No human injuries, but a Pulaski County structure fire claimed the life of several dogs earlier this week.

Jeff Henderson has the story...

Kentuckians are being dealt with a wintery forecast today through Christmas. KSP is asking motorists to be aware that weather conditions may change rapidly over the next 24 hours.

“With the inclement weather conditions approaching our area, we are asking motorists to allow extra time to arrive at their destinations safely. If you don’t have to be on the roadways, please don’t be. Troopers will be patrolling the interstate and roadways this holiday weekend to check for stranded motorists during these extremely cold temperatures." Trooper Justin Kearney

Drivers need to be prepared to meet the challenges of driving in the adverse weather conditions. Plan ahead; make sure everyone in the vehicle is properly restrained and ensure your vehicle is maintained to handle not only the road conditions but the frigid temperatures as well.

The best advice is to avoid unnecessary travel when winter weather is in your area. However, if you do have to venture out, here are a few reminders:

• Refrain from calling 911 for road or weather conditions due to high call volume. Telecommunicators need the lines open to assist callers who have emergencies.
• Reduce speed in wintery conditions.
• Leave early – allow more travel time; expect delays.
• Increase distance between vehicles – the ability to stop is significantly affected on snow covered or icy roadways
• Clear all windows on your vehicle prior to travel – having unobstructed vision is vital to avoid running off of the road or having a collision.
• Ensure your windshield washer fluid is full and that you use an anti-ice solution.
• Turn on your vehicle’s headlamps. Remove any dirt, mud or snow from all vehicle lights.
• Use caution on bridges and overpasses as they are susceptible to freezing before roadways.
• Avoid using cruise control which can cause a vehicle’s wheels to continue turning on a slippery surface when speed needs to be decreased.
• Ensure your vehicle has a full tank of gas in the event you are stranded for an extended period of time.
• Charge your cellular phone prior to departure.
• Always dress warmly and keep a blanket in the vehicle.
• Carry a winter survival kit that includes items such as blankets, a first-aid kit, a can and waterproof matches (to melt snow for water), windshield scraper, booster cables, road maps, tool kit, bag of sand or cat litter (to pour on ice or snow for added traction), collapsible shovel, flashlight and extra batteries.

KSP is also requesting travelers to observe for stranded motorists. If you see or suspect that someone is stranded, contact KSP at 1-800-222-5555.

If you get stranded, staying in your vehicle is often the safest choice, says Gregory, who offers these added tips:

• Tie a brightly colored cloth to the antenna as a signal to rescuers.
• Move anything you need from the trunk into the passenger area.
• Wrap your entire body, including your head, in blankets, or extra clothing.
• Stay awake. You will be less vulnerable to cold-related health problems.
• Run the motor (and heater) for about 10 minutes per hour, opening one window slightly to let air in. Make sure that snow is not blocking the exhaust pipe as this will reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
• As you sit, keep moving your arms and legs to improve your circulation and stay warmer.
• Do not eat un-melted snow. It will lower your body temperature.

KSP will use Facebook, Twitter and their website to share winter weather updates. We encourage drivers to check road and weather conditions before traveling by visiting https://transportation.ky.gov/sites/snowky , an online traffic, roadway information and weather portal operated by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet.

• Destiny L Sirk, 25 of Burnside, arrested by Officer Russell with Somerset PD for possession of drug unspecified 3rd degree, trafficking in meth over 2 grams 1st degree, possession of marijuana, drug paraphernalia, & prescription-controlled substance not in proper container.
• Tiana L Gnagie, 21 of Louisville, arrested by Deputy McIntosh with Lincoln Co SO for escape 2nd degree, tampering with prisoner monitoring device, theft by failure to make required disposition of property, giving officer false identifying information, possession of meth 1st degree, & drug paraphernalia.
• Jerry A Beasley, 53 of Somerset, arrested by Deputy Hudson with Pulaski Co SO for failure to/improper signal, fleeing/evading police 2nd degree – motor vehicle, trafficking in drug unspecified 1st, 2 counts trafficking in drug unspecified 3rd degree, drug paraphernalia, persistent felony offender – firearm, trafficking in drug unspecified schedule 3 2nd degree, & trafficking in drug unspecified schedule 1 & 2, 1st degree.
• Brittany I Smith, 29 of Waynesburg, arrested by Deputy Massey with Pulaski Co SO for possession of meth 1st degree & possession of drug unspecified 1st & 3rd degree.
• Mark A Barbazote, 35 of Somerset, arrested by Deputy Massey with Pulaski Co SO for possession of meth 1st degree, possession of drug unspecified 1st & 3rd degree, & possession of marijuana.

