WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 2026  ·  EASTERN KENTUCKY'S COMMUNITY NEWS HUB
All the news from the hollows & hills of Eastern Kentucky

Today's Stories 63 stories · Updated 12:11 PM

Mountain Eagle1h ago

Darrell Dean Cornett, 92, a retired NASA engineer from Arab, Alabama, carried on a family tradition dating back more than 70 years to the end of the Korean War when he rang the family dinner bell at the Cornett family reunion in Blackey. More photos appear inside. The post Bell still calls family together first appeared on The Mountain Eagle .

Mountain Eagle1h ago

Letcher Volunteer Fire Department is back on its feet a year after the department went broke and its fire and ambulance services stopped. The fire service is back open, and officials say Neon Fire and Rescue is expected to move an ambulance into the station soon. The Neon service is currently taking calls in the area from its Whitesburg substation. [...] The post Letcher Fire Dept. reopens as ex-c

Mountain Eagle1h ago

Tornado sirens are something western Kentuckians and those in other parts of Tornado Alley are used to. But there is a move now to install sirens in Letcher County and link them to stream gauges that will be installed around eastern Kentucky. According to Chris Back, a grant writer with the Kentucky River Area Development District, the U.S. Geological Survey [...] The post ‘Warning sirens’ in work

Mountain Eagle1h ago

“Malachi always had a football in his hands,” said Torino Brown, Malachi’s father. “His uncle was about 6-foot-5, and Malachi always prayed for height and the other abilities that God has blessed him with. He was always doing drills as a kid, and I told him if he kept working, he could be special. He took me seriously and put [...] The post Family, football fuel UK recruit from Corbin first appear

Mountain Eagle1h ago

It seems summertime has arrived for sure in our area. Daytime temperatures are reaching into the upper 80s and 90s, and the humidity can be very high, making it difficult to fish during mid-day. When we go fishing this time of year, we try to go early in the morning, late in the evening or even at night. The temperatures [...] The post Finding bass and crappie in the summer heat first appeared on

Mountain Eagle1h ago

I have been telling you that after my Lake Erie fishing trip — where, after many setbacks, we still managed to catch a boatload of walleye — my next fishing adventure would be to St. Augustine, Florida, in August. Well, plans change, and this time they changed for the better. I have been invited to fish with Morgan’s Guide Service [...] The post The best part isn’t always about the fish you catch

Mountain Eagle1h ago

When Arch and Artie Cornett hosted the first Cornett family reunion on the family homeplace off River Road in Blackey near the end of the Korean War, three of their children — Elwood Cornett, 88, Darrell Dean Cornett, 96, and Mildred Cornett Strunk — were there to take part. More than 70 years later, the three surviving members of the [...] The post Family tradition has endured over 70 years first

Mountain Eagle1h ago

A Blackey man was charged with first-degree wanton endangerment after allegedly coasting his vehicle with two children inside down Pound Mountain in the wrong lanes of U.S. 23. Zachary Allen Jones, 28, 87 Iris Hill, Blackey, is charged with first-degree possession of controlled substance (first offense, methamphetamine), and two counts of first-degree wanton endangerment. According to Jenkins Poli

WTVQ ABC 369h ago

FRANKFORT, Ky. (ABC 36 NEWS NOW) - The Air Race Classic, an all-women cross-country air race with nearly 100 years of history, touched down in Frankfort Tuesday as part of its three-day, 2,400-mile journey across the United States. More than 100 pilots of all ages, from collegiate crews to experienced commercial aviators, are participating in the race, which began Tuesday...

WTVQ ABC 369h ago

ROCKCASTLE COUNTY, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) - One man is dead following a multi-vehicle collision near Big Hill early Tuesday morning, the Rockcastle County Sheriff's Office reports. According to the agency, the collision happened just before 5 a.m. on Highway 421. An investigation reveals that a vehicle with four occupants "appeared to have crossed paths" with a 2012 Chevrolet Tahoe...

WTVQ ABC 3614h ago

After an unsettled start to the week with some heavy rain causing some localized flooding issues in a few locations, it was a less active Tuesday across the region as high pressure pushed drier air into the region. Location was key as a north breeze brought mainly sunny and pleasant conditions to Central Kentucky, while some leftover moisture in the southeastern...

