Join Jerry from 6:00 AM to 1:00 PM every Monday-Friday morning. Join Crystal from 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm every Monday-Friday afternoon!
Welcome to CHASINTHEBUCK.COM

Forgot Password

Not a Member? Sign up here!

banner
banner
banner
banner
banner
banner

LOCAL NEWS Archives for 2023-08

LOCAL MAN ARRESTED ON DUI/DRUG CHARGES

 

A Bethelridge man was arrested shortly after 1am Friday on DUI & drug charges, following a traffic stop on KY 837.


59 year old Jerry Dick, was driving a 2014 Kia Forte, when he was pulled over by Casey County Deputy Tyler Luttrell after he was seen crossing the center line twice. Mr. Dick failed a field sobriety test and K9 unit alerted to the presence of drugs in his car.


A search of the car turned up a meth pipe with residue, a small baggie of crystal meth, and two marijuana roaches. Dick stated that he had smoked marijuana the previous evening and meth that morning.


Dick was arrested and charged with no insurance, DUI-controlled substance, drug paraphernalia, possession of marijuana, and possession of Methamphetamine.


He was transported to the Casey County Jail.


Deputies Jake Atwood & Austin Harris assisted.

 

MAN/WOMAN ARRESTED ON CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE CHARGES

 

Troopers with Kentucky State Police (KSP) Post 15 in Columbia have made two arrests in an ongoing investigation into the sexual abuse of a child in Marion County. The investigation began earlier this year when KSP Troopers received a report of sexual abuse of a child.

 

During the investigation, Troopers discovered that Jeremy Scott Cissell, age 42 of Springfield, had engaged in inappropriate physical contact with a juvenile in Marion County. This occurred approximately 5 years ago, making the victim 9 years old at the time of the incident. It was also discovered that Megan Michelle Reed, age 37 of Lebanon, had aided Mr. Cissell during the course of the incident.

 

Troopers obtained arrest warrants for both Mr. Cissell and Ms. Reed. The arrest warrants were served and both individuals were arrested on August 28, 2023. Jeremy Cissell was arrested in Washington County and charged with Sexual Abuse 1st Degree, Victim Under 12 Years of Age. Megan Reed was arrested in Marion County and charged with Facilitation of Sex Abuse 1st Degree, Victim Under 12.

 

Both have been lodged in the Marion County Detention Center and are currently held on a $25,000 cash bond. The case is being investigated by Trooper Trevor Sagrecy. Other charges may be pending as the investigation remains ongoing by Trooper Sagrecy.

 

CASEY COUNTY GRAND JURY INDICTMENTS

 

The Casey County Grand Jury has handed down several indictments, including:

 

-Michael W Daniel, Liberty, indicted for criminal mischief 1st degree & persistent felony offender 1st degree.

 

-Amber N Wall, Yosemite, indicted for criminal mischief 1st degree & persistent felony offense 1st degree.

 

-Jeffrey R Andula, Somerset, indicted for possession of meth 1st degree, possession of marijuana, & careless driving.

 

-Maggie E Rodgers, Dunnville, indicted for possession of meth 1st degree/3rd or subsequent offense, drug paraphernalia, & public intoxication.

 

-Megan D Clements, Liberty, indicted for possession of meth 1st degree/3rd or subsequent offense, possession of a controlled substance 2nd degree, drug paraphernalia, & DUI – controlled substance – aggravating circumstance.

 

-Ryan A Goode, Liberty, indicted for strangulation 1st degree, persistent felony offense 1st degree, unlawful imprisonment 1st degree, persistent felony offense 1st degree, & assault 4th degree – domestic violence.

 

-Jagger R Brady, Altamont, TN, indicted for possession of meth 1st degree, failure to produce insurance card, possession of marijuana, & drug paraphernalia.

 

-Kali D Beard, Paducah, indicted for assault 3rd degree & persistent felony offender 1st degree.

 

-Jerry D Garrett, Dunnville, indicted for possession of meth 1st degree/3rd or subsequent offense & no OL.

 

-Daniel L Fair, Liberty, indicted for trafficking in meth over 2 grams 1st degree, persistent felony offender 1st degree, & drug paraphernalia.

 

-Justin M Emerson, Russell Springs, indicted for possession of meth 1st degree/3rd or subsequent offense, drug paraphernalia, & public intoxication.