Lodged in the Pulaski County Jail.

We remind our listeners all suspects are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

A vehicle stopped in the roadway caught the attention of a Casey County Sheriff's Deputy and lead to a drug arrest Friday Night.

Deputy Brandon Smith observed the 2003 Chevy Tracker, stopped in the middle of the road on Poplar Springs Road, with one tail light, and rear license not illuminated. The vehicle turned onto Shugars Hill Road, traveling on both sides of the roadway. Deputy Smith initiated a traffic stop.

The driver, 41 year old Eric S. Roberts, of 6085 Poplar Hill Rd., Liberty, failed field sobriety tests.

A search of the vehicle located 13 grams of Meth, a set of scales with residue, unused baggies for distribution of illegal narcotics, and $161 in cash.

Roberts was lodged in the Casey County Jail on charges of No Brake Lights, Rear License Not Illuminated, Careless Driving, No Insurance, DUI, & Trafficking in Methamphetamine-1st Degree (over 2 gms).

Deputy Jacob Atwood assisted.

A Fayette County man arrested during a traffic stop in Casey County late Sunday evening.

The Casey County Sheriff's Office says Deputy Brandon Smith observed a '99 Dodge Ram Pickup with one brake light, and failed to give a turn signal at the intersection of KY70 & 501, and initiated a traffic stop. Dispatch advised, the driver, 42 year old Eric S. Herring, of 222 Waller Ave., Lexington, had an active warrant.

During a search of the vehicle, Deputy Smith found a magnetic box under the driver's side of the truck. The box contained 20 grams of Methamphetamine, scales, and several new baggies. Items consistent with the sale & distribution of narcotics.

Herring was lodged in the Casey County Jail on charges of No Brake Lights, Failure to, or Improper Turn Signal, Rear License Not Illuminated, & Trafficking Methamphetamine-1st Degree (over 2 gms).

He was also arrested on a warrant for Parole Violation.

Deputy Jacob Atwood assisted.

The Casey County fiscal court met in regular session Monday.

Under general business the Sheriff's Department budget has an increase of about $30,000 over last year. Judge executive Randy Dial... ((@))

Also under general business magistrates voted to declare a Sheriff's Office vehicle, a Chevy Tahoe, as surplus property.

Under road business magistrates voted to purchase a new road grader. A new John Deer with a purchase price of just over $280,000. Delivery is expected sometime in June 2023.

Also under road business Judge Dial says the county has plenty of salt for this winter driving season...((@))

Magistrates voted to pursue bids on a road project on fishing Creek Hill. Judge Dial says there is some land slide, and a small  fissure has appeared in the road.

Casey county sheriff Chad Weddle gave his office monthly report for November... ((@))

The court went into executive session for about 20 minutes to discuss personnel with no action taken.

There was a swearing in ceremony for all of the new and returning county officials as well as new Mayor, Sam Haddad. They will officially take office on January 2, 2023.

Judge Dial also announced a special meeting of the fiscal court to be held on January 3, 2023 at 7:30 AM.

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) advises motorists that significant traffic pattern changes will take place Friday, Dec. 16, at the intersection of KY 461 and Coin Road/Pin Oak Drive in Pulaski County as part of a transformative project to improve safety, reduce traffic congestion and support economic development.

On Friday, crews will open the newly constructed bridge connecting Coin Road and Pin Oak Drive. The new traffic patterns are part of the ongoing KY 461 improvement project, which includes the replacing of the intersection at Coin Road/Pin Oak Drive.

Motorists should be prepared for the following changes:

• Traffic traveling Coin Road/Pin Oak Drive seeking to travel to Mt. Vernon will use the Pin Oak Connector to access northbound KY 461.
• Motorists wanting to access southbound KY 461 will use the Coin Road Connector. 
• Southbound KY 461 will use the Coin Road Connector to access Coin Road/Pin Oak Dr.
• Northbound KY 461 traffic traveling Coin Road/Pin Oak Dr. will use the Pin Oak Dr. Connector. 

Motorists should exercise extreme caution and are advised to slow down, avoid distractions and obey directional signage.

The date may be adjusted for inclement weather or other unforeseeable delays.  

Motorists can access travel and traffic conditions at http://goky.ky.gov or contribute their own reports at www.waze.com or via the Waze mobile application.

Traffic information for the District 8 counties is also available at www.facebook.com/KYTCDistrict8 or by following us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/KYTCDistrict8.  

Russell County Sheriff Derek Polston reports a total of 49 grams of suspected methamphetamine was located at a residence in Eli off KY. 76.

