm believed to have been used in the incident.

Officials also learned Jude had previously been barred from Dempsey Housing property.

Jude was lodged in the Big Sandy Regional Detention Center.

WAYLAND, Ky. (WMDJ) — Residents of Wayland could soon see law enforcement services return to the city through an agreement with the Floyd County Sheriff's Office.

The Wayland City Commission recently approved a memorandum of understanding that would allow the sheriff's office to provide law enforcement services within the city.

According to the agreement, deputies would handle patrols, criminal investigations, emergency and non-emergency calls, traffic enforcement and other duties typically performed by a police department.

Wayland has reportedly been without a police officer for about a year.

Under the agreement, the city will pay the Floyd County Sheriff's Office $1,500 per month for the services.

The memorandum states the sheriff's office will operate as an independent contractor while providing law enforcement coverage for the city.

ASHLAND, Ky. (WMDJ) — Addiction Recovery Care founder Timmy G. Robinson Jr. pleaded not guilty June 17 to federal wire fraud and money laundering charges.

Robinson, of Louisa, entered the plea during an arraignment in U.S. District Court in Ashland. The court ordered him released pending trial under a series of conditions.

As part of those conditions, Robinson must remain within the Eastern District of Kentucky, avoid contact with potential victims or witnesses in the case and obtain approval before opening certain financial accounts or liquidating assets. He is also prohibited from possessing firearms.

A federal grand jury indicted Robinson on June 4 on one count of wire fraud and two counts of money laundering.

According to the indictment, Robinson is accused of orchestrating a scheme involving millions of dollars in Employee Retention Tax Credits issued during the COVID-19 pandemic. Prosecutors allege he sold rights to the same tax credits to multiple buyers and later directed that the funds be used for other business expenses after the credits were received.

Robinson is the founder and former CEO of Addiction Recovery Care, which operates treatment facilities across Eastern Kentucky, including the Riverplace men's residential treatment center in Pike County and the White Oak Hill residential treatment center in Martin County. ARC also previously operated an outpatient facility in Prestonsburg.

If convicted, Robinson faces up to 20 years in prison on the wire fraud charge and up to 10 years on each of the money laundering charges.

PIKEVILLE, Ky. (WMDJ) — A Pikeville man arrested during a drug investigation in April is now facing federal drug charges.

Daryl Adkins, 58, of Pikeville, has been charged with conspiracy to distribute more than 500 grams of methamphetamine and fentanyl, as well as possession with intent to distribute.

The charges stem from an April 14 investigation on Hambley Boulevard. Pikeville Police and the U.S. Marshals Task Force were serving a fugitive warrant for Dennis Roy Washington of Columbus, Ohio, when officers allegedly discovered a large quantity of methamphetamine, fentanyl and other drugs hidden inside a washer and dryer at the apartment.

Washington and Lashawn Walker, also of Columbus, were arrested at the scene on state charges.

If convicted, Adkins faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and could receive a sentence of up to life in prison.

PIKEVILLE, Ky. (WMDJ) — Another man charged in connection with the death of Amber Spradlin has been released from house arrest.

Josh Mullins is no longer required to remain under house arrest after a June 10 court order, though other bond conditions remain unchanged.

Mullins faces multiple counts of tampering with physical evidence. He is one of three men charged in the case.

Earlier this month, co-defendant Dr. Michael McKinney II was also released from house arrest.

Mullins, Michael McKinney II and M.K. McKinney are scheduled to stand trial in January 2027.

LOWMANSVILLE, Ky. (WMDJ) — One person was killed and another was critically injured in a two-vehicle crash Thursday morning on U.S. 23 in Lawrence County.

According to Kentucky State Police, the crash happened around 7:35 a.m. in the Lowmansville community and involved a passenger vehicle and a semi tractor-trailer.

The preliminary investigation indicates a 2012 Kia Sorento traveling southbound crossed the median into the northbound lanes and collided with a 2005 Volvo tractor-trailer.