 

-Dustin J Stephens, Jamestown, indicted for possession of meth 1st degree/3rd or subsequent offense, drug paraphernalia, no insurance, no registration receipt, no/expired registration plates, improper display of registration plates, failure to wear seat belts, & failure to produce insurance card.

 

-Jeffrey D Rogers, Middleburg, indicted for possession of meth 1st degree/3rd or subsequent offense, drug paraphernalia, failure to wear seat belts, & inadequate silencer – muffler.

 

We remind our listeners an indictment is only a legal accusation, not an indicator of guilt.

 

MARION CO. WOMAN ARRESTED AT LWC

 

A Marion County woman arrested on drug charges over the weekend.


Columbia Police responded Saturday to a report of a female acting erratically at Lindsey Wilson College.


Upon arrival, they found she was under the influence and in possession of marijuana. When they attempted to take her into custody, she became combative and had to be subdued at Adair County Jail.


18 year old Jalen Luttrell, of Gravel Switch, Kentucky is facing charges for public intoxication, possession of marijuana, resisting arrest, and three counts of third-degree assault.


Officer Holly Necessary was assisted by Officer Joey Keith.

 

RUSSELL COUNTY WOMAN ARRESTED WHILE INTOXICATED AT COLUMBIA STORE

 

Columbia Police responded to the report of an intoxicated woman with a baby.


Alisha Stotts, 26, of Russell Springs was arrested at Walmart on Tuesday. Police say Stotts was under the influence while wheeling a baby in a shopping cart, and a search of her vehicle yielded narcotics and paraphernalia.


She is charged with possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, alcohol intoxication, and wanton endangerment first degree.


The baby was taken into the care of a family member.


Sgt Evan Burton was the arresting officer, and Officers Trevor Foster and Holly Necessary assisted on the scene.

 

PCSO: UPDATE ON DEADLY MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT

 

UPDATE
August 23, 2023

The next of kin has been notified in this accident. The driver on the motorcycle was
Curtis J. Justice, age 63, of Grove City, Ohio. Mr. Justice was flown to the University of
Kentucky Hospital by Air Methods with severe injuries. As of yesterday, he was still in
the UK Hospital. The passenger on the motorcycle was identified as Veronica
Armstrong, age 65, of Pittsburg, PA. Ms. Armstrong was pronounced deceased at the
scene by the Pulaski County Coroner’s Office.


August 21, 2023

Sheriff Bobby Jones reports that on August 20, 2023, at approximately 3:48 PM,
Deputies with the Pulaski County Sheriff's Office responded to an injury accident on
East Highway 80 and Squib Ano Road in Eastern Pulaski County involving a motorcycle
and a Mazda car.


Preliminary investigation revealed that a Mazda Passenger Car and the motorcycle
were traveling east on KY 80 near the intersection of KY 80, the Old London Road (KY
1956), and Squib-Ano Road when the motorcycle, with two persons on it, made a turn
to the left. At this time, the Mazda, driven by Ashley D. Tucker, age 22, of Hopkinsville,
Kentucky struck the motorcycle. Preliminary investigation appears to be that the
motorcycle turned to the left in front of the Mazda to turn onto Old London Road. The
passenger on the motorcycle was later pronounced deceased by the Pulaski County
Coroner’s Office. The operator of the motorcycle was flown to the University of
Kentucky Hospital with serious injuries. The Sheriff's Office does not know his condition
as of this press release. As of this writing, the names of the persons on the motorcycle
are being withheld pending identification and notification of the next of kin.


Deputy Logan Crabtree, Deputy Ryan Jones, and the Coroner’s Office continue the
investigation.


Other responding agencies consisted of the Somerset/Pulaski EMS, Air Methods, and
the Shopville Fire Department.

 

CASEY WOMAN FACING DUI CHARGES AFTER FLEEING ACCIDENT SCENE

 

A single vehicle accident on Caney Fork Rd led to the arrest of a local resident for driving under the influence last week.


Casey County Sheriff's Deputy Jake Atwood responded to the scene Tuesday after receiving a report of the accident.


Upon arrival, Deputy Atwood found Kenny Webb outside of the vehicle, speaking with Deputy Tyler Luttrell. Webb informed the deputies that the driver, identified as 24 year old Tara K Duncan, of Mannsville, had left the scene with another individual to seek help. However, Duncan never returned to the accident scene.


