Inez, Ky – An incident at Martin County High School is renewing concern about student vaping. A student got sick this week after exposure to a possibly contaminated vape, and Superintendent Larry James says it is not the first incident this year. He says the district is meeting with staff and planning assemblies, guest speakers, and parent outreach to warn about vaping dangers from elementary through high school. The case is under investigation, the vape devices are being tested, and officials say the student is expected to be OK.
Letcher County, Ky – A Letcher County woman has lost the first round of her lawsuit against the Jenkins Independent School District, but the case is continuing. Elizabeth Jones sued the district and several officials after a letter from the board’s attorney banned her from all schools and district events over social media posts called harassment. A judge denied her request for a temporary restraining order, saying it did not meet legal requirements and would only last about 14 days. But the judge said he will fast‑track a decision on a preliminary injunction that could allow her to return to school property, though there is no timeline yet.
Prestonsburg, Ky – An incident at Prestonsburg High School is raising concerns about a new kind of AI threat. Floyd County Schools say officials are working with law enforcement after AI‑generated images and video involving students were discovered following a verbal dispute this week. An internal review found inappropriate content of a student was created off campus, but all students involved attended Prestonsburg High, including the creator. The case was referred to a Court Designated Worker, and the district is urging parents to talk with students about responsible online behavior and the serious consequences of misuse.
Floyd County, Ky – A Richmond woman is facing charges after deputies say she was under the influence in a Floyd County school pickup line. A citation says Deputy Jeremy Shepherd approached a vehicle in the parent line at Duff-Allen Central Elementary on January 14 and found 30-year-old Jessica Rocha behind the wheel, smelling of marijuana, with three children inside. She allegedly admitted using marijuana that morning, showed signs of intoxication, and handed over suspected marijuana. Rocha was arrested and charged with aggravated first-offense DUI, driving on a suspended license, marijuana possession, and first-degree wanton endangerment.