We’ll see a chance of thunderstorms increasing throughout today as temperatures get to be a bit cooler than yesterday. But any outdoor plans for the weekend look good, details on the forecast are in a few minutes.
The estate of Amber Spradlin has filed a civil complaint against multiple defendants, alleging negligence, wrongful death, evidence tampering, obstruction of justice and other claims. The lawsuit was filed by Melisa Samons, who is the administrator of Spradlin’s estate, and also against numerous defendants within Floyd County. The complaint claims that the county and city were negligent in transferring 911 service from Kentucky State Police to the City of Prestonsburg without making sure that Prestonsburg Police was “adequately prepared, staffed, funded and otherwise ready to handle 911 calls in an appropriate manner.” The complaint also asserts 911 was negligent in not checking up on a 911 call placed from a house on June 17th, last year and alleges that Spradlin’s murder was not reported “until after efforts were made to cover up the crime.” The lawsuit seeks damages for past mental and physical pain and suffering; medical bills and expenses; actual, consequential, incidental and foreseeable damages; destruction of the power to earn money; punitive damages and legal costs. A copy of the suit is below Amber’s picture.
No criminal charges have been filed in connection with the murder.
A bridge in Letcher County has been closed after a recent inspection. Officials with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet announced the Blackey Bridge is closed, effective immediately. The bridge is located along KY-588 at the junction of KY-7. Officials said they found structural issues with the bridge. Barricades have been placed at each end of the bridge as a result. Officials said drivers will have to find an alternate route. Drivers can detour using KY 160 to KY 15 or KY 2036 to KY 7 towards Perry County.
A Clay County man faces several charges after police said he assaulted a first responder. Police and EMS responded to a complaint about a man causing problems in a home early Tuesday morning. Once they arrived, police found 38-year-old Joshua Stapleton of Manchester who reportedly told police he “wanted a preacher and had been up for two days. He was taken into custody after the assault on the first responder.
A Clay County inmate is back in jail after escaping from a work release site. Clay County Sheriff Patrick Robinson said that Skylar Hubbard, 20, of Clay County was found near Upper Rader Road in Clay County Monday night. Hubbard is now facing additional charges for escape, fleeing and evading police on foot, and fleeing and evading police in a car. Sheriff Robinson said Hubbard walked off a work site near an Apartment complex last Thursday.
Renovations at Alice Lloyd College began last year when students went home for summer break. During this time officials at the college decided it was time to make some improvements around campus. Those improvements were new women’s dormitories and renovations to the men’s dormitories. Officials said these renovations will give more students in Eastern Kentucky a chance to earn an education. Officials also completed work on the college’s new bell tower chapel and new bridges across campus but are still in the process of completing numerous other projects around campus.
The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources is alerting the public to the potential for black bear sightings statewide, particularly in early summer as young males scatter to establish new territories and search for mates. Black bears naturally avoid humans and dogs, according to KDFWR officials, and adverse encounters are rare. Officials strongly advise against feeding bears and approaching them. Residents should secure garbage and pet food indoors and clean grills after use to minimize wildlife conflicts.