Mountain Top Media15h ago

RICHMOND, Ky. — Virginia legislators have finalized a recreational marijuana bill, ending an five-year effort to open licensed cannabis dispensaries in the state. Under the bill, up to 350 dispensary licenses will be issued, with the first dispensaries allowed to open July 1, 2027. Those interested in applying for a license can do so beginning in February. The bill increases the amount of marijuan

Mountain Top Media16h ago

by GOV. ANDY BESHEAR In the last few weeks, my administration received a number of calls and emails from Kentuckians concerned about painful cuts to Medicaid, behavioral health services and senior meals. These are very real and valid concerns that I want to address. First, I want Kentuckians to know that these cuts were completely avoidable. In January, I put forward a balanced budget that funded

Harlan Enterprise16h ago

FRANKFORT - Sightings of black bears have recently been occurring in neighborhoods, backyards, urban areas, and even on dash cams and doorbell cameras in areas of Kentucky not accustomed to [...]

Harlan Enterprise17h ago

You see it everywhere. In Genesis, Jacob deceives his brother to get the birthright and is then tricked into marrying the daughter called cow eyes. It happens again and again [...]

Mountain Top Media18h ago

PRESTONSBURG, Ky. — A Johnson County man has been arrested for charges connected to a fatal crash more than a year ago. Joshua Conley, 42, of Boyd Branch in Paintsville, is now charged with vehicular homicide, DUI and driving on a DUI-suspended license. The vehicular homicide charge is the most serious, punishable by 10-to-20 years in prison. He is accused of being under the influence when he was

Mountain Top Media19h ago

WISE, Va. — The Health Wagon introduces Dr. Kristin Glover, PharmD, BCACP, as Director of Pharmacy Services/Pharmacist-in-Charge at St. Mary’s Faith Pharmacy. Dr. Kristin Glover, PharmD, BCACP, is a board-certified ambulatory care pharmacist with more than 18 years of experience across community pharmacy, clinical patient care, and pharmacy leadership. She brings a rare combination of advanced cli

Mountain Top Media19h ago

PIKEVILLE, Ky. – Pikeville Medical Center is proud to announce the successful completion of its first solo MitraClip procedure. The groundbreaking, minimally-invasive procedure was performed by Maen Assali, MD, an interventional cardiologist at the Heart & Vascular Institute of Eastern Kentucky, offering a new, life-changing treatment option for patients with severe mitral regurgitation who are co

Kentucky Lantern21h ago

Kentucky is in a housing crisis. We know this. Our state suffers a shortage of more than 200,000 homes and the vast majority of that gap is a lack of housing for low-income households or those who can only afford to pay $500 a month in rent. We know that people’s wages aren’t keeping up [...]

Kentucky Lantern22h ago

FRANKFORT – The latest finance report filed by Gov. Andy Beshear's super PAC shows all of the signs of a campaign committee of a presidential candidate. It also discloses a big contribution from a first-time Beshear donor. The political action committee is called In This Together PAC Inc., and the report it filed with the [...]

Harlan Enterprise23h ago

Barbara S. Wynn, 82, of Cecilton, Maryland, died June 5, 2026. Tammy McQueen, 63, of Lejunior, died June 14, 2026. James Carr, 74, of Harlan, died June 1, 2026. Earl [...]

Mountain Top MediaJun 22

PRESTONSBURG, Ky. — A fifth former employee is now suing Mountain Comprehensive Care, claiming she was punished and ultimately fired for fulfilling her job duties to enforce legally mandated patient protection safeguards and ensure lawful Medicaid billing. Jennifer Salisbury filed her complaint against Mountain Comprehensive Care and its subsidiary, Mountain Plus Services, last week. Her complaint

Harlan EnterpriseJun 22

As we prepare for the upcoming Fourth, the 250th celebration with fireworks, food, family, and all the familiar sayings like "Let Freedom Ring." But sometimes I wonder... do we really [...]