She was later located at a residence on KY-49. Further observations raised suspicion of possible drug use, as Deputy Atwood detected an odor of marijuana emanating from Duncan and noticed that she exhibited heavy eyes and struggled to keep them open. Duncan admitted to having smoked marijuana earlier that day.


Deputy Atwood transported her back to the accident scene. In transit, Duncan stated that she had been the one driving the vehicle during the crash.


She was evaluated by Casey County EMS but refused treatment. Duncan failed field sobriety tests.
Furthermore, a marijuana cigarette was found in Duncan's back pocket.


She was charged with Leaving the Scene of an Accident (Failure to Render Aid/Assistance), DUI (substance), & Possession of Marijuana.

 

ONE PERSON KILLED, ANOTHER SERIOUSLY INJURED IN PULASKI CRASH

 

One person was killed and another seriously injured in a motorcycle accident on East Highway 80 and Squib Ano Road in Eastern Pulaski County on Sunday afternoon.


The Pulaski County Sheriff's Office says deputies responded to the scene shortly before 4PM. Preliminary investigation revealed that a Mazda passenger car and a motorcycle were traveling east on KY 80 near the intersection of Old London Road (KY 1956), and Squib-Ano Road when the motorcycle attempted a left turn.


The Mazda, driven by Ashley D. Tucker, age 22, of Hopkinsville, struck the motorcycle. The passenger on the motorcycle was later pronounced dead by the Pulaski County Coroner's Office. The driver of the motorcycle was flown to the University of Kentucky Hospital with serious injuries.
The names of the persons on the motorcycle are being withheld pending identification and notification of the next of kin.


The Sheriff's Office is reminding motorists to be aware of their surroundings and to drive safely, especially when sharing the road with motorcyclists. Motorcyclists are advised to wear helmets and other protective gear, and to obey all traffic laws.

 

CASEY COUNTY FISCAL COURT REPORT

 

The Casey County Fiscal Court met in regular session last night. The court approved several tax rates for the year. The following rates applied to real and personal property. Health Department Compensating rate 3.5%. Library District 8.6%. Soil conservation. Soil conservation 2.4%. The hospital taxing district chose a lower rate from 5.9% to 5.0%. Extension Office 1.9% on real property 2.08 for personal and 10% motor vehicle. The Casey County School Board chose the compensating rate of 48.7 for real property, 48.8 for personal property.


The court received one bid for auditing for the county from Jones and Associates of Lexington. That bid was rejected for further negotiation.


Magistrates approved a payment to Hayes HVAC in the amount of $5,900 for repairs to the air conditioning unit at the AG Center. The court also approved a payment for repair to the sprinkler system at the Judicial Center and the amount of $1,875.


The court received two bids for the sound system for the Ag Center, both in excess of $35,000. Those bids were tabled for further discussion and review.


Magistrates voted to surplus a van to donate to the Lincoln County Detention Center.


The fiscal court went into executive session for a short time to discuss litigation, with no action taken.
 

Under road business, magistrates approved an annual clothing allowance for Road department employees in the amount of $300.00 per year. Also under road business, David Payton was hired as CDL driver at $13 an hour to start.


Under jail business, the county received one bid for repairs to the work camp from Service Pro in the amount of just under $300,000. That issue was tabled for further review.


Casey County Sheriff Chad Weddle gave his department's monthly report...

 

CASEY COUNTY WOMAN FILES SUIT AGAINST CITY/COUNTY & OFFICIALS

 

A Liberty woman has filed a lawsuit in federal court alleging that she was unlawfully arrested, subjected to an unconstitutional strip search, and the victim of excessive force, assault and battery by city and county officials and police officers in Casey County.


Kumsook "Kim" Huff, was originally charged last August with driving while under the influence. However, all charges against her were dismissed in Casey District Court earlier this year after results from a blood test taken upon her arrest were reportedly negative for drugs and alcohol.


The lawsuit names as defendants the Sheriff and Jailer of Casey County, the City of Liberty, the County of Casey, and several city police officers, deputy sheriffs, and deputy jailers.


The lawsuit alleges nine separate claims, plus a claim for punitive damages, against all defendants.
Huff is seeking compensatory & punitive damages, and attorney's fees.


In addition to the lawsuit, Huff has also filed a complaint with the Kentucky Department of Public Safety's Office of Professional Standards. The complaint is still under investigation.


A lawsuit represents only one side of a legal dispute.
 

