PIKEVILLE KY, – Two men charged in a 2019 Pike County murder appeared in court Wednesday. Adrian Smith was found dead near South Williamson’s flood wall in July 2019. Charles Ray Blevins, a suspect, was captured this year after six years on the run and arraigned in Pike County. Police also arrested Demetra Smith, accused of leading Adrian to the scene. Both men, who are brothers, now face murder charges. Prosecutors say the victim’s mother will help shape how the case moves forward, with mediation set for December.
MARTIN COUNTY, KY – A Lovely man was arrested October 2 after allegedly conducting a drug deal right outside the Martin County Judicial Center courtroom. Security officers spotted 49-year-old Amos Ray Evans handing over cash on surveillance video. Sheriff John Kirk responded and searched Evans, finding a receipt wrapped around a crystal-like substance suspected to be meth inside his watch pocket. Evans denied wrongdoing, but he now faces charges of first-degree possession of methamphetamine.
PERRY COUNTY, KY – The Housing Development Alliance is expanding its Skyview Housing site in Perry County to help flood survivors rebuild. Executive Director Scott McReynolds says, in the coming months, homes will go up by the tens, with HDA constructing 32 of 50 units awarded by the state. Nearly $300 million in federal flood relief is funding the effort, which involves support from state and local leaders. Lead carpenter Tommy Brewer says these homes offer real hope for those hit hardest by the 2022 and 2025 floods, with at least 100 planned for the site.
PIKE COUNTY, KY – The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet will begin embankment repairs on KY 3414 in Pike County October 9. Crews will work from the mouth of Left Fork of Long Fork up to the end of state maintenance. The project includes two phases: drilling steel, lasting two to three weeks with daily closures from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., cribbing repairs, expected to take two more weeks with limited traffic access. Motorists should plan ahead and expect delays. The schedule may change due to weather conditions.