July 4th, 2024 – HAPPY 2448TH BIRTHDAY AMERICA!
Showers and thunderstorms are likely today with the temperatures and humidity levels climbing as we get into the America’s 248th birthday, fireworks celebrations will start in Prestonsburg somewhere around 930-10 this evening weather permitting.
For years it was a hot spot to cool down, but since 2019 the Paintsville pool has been shut down and failed an inspection in 2021, Mayor Bill Mike Runyon says the pandemic set them back. The pool has been a staple for years in the community as a place where people could go and gather and just have a good time. So a lot are asking if this part of the community will return? The answer is yes. Mayor Runyon has stated that over a million dollars, close to a million and a half actually, has been allocated for the construction of new locker rooms and showers, as well as a new concession stand, and of course the Olympic size pool, we’re told it should be good to go next year.
A Paintsville woman was arrested on charges including DUI and wanton endangerment after, police said, she was found to be driving drunk with a small child in her vehicle. According to an arrest citation written by Paintsville Police Officer Darrell Preston, on June 22, the department received a 911 call from retired PPD Chief Mike Roe who reported a 2021 Toyota Corolla had run off the road and crossed the center line several times. Preston wrote that he located the vehicle in the drive-through of a gas station on Ky. 321 where the driver, later identified as Rachael Irene Woods, 30, of Frank Street, bought alcoholic beverages. Preston wrote that he got behind the vehicle and witnessed the vehicle crossing the center line several times and conducted a traffic stop. Preston wrote that he saw a four-year-old child asleep and unsecured in the back seat of Woods’ vehicle. Woods was lodged in the BSRDC on charges of DUI, first-degree wanton endangerment, failure to use a child restraint device in a vehicle and traffic charges.
Crews have confirmed that work is expected to start in July to replace the bridge on KY Rt. 3334 Old Lick Creek Road that was closed last month when an inspection revealed significant decline of the bridge beams. Magoffin County Judge/Executive Matthew Wireman said the engineer for Kentucky Transportation Cabinet District 10 has confirmed that the design is complete, and the beams are being ordered this week. They also said they have a contractor ready to begin the work whenever the beams arrive. While it all depends on when the beams are ready, the project is expected to begin mid-July and they hope to have it finished before school starts in August.
A Magoffin County man was sentenced to 27 years in prison on charges related to sexually abusing a minor. Stuart Horton, 31, from Left Fork Johnson, in Magoffin County, was found guilty and sentenced, with the judge accepting his plea deal and sentencing him to 27 years in prison for his charges of first-degree sodomy, victim under 12 years old (Class A felony); first-degree rape, victim under 12 years old (Class A felony); and first-degree sexual abuse, victim under 12 years old (Class C felony). Under the plea deal, he will be required to comply with lifetime sexual offender registration and will have five years conditional discharge after his sentence is served. He can have no contact with the victim, but the Commonwealth agreed to not object to phone calls with Horton’s son. He was locked up at the Big Sandy Regional Detention Center, last we heard.
(Stuart Horton)
Law enforcement is out on roads all over Kentucky looking for anyone driving under the influence this 4th. Since they started these campaigns, the number of fatalities has decreased, thankfully. You can expect to see State Troopers, officers and deputies and practically every law enforcement agency to be looking out for speeding, intoxicated drivers, and of course people who aren’t buckled up. Fines are steep and those points on your license can add up fast. Enough of those, and you’re back on your feet…walking. Think of it like this, you could wind up hurting a child, family, yourself or worse. Death is a heartbeat away, let’s not tempt it, please don’t drink and drive. Get a ride from a friend or family member, ride share or something. Drive when you’re sober. Not clobbered.
