FLOYD COUNTY KY, – ARH Director of External Affairs Nika Larian took part in the God’s Pantry Telethon for Hunger Action Month, presenting a $100,000 matching donation on behalf of ARH. The gift is part of a larger $200,000 sponsorship for the God’s Pantry Rescue Program, which aims to collect surplus food and distribute it to those in need across the region. Larian said the partnership will put two co-branded vans on the road in Prestonsburg and London, where they’ll gather excess food from local retailers for distribution in Eastern Kentucky. Larian also highlighted how nearly a billion meals are wasted each day and said food rescue can play a crucial role in reducing waste and fighting hunger.
JOHNSON COUNTY, KY – The KY 321 bridge near Hager Hill in Johnson County is now closed following a recent inspection by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. The bridge, which crosses the Levisa Fork of the Big Sandy River just north of the KY 1107 intersection, was found to have issues with its substructure. Officials closed the bridge to all traffic for safety reasons, placing barricades at each end. Drivers are being directed to use alternative routes. The Transportation Cabinet says more updates will be shared when available.
FRANKFORT KY – Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman has announced a lawsuit against the gaming and social platform Roblox, alleging the company knowingly allowed predators to distribute child sex abuse material and groom child victims on the platform. Coleman stated that Roblox is home to dangerous sextortion groups and other bad actors, adding, “We are holding this platform accountable for sextortion and we’re holding this platform accountable for child sex abuse material.” According to the Attorney General, nearly two-thirds of U.S. children aged 9 to 12 play games on Roblox, which was valued at $41 billion in 2021. Roblox has issued a statement defending its safety practices and described the lawsuit as “sensationalized.”
MORGAN COUNTY, KY – A fatal crash on KY 519 at the Morgan and Rowan County line claimed the life of 68-year-old Donnie Smith of West Liberty. Police were called just before noon Tuesday. Investigators say Smith was headed southbound when he crossed the centerline, hit several construction barrels, and struck a parked construction truck. The truck’s driver, 57-year-old Anthony Thomas, was inside but uninjured. Smith was pronounced dead at the scene by the Rowan County Deputy Coroner.
PAINTSVILLE KY – An Ohio man arrested after police found over two pounds of meth in a Paintsville traffic stop is moving toward a guilty plea. Anttwan Dewayne Freeman, 24, of Akron, was taken into custody in March 2024 after officers discovered two bags of meth under the car’s gear shift. Federal prosecutors charged Freeman with possession of more than 500 grams of meth with intent to distribute—a crime carrying 10 years to life in prison. His attorney recently asked the judge to allow Freeman to change his plea, indicating a deal may have been reached. The judge will decide if the request is granted.
WOLFE COUNTY, KY – Two people are dead and three others critically injured following a violent head-on collision Tuesday on the Bert T Combs Mountain Parkway. Kentucky State Police say a Johnson County man driving eastbound in a minivan crossed the center line near mile marker 47, striking a Hyundai Elantra head-on. Robbin Burchett, 56, of Paintsville, and Katelyn Harmon, 27, of Salyersville, both passengers, were pronounced dead at the scene. The Elantra’s driver and a 9-year-old passenger are in critical condition, while a toddler suffered minor injuries. The crash remains under investigation.
FLOYD COUNTY, KY – A Floyd County man has been sentenced on child pornography charges. Thirty-nine-year-old Matthew D. Williams of Printer was given five years in prison on eight counts of possessing matter portraying a sexual performance by a minor under 12. After serving one year, Williams will be eligible for five years of supervised probation as part of a plea agreement. Kentucky State Police arrested Williams in March 2024 after an undercover investigation revealed he had uploaded explicit images of minors online. Evidence was seized from his home during a search, and Williams later admitted his involvement.