A passenger in the Kia, 20-year-old Kaitlyn Delong of Lovely in Martin County, was ejected from the vehicle and pronounced dead at the scene by the Lawrence County Coroner.

The driver of the Kia was transported to St. Mary's Medical Center and remains in critical condition. The driver of the tractor-trailer was not injured.

The crash remains under investigation by Kentucky State Police.

GRETHEL, Ky. (WMDJ) — A Floyd County man has been indicted on multiple charges stemming from a 2022 traffic stop, including bribery of a public servant.

Luke McKinney, 39, of Grethel, was indicted last week on charges including DUI, methamphetamine possession, fleeing or evading police and bribery of a public servant.

According to court records, Kentucky State Police stopped to investigate a vehicle partially blocking a lane of traffic on Ky. 979 in January 2022. During the encounter, McKinney allegedly attempted to flee on foot before being taken into custody.

Troopers reported finding more than 14 grams of methamphetamine in McKinney’s possession. Investigators also alleged McKinney admitted using methamphetamine and marijuana prior to the stop.

Authorities further alleged McKinney offered an officer $1,000 in exchange for not being charged and repeated the offer later at a hospital during the investigation.

McKinney is scheduled to be arraigned July 24.

PIKEVILLE, Ky. (WMDJ) — A Pike County man accused of locking three people inside a burning mobile home is scheduled to stand trial later this year.

Marty Eugene Hurley, 50, of Stopover, is charged with three counts of attempted murder, three counts of kidnapping and one count of first-degree arson.

According to court records, Hurley is accused of holding two women and a man at gunpoint on May 30, 2025, forcing them into a mobile home and setting fires inside the residence. Investigators allege he threatened to kill the victims if they tried to leave before barricading the door and leaving the scene.

The three victims were able to escape but suffered smoke inhalation and burns. One woman reportedly required intubation due to severe smoke inhalation.

Hurley has pleaded not guilty. His trial is scheduled to begin Nov. 30 in Pike County Circuit Court. He remains lodged in the Pike County Detention Center on a $100,000 cash bond.

MAGOFFIN COUNTY, Ky. (WMDJ) — A Salyersville man is facing multiple charges after an attempted traffic stop in Magoffin County.

According to an arrest citation, Sonny A. Keeton was arrested by the Magoffin County Sheriff’s Department following an incident on Holderby Branch.

Authorities allege Keeton failed to stop when deputies attempted a traffic stop and continued driving for several miles before eventually stopping. The citation also states he was operating the vehicle on a suspended license.

Keeton was charged with first-degree fleeing or evading police, first-degree wanton endangerment of a police officer, driving on a suspended license with an aggravating circumstance, improper equipment and failure to use or improper signal.

Keeton is currently lodged in the Big Sandy Regional Detention Center in Paintsville.

WEST LIBERTY, Ky. (WMDJ) — A former employee of the Eastern Kentucky Correctional Complex has been arrested on multiple felony charges in Morgan County.

According to court records, Zachary Gamble was arrested June 10 at his home on a Morgan County warrant. He is charged with first-degree rape, first-degree sodomy, third-degree unlawful transaction with a minor and intimidating a participant in the legal process.

The Kentucky Department of Corrections confirmed Gamble was employed at the Eastern Kentucky Correctional Complex but stated the allegations are not connected to his job duties and there is no indication the alleged offenses occurred on prison property. Officials said Gamble resigned June 11.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for June 23. Gamble is being held in the Rowan County Detention Center on a $100,000 cash bond.

*Photo courtesy of the Rowan County Detention Center.

PRESTONSBURG, Ky. (WMDJ) — A Knott County woman was arrested Monday after authorities said she was under the influence of methamphetamine while caring for two young children at a Prestonsburg hospital.

According to an arrest citation, officers responded to Highlands ARH Medical Clinic on June 15 after receiving a report of an intoxicated woman with two small children.