Mountain Top MediaJun 22

PRESS RELEASE: UK ATHLETICS LEXINGTON, Ky. – Seven members of the Kentucky STUNT team were named All-Americans by the College STUNT Coaches Association on Sunday. Alyssa Arkava, Addison Crawford, Isabella Doria, Isabella Franzella, Emma Green and Mackenzie Secrest were all named first-team All-Americans. Arkava, a junior from Brentwood, Tennessee, earned first-team honors for the third consecutive

Mountain Top MediaJun 22

BELCHER, Ky. — A Pike County couple has pleaded not guilty in a case involving allegations of child sexual abuse. Chester Brian Adkins, 55, and Suetta Adkins, 50, both of Belcher, were indicted earlier this month on two counts of first-degree sexual abuse. Chester Adkins is also charged with two counts of third-degree sodomy and two counts of incest with a victim younger than 12. The indictment ac

Salyersville IndependentJun 19

BOWLING GREEN – The Magoffin County girls who traveled to Bowling Green for the Miss Kentucky Scholarship Pageant last week represented the county well, coming back with numerous awards and many once-in-a-lifetime memories. Miss Magoffin Erin Grace Rudd was absolutely breathtaking on stage, waking with grace and putting on a stellar performance, and making it [...]

Appalachian News-ExpressJun 19

Some things you're just not ready for. You don't realize that until that thing lands at your feet.

Salyersville IndependentJun 19

SALYERSVILLE – A Magoffin County man was arrested reportedly after nearly hitting a police officer head-on. On June 11, Salyersville Police Department Officer Donavon Watson was patrolling on KY Rt. 7 in the Gardner Trail area and was crossing the bridge going toward the red light at the junction of Rt. 7, Church Street and [...]

Salyersville IndependentJun 19

SALYERSVILLE – The following indictment was released from a Magoffin County grand jury, dated December 22, 2025, as the defendant was picked up on an arrest warrant in the case last Sunday. Robert Spradlin, 44, of Auxier, is charged with first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance, first offense, greater than or equal to two grams [...]

Salyersville IndependentJun 19

Ten Magoffin County High School students were recently recognized for their hard work and future aspirations during the annual senior scholarship awards ceremony held at the school on Tuesday, May 26. Through funds administered by Blue Grass Community Foundation, these students received financial support that will help them pursue higher education and prepare for successful [...]

Salyersville IndependentJun 19

SALYERSVILLE – The Salyersville City Council met in regular session on June 15, discussing ongoing projects and hearing timed comments from the public. The council approved a Municipal Road Aid Agreement Resolution to make the City eligible for some state funding, but Mayor Stanley Howard said the state road aid funding is down this year. [...]

Salyersville IndependentJun 19

SALYERSVILLE -The Magoffin County Fiscal met in regular session on Tuesday, discussing The court approved the following fund transfers from the general fund: $75,000 to the jail fund, and $20,000 to the road fund. Magoffin County Judge/Executive Don McFarland said he would work with the county attorney and the local judges to see if they [...]

Salyersville IndependentJun 19

HONEYSUCKLE LANE – A mobile home was destroyed in an early morning fire on Wednesday. Salyersville Fire Chief Paul Howard told the Independent crews were called at approximately 3:30 a.m. on June 17 to a fire on Honeysuckle Lane, off of KY Rt. 40 near the Magoffin/Johnson county line. The mobile home, owned by Diana [...]

Salyersville IndependentJun 19

SALYERSVILLE, Ky. — Daegan Caudill, 16-year-old son of Shandie Howard and a sophomore at Magoffin County High School, has been accepted into the Kentucky State Police Youth Academy. He will be the first student from MCHS. This summer, Daegan will spend a week on Trooper Island, where he will participate in a hands-on program designed [...]

Appalachian News-ExpressJun 19

Belfry wants to become a city, and an independent group wants the entire county wet, meaning alcohol sales for all. Naturally, there’s a buzz (pun intended) surrounding the efforts.

Appalachian News-ExpressJun 18

Mullins Elementary School Principal Ricky Thacker recently announced the students who qualified for the fourth nine-week honor roll during the 2025-26 school year. Those students are:

Appalachian News-ExpressJun 18

The Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce announced in a statement on June 18 that longtime President and CEO Jordan Gibson, MBA, IOM, KyACE, has resigned to accept a new position as a wealth advisor with Community Trust Wealth and Trust Management.

100 Days in AppalachiaJun 15

Throughout the Ohio River island’s history, flora and fauna have reacted and adjusted to human development like oil and gas wells. As humans abandoned the infrastructure, they've reclaimed their space. The post Muskingum: The End of an Island Refuge's Fossil Fuel Legacy appeared first on 100 Days in Appalachia .