Deputies Jared Pierce and Nathan Ginn went to serve a warrant on Kevin Booth, 46, and were granted permission to conduct a search, Polston said.

A substance believed to be methamphetamine was found in a black container on the suspect, the sheriff said.

Booth was charged with alleged First Degree Trafficking in Methamphetamine, first offense, two grams or more - with enhancement due to a .40 caliber pistol also being found.

He was additionally served with a warrant for failure to appear. The case remains under Investigation by Deputy Jared Pierce and will be presented to a Russell County Grand Jury, Polston said.

If anyone suspects drug activity in your neighborhood please contact the Russell County Sheriffs drug wanted persons tip line at (270) 343-8116.

Jeff Henderson reports from Somerset on a merger for higher learning...

The Casey County Board of Education met in regular session last night.

Deena Randolph was recognized for her Finance Director Award, and her photo was made with Board members.
((@))

Superintendent, Barry Lee...
((@))

The next regular meeting of the Casey County School Board is scheduled for Jan. 9, 2023.

Liberty City Council met in regular session Monday.
The meeting started with a detailed report from the US Army Corps of Engineers on their Flood Plain Management Services Study. There were several citizens & business owners in attendance, as well as some County officials, including Judge Executive Randy Dial, County Attorney, Tommy Weddle, and others. There was a lengthy presentation & discussion, however, nothing new in the way of answers for the flooding problem. The study will continue.
Tourism Director, Heather Cundiff, presented a proposal for a major Lake Trail Expansion. The plan would add 4-5 miles of new trails, at no cost to the City...
((@))
That proposal was approved.
Miss Cundiff also proposed a plan to restore the old Water Plant...
((@))
That proposal was also approved.
There was one bid submitted to replace the Napier Street Bridge. The bid of $26,500 was approved, with a time frame of about two weeks, weather permitting.
There was some discussion concerning the second reading of an Alcohol Beverage Control Ordinance. A special license will be required for Sunday sales. The 2nd reading was approved by a vote of 4-1, with Councilman Ben Barlow the only NO vote. Councilman Micah Meece was not present.
This was the final Council meeting for out-going Mayor, Steven Brown...
((@))
The next regular meeting of the Liberty City Council is scheduled for Jan. 9, 2023.

A Liberty woman arrested on drug charges during a traffic stop Wednesday night.

Shortly before 10pm, Deputy Atwood, with Casey County Sheriff's Office, observed a 2023 Ram Pickup, on KY 198 (E. Yosemite Rd.) with the rear license not illuminated, and initiated a traffic stop.

During a search of the vehicle, the Deputy located a glass pipe under the center console, along with a bag of unused syringes and digital scales. 29 year old Monica M. Wethington, of 256 Fair St., Liberty, stated the items were hers. In addition, a half of a suboxone pill, and a small bag of Methamphetamine was found in her make-up bag.

Wethington was lodged in the Casey County Jail on charges of Possession of Methamphetamine-1st Degree, Possession of Controlled Substance-2nd Degree (unspecified), & Drug Paraphernalia.
 

A Hustonville man was arrested in Liberty following a brief pursuit Monday evening.

Deputy Atwood, with Casey County Sheriff's Office, responded to the call of a hit & run on N. 127, when he saw a '23 Chevy Equinox with significant damage traveling South in the Northbound lane, and it appeared he had driven off the side walk just past Lifeline Home Health. The Deputy attempted to make a traffic stop, but the vehicle failed to stop and turned onto Middleburg St., traveling in the center of the road, then turned left onto Conner St., before stopping in the driveway at 22 Conner St.

The driver, 33 year old Randall L. Alford, of 5730 KY 198, Hustonville, was ordered out of the vehicle. He failed field sobriety tests, and Officers found a white powder substance in plastic, near his person.

No injuries were reported in the accident, however, two mail boxes were ran down at Lee's Famous Recipe, and Lifeline Home Health.

Alford was lodged in the Casey County Jail on charges of Reckless Driving, Fleeing/Evading Police-1st Degree (motor vehicle), DUI-Controlled Substance-2nd Offense, Possession of Controlled Substance-1st Degree/2nd Offense (drug unspecified), Leaving the Scene of an Accident/Failure to Render Aid/Assistance, Criminal Mischief-1st/3rd Degree, & Driving on DUI Suspended OL.

Deputy Smith, and Officer Christian, with LPD assisted.

A Liberty woman is charged with impaired driving after multiple reports of a driver nodding off at the wheel.