RUSSELL COUNTY MAN FACING 3 DECADES IN PRISON FOR CHILD PORNOGRAPHY

 

Austin Lee Gladd, 26, of Russell Springs, Ky., was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison on Friday, by Chief U.S. District Judge Danny Reeves, after previously pleading guilty to production of child pornography.

 

According to Gladd’s guilty plea agreement, he admitted to using social media to entice a minor victim to engage in sexually explicit conduct; to traveling to Danville, Ky., where the victim was located, to engage in sexual intercourse with the minor victim; and to capturing multiple videos of the sexual encounter with his smartphone.   


Gladd pleaded guilty in April 2023.

 

Under federal law, Gladd must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence.  Upon his release from prison, Gladd will be required to register as a sex offender and will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for life.

 

Carlton S. Shier, IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Jodi Cohen, Special Agent, FBI, Louisville Field Office; and Chief Tony Gray of the Danville Police Department jointly announced the sentence.

 

The investigation was conducted by the FBI and the Danville Police Department.  The United States was represented by Assistant United States Attorney Mary Melton. 

 

The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted this case as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov

SPD CONDUCTS ACTIVE SHOOTER TRAINING

 

The Somerset Police Department recently concluded Violent Critical Incident Response Training (Active Shooter Training) for Somerset Christian School and Somerset Community College.
 
SPD Instructor Capt. Randall Smith conducted this training to help both schools better prepare for the coming school year.
 
Since 2017, Capt. Smith has taught more than 50 classes in the Pulaski County area. In addition to schools, he’s taught classes at medical facilities, factories, houses of worship, local government entities, commerce entities, and other locations.
 

BANNER YEAR FOR TOURISM IN SOMERSET

 

It was a big year for tourism in Pulaski County last year.
Jeff Henderson has details...

 

 

SOMERSET CITY COUNCIL REPORT

 

Somerset City Council met in regular session recently.
Jeff Henderson covered the meeting for News on The Buck...

 

 

LIBERTY CITY COUNCIL REPORT

 

Liberty City Council met in regular session Monday.


 Mayor Sam Haddad started the meeting with an update on the Clean Water Grant...


 A 5th grade student from Liberty Elementary, 10 year old Jonathan Lee, presented his design for a proposed city flag to the council...

No action was taken.
 

At last month's meeting, Tourism Director, Heather Cundiff, presented the Council with an idea to implement a trail system on currently un-used city property. A group of neighboring property owners expressed opposition. The issue was re-visited at yesterday's meeting with sometimes heated debate...

The issue was tabled for further study. The council then went into executive session to discuss pending litigation.

 

ROADWORK IN COLUMBIA

 

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) District 8 Office advises motorists that a resurfacing project will begin tonight on KY 55X (Jamestown Street) in Columbia.

 

Weather permitting, contractors will begin milling operations tonight on KY 55X between the Louie B. Nunn Cumberland Expressway interchange (mile point 0.42) and extending north to the intersection of KY 55-Columbia Bypass (mile point 3.02). Crews will start full paving operations by the end of the week. 

 

Traffic will be restricted to one lane controlled by flaggers where crews are working. Motorists should expect delays during nighttime working hours, approximately 6 p.m. to 6 a.m.

 

KYTC ask motorists to be aware of the work zone and to utilize safe driving habits when traveling through the area.

 

Work is expected to last two weeks. The duration of work may be adjusted for inclement weather or other unforeseeable delays.    

 

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.  

 

2 MEETINGS TODAY

 

Local meetings today:

  • Liberty City Council meets at 5pm at Liberty City Hall
  • Casey County Board of Education meets at 7pm at the Board Annex

The meetings are open to the public.

LOCAL CADETS COMPLETE KSP TRAINING

 

The Kentucky State Police (KSP) announced that 51 cadets have graduated the agency’s training academy and are now ready to report for duty across the commonwealth.

 

Cadet Class 103 graduates increase the number of KSP troopers protecting Kentucky’s 120 diverse counties to approximately 940, which is the highest number of troopers the agency has employed since 2006.

 

During the ceremony, KSP Commissioner Phillip Burnett, Jr. pledged the agency’s commitment to continue providing exceptional training and critical resources to the 51 graduates to ensure a successful and long career in law enforcement.

 

“I am pleased to welcome these new cadets to the ranks of trooper,” said Commissioner Burnett “It’s been a hard-fought journey for each of them and they have more than earned the honor to wear our badge.”

