PIKE COUNTY, KY – Federal court trials and hearings will soon end in Pikeville, following an order from Chief U.S. District Judge David Bunning. Starting after December 31, all new and pending federal cases in Pikeville will be reassigned. Cases from Pike, Floyd, Knott, and Letcher counties will go to the federal courthouse in London, while those from Johnson, Magoffin, and Martin counties will shift to the Ashland courthouse. The order impacts federal proceedings across Eastern Kentucky.

 

FLOYD COUNTY, KY – With SNAP benefits temporarily on hold, Floyd County Schools is reassuring families that free breakfasts and lunches will continue as normal for all students. Nutrition Director Brian Handshoe says there’s no change for now, with federal funding secured for school meals through at least November 15. Floyd County’s schools serve free meals to every student through the CEP program, feeding about 4,000 kids a day—an essential support for families in a county where 77% live in poverty. If federal funding changes, officials say they’ll quickly reevaluate to keep kids fed.

 

JOHNSON COUNTY, KY – The Big Sandy Regional Detention Center is facing a major financial crisis after Auditor Darrell Blair warned board members, they’re nearly broke, with expenses outpacing revenue by over $500,000 last year. Officials blame rising payroll costs, a drop in inmate numbers, and an upcoming $350,000 insurance bill. Salaries have tripled in five years, leaving no easy cuts. The board plans to ask Johnson, Martin, Magoffin, and Lawrence counties to increase their inmate housing rates, which are currently the lowest in Kentucky.

 

INEZ, KY – Martin County is moving forward with a major buyout plan for flood-prone homes, using nearly $7 million in federal aid to help residents relocate. The county has secured a $5.7 million USDA grant to purchase 27 properties affected by repeated flooding, with a 10% local match. A separate $1.44 million FEMA grant will buy out seven priority homes in Inez, where flash flooding has hit hardest. Once bought, all properties must remain in green spaces. The county says it will keep seeking funds to help more families move to safer ground.