The woman, identified as 26-year-old Sara Elizabeth Conley of Topmost, was found displaying signs of impairment, including rapid speech, fidgety behavior and difficulty remaining still, according to the citation. Authorities said field sobriety tests indicated methamphetamine intoxication, and Conley admitted to using the drug earlier that morning.

The two children were released to the care of a family member.

Conley was arrested and lodged in the Floyd County Detention Center on charges of public intoxication and two counts of endangering the welfare of a minor.

SALYERSVILLE, Ky. (WMDJ) — A Magoffin County man is facing multiple charges after police say he nearly collided head-on with a patrol vehicle and later swallowed pills while in custody.

According to an arrest citation, the incident happened June 11 when officers attempted to stop a vehicle that allegedly crossed the center line while turning onto KY Rt. 7, forcing a cruiser to swerve to avoid a crash.

Police identified the driver as 72-year-old Billy Montgomery of Salyersville. Officers reported signs of impairment, including slurred speech, red and glossy eyes, poor motor skills and the odor of marijuana. Investigators said they recovered partially smoked marijuana cigarettes, a glass pipe and a prescription bottle containing a mixture of pills.

After Montgomery was arrested, police allege he reached into an evidence bag from the back of the cruiser, took the pill bottle and swallowed its contents. Officers later found the bottle empty and transported him to a hospital after he complained his heart was racing. A blood sample was obtained as part of the investigation.

Montgomery is charged with first-degree wanton endangerment of a police officer, aggravated DUI, possession of marijuana, second-degree possession of a controlled substance, prescription controlled substance not in its proper container, possession of drug paraphernalia and tampering with physical evidence.

Montgomery is currently lodged in the Big Sandy Regional Detention Center.

PIKE COUNTY, Ky. (WMDJ) — A Phelps man was arrested Saturday night after deputies said they found suspected fentanyl, methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia during a DUI safety checkpoint stop in Pike County.

According to court documents, Michael Blankenship was stopped around 9:35 p.m. on June 13th while riding a four-wheeler through a checkpoint in Freeburn.

Deputies said Blankenship’s license was suspended for previous DUI offenses. They also reported signs of impairment and said he later admitted to drinking alcohol.

During the investigation, deputies said they found burnt tin foil, unused needles, a fentanyl testing kit and a substance believed to be fentanyl. Deputies also said Blankenship later told them he had suspected methamphetamine in his sock.

Blankenship was charged with DUI, driving on a DUI-suspended license, first-degree possession of a controlled substance for fentanyl and methamphetamine, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

PIKEVILLE, Ky. (WMDJ) — A Pike County man has been sentenced to 20 years in prison after pleading guilty to killing his mother during a 2024 domestic incident.

Alex Yuhas, 60, of Pikeville, pleaded guilty to capital murder and two counts of terroristic threatening. He also waived his right to a presentence investigation.

The case began in October 2024 when Kentucky State Police responded to a 911 call reporting a domestic disturbance at a property on Old Wagner Station Road. During the response, authorities said Yuhas barricaded himself inside a mobile home and made threats toward law enforcement before surrendering after several hours.

Investigators later found 75-year-old Paulette Mullins dead inside another residence on the property with a gunshot wound. A firearm recovered from the mobile home was believed to have been used in the shooting.

Prosecutors said Yuhas must serve at least 85 percent of his 20-year sentence before becoming eligible for release.

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WMDJ) — The University of Kentucky has named J Batt as its new Athletics Director and Chief Executive Officer of Champions Blue LLC.

Batt comes to Kentucky from Michigan State University, where he served as Vice President and Director of Athletics. He previously held leadership positions at Georgia Tech and the University of Alabama.

According to UK, Batt has a track record of record-setting fundraising, facility development and creating new revenue opportunities while overseeing successful athletic programs.