On Monday, around 3pm, Deputy Hannah Lynn, with Casey County Sheriff's Office, was dispatched to Gosser Ridge Rd. in reference to a woman slumped over the wheel of a vehicle parked on the side of the road. Upon arrival, she made contact with 45 year old Regina Hines, of 388 Hickory Run Rd., Liberty, who was sitting in the driver's seat of a '05 Chrysler PT Cruiser with the keys in the ignition and was nodding in and out.

The citation states Hines had slurred speech and failed field sobriety tests. She was taken to Casey County Hospital where she refused a blood test.

Hines was then transported to the Casey County Jail on charges of DUI-Controlled Substance.

A Boyle County man is facing charges after jumping from a 2nd story window in an attempt to flee from Police.

On Tuesday, Boyle County Deputies and Junction City Police attempted to serve a criminal complaint at Northtown Apartments in Junction City. It was confirmed the suspect, 27 year old Cody L. Montgomery to be inside the apartment. The front door was barricaded from the inside. Officers forced their way inside and observed Montgomery jump from the second story window before fleeing on foot. After a short foot pursuit and taser deployment, Montgomery was taken into custody.

He was served his criminal complaint for Criminal Abuse 1st (child under 12). He was also charged with fleeing/evading, menacing,  resisting arrest and unlawful imprisonment at the time of his arrest.

Junction City Police additionally charged Montgomery with resisting arrest and fleeing/evading on foot from a prior incident  earlier the same day. He was lodged in the Boyle County Jail.

Liberty City Council met in a special called session Monday.

The only item on the agenda was a first reading of an ordinance related to alcohol beverage control.

There was a lengthy discussion on the ordinance which mirrors the statutes in the cities of Danville and Stanford.

The first reading was approved on a vote of 3-2.

There will be some adjustments and a second reading of the ordinance will be held at a later meeting.

The deadline to pass the ordinance is January 9, 2023 and that is when applications may be made for alcohol sales.

A Middleburg woman arrested on drug charges during a traffic stop Saturday evening.

Deputy Atwood with Casey County Sheriff's Office, initiated the stop when he twice observed a '15 Dodge Dart cross the center line on E. KY 70.

The driver, 30 year old Megan L. Hammond, of 159 Howe Hollow Rd., Middleburg, had an expired permit. She stated she did not have her license with her. Ms. Hammond failed field sobriety tests.

Deputies discovered illegal narcotics between the driver's seat and the console. Ms. Hammond then accused the Deputies of planting the drugs in her vehicle. She was transported to Casey County Hospital where she refused a blood test.

Hammond was lodged in the Casey County Jail on charges of Careless Driving, License to be In Possession, Driving on Expired OL's, DUI, & Possession of Methamphetamine-1st Degree/2nd Offense.

Deputy Smith assisted.

A fight between brothers ends with one behind bars and the other fighting for his life.

The Casey County Sheriff's Office responded to the scene, shortly after 8pm Sunday, about four miles north of Liberty at 194 Walter Huff Rd., after the caller stated the brothers were fighting and an EMS was needed.

Upon arrival, Deputy Smith spoke with 48 year old Mikahl Von Krumrey and detained him pending their investigation.

Donald Propes Jr., was found on the floor, bleeding heavily from severe head trauma, and was not responsive. Casey County EMS determined the injuries were life threatening and Mr. Propes would need to be flown to the UK Trauma Center in Lexington. He was listed in critical condition.

Von Krumrey was charged with Assault-1st Degree and lodged in the Casey County Jail.
 

Due to unexpected maintenance/renovation to high school gym floor, we will be playing our home basketball games (Rebels and Lady Rebels) starting Sat., Dec. 3rd, with the boys' game with Southwestern at Liberty Elementary School through our boys' game with Frankfort Christian on January 14th.
 
In the event that we can return earlier to our floor or have to extend our time at LES we will share that out to keep everyone updated.
 

*** UPDATE ***

Chief Garrett with Liberty Police Department says Angela Mason has been apprehended. He believes they are closing in on Chasity Burton as well.

This is a developing story. We'll have more information as it is released by authorities.

............................

Two female inmates have escaped from the Casey County Jail.

Liberty Police Chief, Steven Garrett, says the two escaped in the early morning hours this morning and are believed to be still wearing their jail clothes.

The inmates have been identified as Angela Mason and Chasity Burton.

They apparently escaped shortly after 4am from unlocked doors in a work center. The doors have to be unlocked by law. Both women are Level 1 offenders and classified to work in the community.

Residents are advised to keep your doors locked and remove keys from vehicles.

Chief Garrett says one of the women is from Columbia and the other is from Bell County, but are still believed to be in the area.

If you see the women, or have any information, please call 9-1-1 immediately.

Due to the escape, Casey County Schools are operating on a one hour delay this morning...