Prestonsburg, Ky – 360 Contracting has broken ground on the new Floyd County Animal Shelter, with crews pouring footers at the site on February 16. Owner Tonya Johnson says the modern facility will feature improved ventilation, plumbing and more space, creating a safer, cleaner environment for both animals and staff. She calls the project especially meaningful because she’s an animal lover who has adopted pets from the shelter herself. Staff member Alexis Craft says watching the new building take shape feels like a dream come true and will change their daily routines, with more room for intakes, bathing and a large play yard for exercise and training. Shelter leaders hope the community will rally behind the project as they work to make a long-planned vision a reality.

Magoffin County, Ky – One man has entered a guilty plea in a federal drug case. Court documents say Robert Pilgrim was arrested during an August 2023 traffic stop in Magoffin County, where officers found fentanyl, cocaine, and more than 50 grams of meth. He was federally indicted in October 2024 on a charge of possessing 500 grams or more of meth with intent to distribute. In a recent plea agreement, Pilgrim admitted to possessing 50 grams or more of meth with intent to distribute. His sentencing is set for June 11 in Lexington.

Paintsville, Ky – Two men, including a corrections officer, have been charged after an incident at the Big Sandy Regional Detention Center. Court documents say that on February 20, Joseph Harris of Calf Creek Road in Inez came to the jail with another person to pick up his brother-in-law, officer Sebastian Stewart, from work. An altercation happened on jail property, and documents say Stewart struck Harris, an incident caught on video. Paintsville Police arrested Harris at the scene, charging him with alcohol intoxication and fourth-degree assault, after he admitted he had more than five shots and hit Stewart. Harris was lodged in the jail, and Stewart was later arrested on a warrant, then suspended while the investigation continues.

Pike County, Ky – The Pike County Fiscal Court has voted to rescind a landfill contract for the Myra and Dorton area. In a special-called meeting on February 24, the court went into executive session for nearly 30 minutes before returning to vote 3–1 to void the deal, which had taken effect February 10. District 1 Commissioner Ronald Scott, District 2 Commissioner Clinard “Bubby” Adkins and District 3 Commissioner Freddie Lewis voted to vacate the contract, while Judge-Executive Ray Jones cast the lone “no” vote.  Commissioners said they did not believe the agreement was fair to the county or the incoming court and worried a reimbursement clause for the company’s expenses could financially harm the county.