Perry County, Ky – A Perry County murder case tied to a teenager’s death is now headed to a grand jury. Deputies say 26‑year‑old Noah Back is charged with murder after a Feb. 28 side‑by‑side crash in the Vicco community that killed 16‑year‑old Emilynn Clark. Another 16‑year‑old, who told deputies she was driving the UTV, is charged with DUI. Investigators say surveillance video shows Back buying alcohol earlier that day and handing it to a minor waiting outside the store. A judge has now sent the case to a grand jury and set Back’s bond at 200‑thousand dollars, cash or property.

Louisa, Ky – A brush fire along U.S. 23 near Louisa brought out multiple fire departments late Tuesday afternoon. Louisa Fire Chief Eddie Preston says two trucks were damaged, with one rushed by flames and wind and another hit when a tree fell onto the cab. The fire was reported just after 4:30 p.m, and investigators say it started from someone burning brush before wind pushed the flames into a wooded area. Firefighters noted that Kentucky’s current burn restrictions run from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily and say the fire spread over a hill before crews got it under control. A couple of firefighters and a Division of Forestry worker suffered minor burns, but no serious injuries were reported and no homes were damaged.

Rowan County, Ky – Rowan County authorities say skeletal remains found last year in a remote area have now been identified as those of Cameron Lee Boling of Rowan County. The coroner’s office reports a man, and his son discovered the remains while hiking in the Trent Ridge area on April 19th, 2025. Investigators searched the scene and collected additional evidence before sending the remains to the Kentucky State Police forensic lab for examination and DNA testing. Officials say the investigation into Boling’s death is ongoing.

Pike County, Ky – The third man charged in a 2025 Pike County murder case has now pleaded guilty to his role. Michael Shortridge appeared in Pike County Circuit Court Wednesday and pleaded guilty to an amended charge of hindering apprehension in the shooting death of Christopher Lester. Prosecutors had already amended charges for Shortridge and Anthony Browning, leaving Michael Brown as the only defendant still facing a murder charge. Commonwealth’s Attorney Bill Slone says a federal mediation process helped reach the agreement and spared Lester’s family from a painful trial.