Prestonsburg, Ky – People across America and right here in Eastern Kentucky are feeling the squeeze as everyday costs continue to climb. Now, add shipping to that list. Starting Sunday, the U.S. Postal Service will roll out a temporary 8 percent price increase on services like Priority Mail and USPS Ground Advantage. The hike is tied to rising transportation costs and will stay in place through January 17th. USPS says this increase is smaller than what many private carriers are charging and adds that First Class stamp prices will not be affected.
Inez, Ky – Appalachia Reach Out has announced plans to demolish the former Inez Motel, a downtown building that has fallen into disrepair. The project marks the first step in a larger effort to revitalize the area and expand services across Martin County. The demolition contract has been awarded to Howells Recycling of Debord, keeping the work local. ARO leaders say the goal is to create a space that better serves families while improving the look and feel of downtown Inez. Once demolition is complete, fundraising and phased construction plans will move forward as part of a long-term vision for the community.
Magoffin County, Ky – A man wanted in connection with a series of Wolfe County barn burnings has been found in Magoffin County and is now in custody. Deputies say four people were indicted in the case, which involves several fires reported in December 2025. Three of the suspects — 27-year-old Corey Wallen, 36-year-old Brian Harper, and 27-year-old Joshua Spencer — were arrested soon after the fires and face multiple arson, criminal mischief, menacing, and animal cruelty charges. The fourth suspect, identified as Freddy Fletcher, was located at a residence on Far Middle Fork in Magoffin County after deputies followed up on a tip. Magoffin County Deputy Eugene Salyer says Fletcher tried to hide inside the home before surrendering and being taken to the Big Sandy Regional Detention Center.
Boyd County, Ky – A man accused of murdering two sisters in Boyd County have pleaded guilty, avoiding a trial. Ashland Police say 36-year-old John Tooson V, of Rossford, Ohio, admitted to two counts of murder, first-degree wanton endangerment, first-degree robbery, and possession of a handgun by a convicted felon. He was charged in the June 17, 2022, shooting deaths of sisters Selina Easter, 20, and Summer Algarakhuly, 18, while Easter’s 2-month-old baby was present but not hurt. Tooson fled to Toledo, barricaded himself, and shot himself before being taken into custody and later extradited back to Kentucky. Sentencing is set for June 25, 2026, under a deal calling for life in prison without parole for at least 25 years, with sentences running concurrently.