 

Cadet Class 103 reported to the KSP training academy on February 26 to embark upon 24-weeks of intense training to learn the job skills necessary to perform the duties of a state trooper. These graduating cadets will uphold the mission of KSP to promote public safety through service, integrity and professionalism using partnerships to prevent, reduce and deter crime and the fear of crime, enhance highway safety through education and enforcement, safeguard property and protect individual rights.

 

The graduates of Cadet Class 103 received more than 1,000 hours of classroom and field study in subjects such as constitutional law, juvenile and traffic law, use of force, weapons training, defensive tactics, first aid, high speed vehicle pursuit, criminal investigation, computer literacy, hostage negotiations, evidence collection, radio procedures, search and seizure, crash investigation, drug identification, traffic control, crowd control, armed robbery response, electronic crimes, sex crimes, hate crimes, domestic violence, bomb threats and hazardous materials.

 

KSP Post 15 Captain Bradley Stotts is excited to welcome new troopers to Columbia. Captain Stotts said, “These new Troopers will be a welcome addition to Post 15 area to assist in the goal of making our communities a safer place to live. I look forward to seeing them report to post and begin their careers.”

 

The Post 15 graduates of the 103rd KSP Training Academy included: Noah Brown, Liberty, Ky., Joshua Smith, Campbellsville, Ky., Trenton Tooley, Summer Shade, Ky., and Jordan Tucker, Parkers Lake, Ky.

 

Several members of the graduating class received special recognition during the ceremony. The Salutatorian was awarded to Trooper Trent Tooley.

 

Twenty-six cadets earned their associate degree in General Occupational and Technical Studies from the Bluegrass Community and Technical College during their 24-weeks at the training academy. These cadets benefited from the new hiring guidelines established by the state legislature in 2017. Through this revision, anyone who possesses a high school diploma or GED, and has three years of full-time work experience can apply for employment as a KSP Trooper and earn an associate degree during the training process. The Post 15 trooper who received their associate’s degree is Joshua Smith, Campbellsville, Ky.

 

KSP’s recruitment branch is currently accepting applications for the upcoming cadet class 104, which is slated to begin January 2024. The deadline to apply is by close of business August 31.

 

For more information about career opportunities with KSP visit the website.

 

PULASKI FISCAL COURT MEETING

 

There was a special visitor at the recent meeting of the Pulaski County Fiscal Court.
Jeff Henderson reports from Somerset...

 

 

 

LIBERTY RESIDENTS COLLECT SCHOOL SUPPLIES FOR CHILDREN OVERSEAS

 

As the school year approaches, shoebox packers are making use of back-to-school prices to purchase gifts and essential items for children in need around the world. Residents in Liberty?? are collecting school supplies, along with personal care items and fun toys, to pack in shoeboxes.

 

Operation Christmas Child, a project of Samaritan’s Purse, will deliver these gift-filled shoeboxes to children in more than 100 countries. For many children, access to these simple items is essential to an education. This was the case for Justin Thomas, a shoebox recipient in Southeast Asia whose parents could not afford the supplies needed for school.  Thomas remembers the specific day he received a gift-filled shoebox from Operation Christmas Child and found it filled with toys and most exciting to him—school supplies!

 

Growing up with hand-me-down clothes and used items, Thomas used to write with a pencil so short that he held it using a pen cap. Having an entire packet of new pencils and a pencil sharpener all his own was a treasure to him. This simple gift made a life-changing impact for Thomas because it opened the doors for him to receive an education.

 

For more information, visit samaritanspurse.org/occ. National Collection Week is Nov. 13-20. Participants can donate $10 per shoebox gift online through “Follow Your Box” and receive a tracking label to discover its destination. Those who prefer the convenience of online shopping can browse samaritanspurse.org/buildonline to select gifts matched to a child’s specific age and gender, then finish packing the virtual shoebox by adding a photo and personal note of encouragement.

 

Operation Christmas Child, a project of Samaritan's Purse, seeks to demonstrate God’s love in a tangible way to children in need around the world and, together with the local church worldwide, to share the Good News of Jesus Christ. Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child has collected and delivered more than 209 million gift-filled shoeboxes to children in more than 170 countries and territories. This year, Operation Christmas Child will celebrate its 30th year of ministry!

 

STUDENTS RETURN TO CASEY COUNTY SCHOOLS TODAY

 

Today (Wednesday) is the first day of school for students here in Casey County.


