A Junction City, Ky., man, Darion Ford, 26, was sentenced on Thursday to 10 years by U.S. District Judge Karen Caldwell for possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. 

In December 2024, law enforcement began investigating that Ford had recently re-upped a large supply of narcotics from Lexington. On December 18, 2024, Ford was observed leaving his residence and was stopped by law enforcement. When law enforcement talked with Ford, he stated that he had a gun and placed it on his console. He also had three bags containing powder and tablet forms of fentanyl.

Ford told law enforcement that he had approximately 1,000 fentanyl pills and seven grams of fentanyl powder at his residence. Law enforcement seized approximately 85.146 grams of fentanyl that Ford intended to distribute. Ford also possessed the firearm in furtherance of his drug trafficking activities.   

Jason Parman, First Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Jim Scott, Special Agent in Charge, DEA, Louisville Field Division; and Chief Tony Gray, Danville Police Department, jointly announced the sentence.

The investigation was conducted by the DEA and Danville Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys James Chapman and Amanda Morgan prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States. 

Secretary of State Michael Adams announced that, in July, 8,598 new Kentucky voters registered, with Kentuckians outside the two major political parties once again showing their interest in November’s election.

“In July, more Independents registered to vote in Kentucky than Republicans and Democrats combined,” Adams said. “Neither party can prevail in a statewide race with only its base; both must reach out to the center.”

In July, net registration rose by 4,981, with 3,617 voters removed: 2,650 who were deceased, 401 felony convicts, 275 duplicate registrations, 213 who moved out of state, 60 adjudged mentally incompetent, 12 who voluntarily de-registered and 6 identified as noncitizens.

Republican registration constitutes 48 percent of the electorate, with 1,622,656 voters. Republican registration grew by 2,483 voters, a .15 percent increase. Democratic registration accounts for 41 percent of the electorate, with 1,370,754 voters. Democratic registration fell by 32 voters, a .002 percent decrease. There are 383,889 voters registered under other political affiliations (mostly Independent), making up 11 percent of the electorate. “Other” registration grew by 2,530 voters, a .66 percent increase.

First responders in Casey County were dispatched to a medical emergency involving a newborn baby that had just been delivered. There was initially some confusion over the location…

Radio traffic later clarified that the location was Sacred Heart Catholic Church, which is located near the intersection of US 127 and KY 70.

Somerset Police say Ryan Hughes, 41, of Waynesburg—the Lancaster chief of police—was cited for DUI after a crash Friday night on North Highway 27 near Cooperative Way.

Officers say Hughes’ vehicle caught fire, and a passerby pulled him out, reporting he smelled strongly of alcohol. Police noted slurred speech, glossy, bloodshot eyes, and the odor of alcohol. Hughes allegedly admitted having “a few drinks” an hour before driving.

The crash caused about $500 in damage to a right?of?way fence. Hughes was taken to the hospital, asked for an attorney, and initially refused a blood test. He later consented after officers obtained a search warrant. Results are pending.

Hughes is charged with DUI and first?degree criminal mischief. He’s scheduled for arraignment on August 10.

Rescue crews were called to the Green River near Soggy Bottoms Campground Saturday after fast?moving water swept a group of boaters off their tubes and rafts. One person was briefly reported missing but was later found, and no injuries were reported.

Officials say at least 40 responders from multiple agencies assisted. Casey County Rescue Squad member Brandon Long says no one in the group was wearing a life jacket and debris in the water made conditions dangerous.

Long says confusion over how many people were missing slowed the response because no one stayed at the campground to give information. He called the incident a teachable moment and urged people to know river conditions, wear life jackets, and tell someone their route before floating.

The rescue happened as Casey County remains under a water shortage emergency, but officials warn that pop?up storms can still cause the river to rise quickly.

A woman asleep in her bed on Slate Branch Road is safe today thanks to her quick?acting dog, who alerted her to a fire starting inside the home.

Jeff Henderson reports from Pulaski County... 

A Liberty man indicted on multiple felony charges has been arrested.

According to arrest records, 31-year-old Cadareel Spight of Liberty was taken into custody Monday evening by the Lexington Police Department on a Pulaski Circuit Court indictment.

Spight is charged with trafficking in cocaine, resisting arrest, possession of drug paraphernalia and being a persistent felony offender.

Spight was lodged in the Pulaski County Detention Center on Wednesday, where he remains in custody.

A Liberty man died Wednesday afternoon in an apparent drowning at Lake Cumberland.

Russell County Coroner Mark Coots says 28-year-old Joshua Tyler Wethington was swimming and wading with friends in the Caney Fork Creek section of the lake near the end of Stephens Ridge Road when the incident occurred.

According to Coroner Coots, Wethington's friends told Deputy Coroner Jason Snow they noticed he was in distress moments before he disappeared beneath the surface of the water. Friends were able to recover him, bring him to shore and immediately begin lifesaving efforts.

The 911 call was received at 4:53 Wednesday afternoon. The Russell County Coroner's Office was notified and responded to the scene at 5:20 p.m.

Coroner Coots says Wethington was pronounced dead at the scene. Coots has requested that the Kentucky State Medical Examiner perform an autopsy to determine the official cause of death.

The incident remains under investigation.

The mayor of Somerset expressed gratitude for everyone who helped make their Independence Day celebration a huge success.

Jeff Henderson reports…

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) advises motorists that U.S. 127 in Lincoln County is currently reduced to one lane for guardrail replacement.

Work is taking place north U.S. 127 between Carl Russell Street (mile point 4.5) and the Boyle County line (mile point 10.6). Temporary traffic signals are in place for traffic control on both the northbound and southbound approaches during the lane closure.

Work is expected to be completed by Sept. 30. The project duration may be adjusted due to weather conditions or other unforeseen circumstances.

Motorists are reminded to expect delays and are encouraged to allow extra travel time while work is underway.

For Kentucky’s latest traffic and travel information, visit goky.ky.gov or navigate traffic by downloading the free Waze app at www.waze.com. Motorists can also access traffic information for the District 8 counties at www.facebook.com/KYTCDistrict8 and at www.twitter.com/KYTCDistrict8.   

Kentucky State Police (KSP) Post 15 Troopers responded to a two-vehicle injury collision on KY 70 near Pruitt Lane in Casey County, just before 3:00 P.M. CDT yesterday afternoon.

The preliminary investigation revealed that Ronnie Lee, 69, of Liberty, was traveling south on KY 70 in a 2000 Mazda pickup.  Mr. Brown crossed the centerline and entered the northbound lane of KY 70 into the path of a 2007 Chevrolet Silverado traveling north on KY 70, operated by Christina Baker, 38, of Waynesburg.  The vehicles collided in a head-on manner, and the Chevrolet overturned in a ditch along the roadway.

Ronnie Lee was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Casey County Coroner.  Christina Baker, along with an adult passenger and three juvenile passengers, were transported from the scene to the hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

KSP Post 15 Troopers were assisted at the scene by the Casey County Sheriff's Office, Casey County Fire/EMS and the Casey County Coroner’s Office.  Senior Trooper Trevor Sagrecy is investigating the collision.