PIKEVILLE, KY – Attorneys for Michael “M.K.” McKinney has filed a motion objecting to further delays in his murder trial, which is set for December 1. Prosecutors recently requested a continuance, citing pending DNA analysis on several items. McKinney’s defense argues he has a right to a speedy trial, criticizing the Commonwealth for holding him on high bond based on evidence they claim is already strong enough to proceed, and calling additional delays unfair and unnecessary. The case is being tried in Pike County due to concerns public opinion may affect jury selection. The court will consider motions from both sides at a pretrial conference scheduled for Thursday.
PIKE COUNTY, KY – Three men accused in the double murder of Jacob Adair and Rodney Estep in Belfry, appeared in court Thursday. Jolon McCree, Devon Overstreet, and Orlando Pack Jr. stand charged with two counts of murder, attempted murder of Chasity Adair, and robbery, after the October 2023 shooting near Tug Fork Apartments. Prosecutors shared that DNA test results are now complete, and defense attorneys plan to review them before making further motions. A pretrial conference is set for January 29, with the jury trial scheduled for April 27, 2026.
LOUISA, KY – A woman was seriously injured after being struck by a train around 2:45 p.m. Tuesday afternoon in Louisa, near Jackson Brothers garage and Jefferson Street. Emergency crews from Louisa Police, Fire, and Patriot EMS responded quickly, finding the woman alert with potentially severe injuries. After first aid, responders moved her under the stopped CSX train to reach EMS, blocking city crossings and forcing teams to access the scene from multiple locations. She was taken to Cabell Huntington Hospital, and her identity has not been released as police continue to investigate the incident.
JOHNSON COUNTY, KY – Emergency crews responded to an ATV crash late Friday night on Ramey Branch Road, in Johnson County, just off KY 172. The accident happened several miles up a remote logging road around 11:23 p.m. The ATV rolled roughly 400 feet down a hillside, injuring both the driver and a passenger. Due to difficult weather and terrain, rescue agencies faced delays reaching the scene. Specialized ATVs and rope teams were used, and several responders hiked through rugged terrain to locate and help the victims. Both individuals were safely transported to Paintsville ARH for treatment.
COAL RUN, KY – Two pedestrians were struck while crossing US 23 Northbound in Coal Run Village late Friday evening, leaving one woman dead and a man hospitalized at Pikeville Medical Center. The accident happened near the Rural King intersection, shutting down US 23 and forcing crews to reroute traffic into Saturday morning. Coal Run Police and Kentucky State Police are investigating, with no indication so far that the driver was at fault. No further details have been released at this time.
FRANKFORT, KY – Governor Andy Beshear has declared a state of emergency over a possible lapse in SNAP benefits, signing an executive order on Friday to release $5 million from Kentucky’s budget reserve for Feeding Kentucky food banks. These food banks serve all 120 counties, helping one in seven Kentuckians every year. The emergency funding aims to make sure families across the commonwealth continue to have access to food while SNAP assistance is disrupted. For now, residents in need can contact local Feeding Kentucky food banks for support.
FLOYD COUNTY, KY – Kentucky’s Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP, is now accepting applications for the Fall Subsidy component, helping families cover high winter heating bills. Enrollment is open November 3 through December 12, on a first come, first serve basis. Applicants must apply in person at their local Community Action Program office and bring required documents including proof of Social Security numbers, income, physical address, and the latest electric bill if that’s the main heating source. You can visit capky.org to find your nearest office.