Superintendent Barry Lee reminds drivers to be alert for kids waiting to catch the bus, as well as extra traffic around the schools...
 


Reminder:  it is illegal to pass a school bus when the stop sign is flashing. You must come to a complete stop and watch for students getting on and off the bus.

 

KSP ON THE LOOKOUT FOR AN ESCAPEE FROM MADISON COUNTY JAIL

 

The Kentucky State Police, Post 7, in Richmond, was contacted just before 11:30 a.m. today by the Madison County Detention Center regarding an escaped inmate.

 

The initial investigation alleges Thomas B. Crowe, 31 years old of Richmond, KY, escaped custody and fled from the detention bus en route to a rehabilitation facility. He is described as being 5'11" tall, weighing 159 pounds, with blue eyes and brown hair. He was last seen wearing a blue t-shirt, khaki shorts. Crowe has a scar above his right eye, a birthmark on his right shoulder, and multiple tattoos on his arms.

 

Crowe was serving a sentence for Promoting Contraband 1st Degree and Assault 2nd Degree.

 

Anyone who may have information about the location of Thomas B. Crowe is asked to call their local law enforcement or KSP Post 7 at 859.623.2404.

 

The ongoing investigation is being conducted by KSP Trooper John O'dea.

 

PULASKI COUNTY CHILD CARE

 

Pulaski County parents will soon have another option for child care.
Jeff Henderson has details...

 

 

CASEY COUNTY MAN ARRESTED AFTER VIDEO SHOWS HIM ATTEMPT A BURGLARY AT A CHURCH

 

A Casey County man was arrested on Saturday after he was caught on video attempting to steal a catalytic converter from a church van.


44 year old Christopher J. Elkins, of Liberty, was seen on surveillance footage walking up to the van at Dunnville Baptist Church on Saturday. Elkins was wearing camouflage pants, a long-sleeved shirt, a hat, and a mask. He laid on the ground under the van for a brief moment before walking away.


A neighbor who lives near the church also had surveillance footage of Elkins' vehicle. The footage showed Elkins' car driving away from the church heading south on US 127.


Dispatch notified Russell County law enforcement to be on the lookout for Elkins' vehicle. A short time later, Russell County Sheriff's deputies located Elkins' vehicle at the Dollar General store on US 127.


Deputies made contact with Elkins and asked him what he was doing at the church. Elkins initially said he was looking for water, but then admitted that he had intended on cutting off the catalytic converter from the van. Elkins said that his conscience got the best of him and he decided not to steal the converter.


Elkins was arrested and charged with attempted theft by unlawful taking (over $500), and possession of burglary tools. He was transported to the Casey County Jail.


Casey County Deputies Jake Atwood, Tyler Luttrell, & Austin Harris investigated.

 

SLOW DOWN & MOVE OVER FOR EMERGENCY VEHICLES

 

In an effort to protect those who protect us, Kentuckians are urged to slow down and move over if safely possible when passing emergency vehicles.

 

“Every day on our roadways, emergency responders and public safety personnel put their lives at risk to protect the citizens of the commonwealth, and it’s important to do what we can go to support them in return,” said Gov. Andy Beshear, who has made all aspects of highway safety a top administration priority. “Please slow down and move over to help keep these dedicated heroes safe as they work to protect the lives of Kentuckians.”

 

To raise awareness, the Kentucky Office of Highway Safety (KOHS) is joining the Kentucky State Police (KSP) and AAA to promote the “Slow Down and Move Over” message through Aug. 15.

 

“Our goal is to create a safe and equitable transportation system for all Kentuckians, including our first responders.” said Kentucky Transportation Secretary Jim Gray. “While some drivers may believe that moving over is just a courtesy, it is not – it’s the law.”

 

Kentucky passed its Move Over law in 2003 requiring motorists to move over to the adjacent lane when approaching an emergency vehicle or public safety vehicle with flashing lights (KRS 189.930). If changing lanes is impossible or unsafe, motorists must slow down and use caution. Failure to do so can result in fines, jail time or both (KRS 189.993 (8)).

 

The law protects all first responders, including law enforcement, firefighters, emergency medical technicians, paramedics, safety service patrols and towing vehicles.

 

“Imagine trying to do your job as vehicles fly past you at alarming speeds,” said KSP Captain Paul Blanton. “Think about it the next time you see those flashing lights ahead.”