He will succeed Mitch Barnhart, who is retiring at the end of June after nearly 25 years leading UK Athletics. During Barnhart’s tenure, Kentucky won six NCAA championships and more than 60 conference or conference tournament titles.

Batt is expected to officially join the university later this summer.

PIKEVILLE, Ky. (WMDJ) — A Pike County man has reached a plea agreement in a federal child exploitation case.

Charles Michael Hopkins, 35, of Virgie, has agreed to plead guilty to one count involving child sexual abuse material. He is scheduled to appear in federal court in Frankfort on Tuesday to formally enter the plea.

Court records show the investigation began after reports from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children led Kentucky State Police to Hopkins. He was arrested in October.

If the plea is accepted, Hopkins could face up to 20 years in federal prison.

The original story of the arrest back in October 2025 can be found here. 

PIKEVILLE, Ky. (WMDJ) — Drivers on KY 979 in Floyd County will not face an immediate road closure as work begins on the Mud Creek bridge replacement project.

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet says the highway will remain open while crews build a temporary onsite diversion, allowing traffic to continue moving through the area during the early stages of construction. Work on the diversion is expected to begin early next week and take about two weeks, weather permitting.

The existing bridge will remain open while the diversion is under construction. Once the temporary route is complete, traffic will shift onto it while crews replace the bridge.

Motorists should expect single-lane traffic controlled by temporary signals, alternating traffic flow, delays during peak travel times and a 12-foot width restriction. Construction vehicles will also be entering and exiting the work zone, and backups are possible near the KY 3680 intersection.

Drivers are reminded not to block the KY 3680 intersection, allow extra travel time and use caution while traveling through the work zone as construction progresses.

PRESTONSBURG, Ky. (WMDJ) — Floyd County Schools distributed more than 35,000 meals to children across the county during the first week of its new summer feeding program.

The district recently switched from daily meal service to a once-a-week pickup model, allowing families to receive seven breakfasts and seven lunches for each child at one time.

According to the school district, 2,545 children received meals Thursday, totaling 35,630 breakfasts and lunches distributed at seven pickup locations throughout Floyd County.

School officials said demand exceeded expectations after more than 500 additional families registered after food orders had already been placed. As a result, some families were turned away, but the district said adjustments are being made to increase supply for future distributions.

The summer feeding program will continue throughout the summer with weekly meal pickups for eligible children ages 18 and under.

PRESTONSBURG, Ky. (WMDJ) — A Floyd County woman has been reported missing, and authorities are asking for the public's help in locating her.

The Floyd County Sheriff's Office said Brandy "Bam Bam" Moore, 41, of McDowell, was reported missing on June 6 after family members said they had not seen her for more than a month. She has since been entered into a nationwide missing persons database.

Moore is described as 5 feet 8 inches tall, weighing about 165 pounds, with blue eyes and dirty blonde hair.

According to the sheriff's office, Moore's family said it was not unusual for her to be away for several days at a time, but her extended absence prompted them to contact police.

Anyone with information about Moore's whereabouts is asked to call 911 or the Floyd County Sheriff's Office at 606-886-6711.

Photo courtesy of the Floyd County Sheriff's Office.

MARTIN, Ky. (WMDJ) — A Floyd County man is facing meth trafficking and fleeing charges after deputies say he led them on a pursuit in the Martin area.

Authorities say 25-year-old Cory Don Patton of Printer fled when a Floyd County Sheriff's deputy attempted a traffic stop on June 9. After briefly losing sight of him, the deputy located him again, but he allegedly tried to escape a second time before crashing his motorcycle on a muddy road and running away on foot.

Patton was taken into custody a short distance later and the deputy reported finding approximately 14 to 15 grams of suspected methamphetamine in his possession.

Patton was lodged in the Floyd County Detention Center on charges including first-degree meth trafficking, second-degree fleeing or evading police by motor vehicle, second-degree fleeing or evading police on foot, and several traffic-related offenses.