 

Unfortunately, first responders are killed every year by drivers who fail to move over. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Association, 149 law enforcement officers – just one category of first responder – have been killed in traffic-related incidents since 2017.

 

“We’re used to working in dangerous situations; however, our risk increases when a vehicle speeds past us,” said Capt. Blanton. “Giving first responders the space we need allows us to perform our job safely and effectively.”

 

Emergency personnel can only do so much to keep themselves safe on the side of the road. The rest of the responsibility falls on other motorists.

 

“Stay alert, slow down and move over,” said Lori Weaver Hawkins, Public Affairs Manager, AAA Blue Grass. “Those are three simple?yet critical?actions that will save lives. It’s not only the right thing to do, it’s the law.”

 

All 50 states have enacted “Move Over” laws. The first was South Carolina in 1996. Hawaii became the 50th and final in 2012.

 

CCSO: TRAFFIC STOP LEADS TO DUI ARREST

 

A Casey County woman was arrested on Friday after she was pulled over for driving without insurance and was found to be under the influence of drugs.


Stephanie Luttrell, 50, of Liberty, was stopped by Deputy Tyler Luttrell on Old West Ky 70. He noticed that Luttrell's tags were about to expire and ran her plates through dispatch. The system showed that Ms. Luttrell did not have insurance.


Deputies made contact with Luttrell and asked her to step out of the vehicle. They noticed that Luttrell's eyes were glassy and her pupils were pinpointed. When asked if she had taken anything that day, and she said no.


Luttrell agreed to perform a field sobriety test, however, she became irate and refused to follow the instructions. Officers determined that Luttrell was under the influence.


A search of the vehicle revealed a marijuana grinder with residue in it and a glass pipe with meth residue in it.


Luttrell was arrested and charged with no insurance, drug paraphernalia, DUI-controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance, and possession of marijuana.

 

She was transported to the Casey County Jail.


Deputy Tyler Luttrell was assisted by Deputy Jake Atwood.

 

CASEY COUNTY GRAND JURY INDICTMENTS

 

Jantzen C. Hale, of Beldon St., Liberty:  Possession of Methamphetamine-1st Degree/3rd or Subsequent Offense.


Chaz M. Groves, of Ashley Ave., Campbellsville:  Possession of Methamphetamine-1st Degree/2nd Offense; & Drug Paraphernalia.


Celesa L. Waddle, of Caney Fork Rd., Liberty:  Possession of Methamphetamine-1st Degree/2nd Offense; Drug Paraphernalia; & Tampering with Physical Evidence.


Jason L. Murphy, of KY-1547, Liberty:  Bail Jumping-1st Degree; & Persistent Felony Offender-1st Degree.


Michael W. Daniel, of Bastin Creek Rd., Liberty:  Possession of Methamphetamine-1st Degree/3rd or Subsequent Offense; Drug Paraphernalia; & Public Intoxication.


Scott C. Vaught, of E. KY-70, Liberty:  Possession of Methamphetamine-1st Degree/2nd Offense; Drug Paraphernalia; & DUI (Controlled Substance).


Jason L. Murphy, of KY-1547, Liberty:  Possession of Methamphetamine-1st Degree/3rd or Subsequent Offense; Fleeing/Evading Police-1st Degree (motor vehicle); Drug Paraphernalia, Persistent Felony Offender-1st Degree; No Insurance; Carelss Driving; Failure to Wear Seatbelts; Improper Registration Plate, No Registration Receipt; & Excessive Window Tint.


Agustin L. Gomez, address unknown:  Wanton Endangerment-1st Degree (3 counts); Leaving the Scene of an Accident/Failure to Render Aid/Assistance; No Operator's License; No Insurance; Reckless Driving; & Alcohol Intoxication in a Public Place.


Troy L. Pierce, of Scholl St., Jamestown:  Possession of a Handgun by a Convicted Felon; Persistent Felony Offender-1st Degree (mulitple counts); Trafficking Methamphetamine-1st Degree (over 2 grams) (Firearms Enhanced); Tampering with Physical Evidence; Possession of Marijuana (Firearms Enhanced); Possession of Controlled Substance-3rd Degree (Firearms Enhanced); Terroristic Threatening-3rd Degree (mulitple counts); Menacing (mulitple counts); Promoting Contraband-1st Degree; Possession of Meth-1st Degree/3rd or Subsequent Offense.


We remind our listeners, an indictment is only a legal accusation, not an indicator of guilt.