WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18, 2026  ·  EASTERN KENTUCKY'S COMMUNITY NEWS HUB
All the news from the hollows & hills of Eastern Kentucky

Today's Stories 61 stories · Updated 02:42 PM

Harlan Enterprise1h ago

FRANKFORT, Ky. (KT) - The Kentucky State Police (KSP) say current and former employees at two Kentucky state prisons are among those facing charges stemming from separate investigations. After Eastern [...]

Harlan Enterprise1h ago

If there's one thing that I've learned in this life, it's that what things look like and what they actually are may be very different things. Case in point, I [...]

Mountain Eagle3h ago

The Jenkins City Council has approved a resolution supporting a plan to renovate the former Elkhorn Country Club into a hotel. Letcher County currently has no motels or hotels following the closure of the Parkway Inn in Whitesburg. Bed-and-breakfasts and short-term rentals are the only lodging options. Now, Jonathan and Esther Brooke Tucker hope to convert the abandoned clubhouse at [...] The post

Mountain Eagle3h ago

A federal lawsuit filed against the Jenkins Independent Board of Education by a Letcher County vlogger is among several cases facing delays after a Whitesburg attorney was found in contempt of court and suspended from practicing in federal courts. Chief U.S. District Judge David Bunning has suspended attorney Jennifer L. Taylor from practicing in the U.S. District Court for the [...] The post Judg

Mountain Eagle3h ago

Forty-four months after the Kentucky River rose more than three feet inside the Blackey Public Library, the building’s lower level remains gutted — and now the upper level could require major changes as well. The split-level library includes an addition at the rear that sits several feet higher than the front section. Although the upper level did not flood, it [...] The post Blackey library still

Mountain Eagle3h ago

After Kam Williams broke his foot against Texas on Jan. 21 and needed surgery, it seemed almost certain he would miss the remainder of Kentucky’s season. Williams’ father, Greg, knew that was a possibility but also noted there was a “chance” he might return for postseason play if all went well. Last week, Williams was back on the court for [...] The post Kam Williams puts team first first appeared

Mountain Eagle3h ago

Given the return to cold weather we’ve had this week, it might seem hard to believe that Friday is officially the first day of spring. The cool mornings, along with warmer days and evenings, will cause lake surface temperatures to slowly rise. As with everything in fishing, this happens for a reason. In early spring, pre-spawn bass begin moving into [...] The post Time to crank up the spring bite

Mountain Eagle3h ago

As I look out the window, at first it seems like a good day to be outside and do a little fishing. Then my eyes move to the trees bending in the wind, and I know better. The wind could carry you into the next county. Remember the old saying, “Looks can be deceiving”? This is one of those days. [...] The post Spring teases as turkey season nears first appeared on The Mountain Eagle .

Kentucky Lantern15h ago

FRANKFORT — Gun manufacturers and sellers would be shielded from lawsuits over the actions of their customers under a bill approved Tuesday by the GOP-controlled Kentucky House of Representatives. Rep. TJ Roberts, R-Burlington, sponsor of House Bill 78, told lawmakers that “criminals should be held liable for their actions — not manufacturers, not sellers who [...]

Mountain Top Media15h ago

PRESTONSBURG, Ky. - Prestonsburg High School announced Tuesday that Shawn Hager has been named the school's new boys head basketball coach. "I am very excited for this opportunity to be part of the Blackcat basketball program," Hager said. "I am looking forward to getting started and working with the players." As a player, Hager won three regional championships during his high school career, later

WTVQ ABC 3615h ago

(ABC36 News Now) — The Kentucky Senate has passed Senate Bill 289, known as Wynter's Law, which aims to clarify activation standards and improve coordination in missing child cases. The Kentucky Senate has approved Senate Bill 289, known as Wynter's Law, legislation sponsored by Sen. Brandon Storm, R-London, that aims to strengthen Kentucky's Amber Alert system and improve coordination when...

Kentucky Lantern15h ago

FRANKFORT — A bill that critics say would block Kentuckians from suing pesticide companies for failing to warn of their products' hazards narrowly passed the Republican-controlled House Tuesday over significant Republican opposition. Senate Bill 199, sponsored by Sen. Jason Howell, R-Murray, would designate that the warning required under a federal law “shall be deemed a [...]

WTVQ ABC 3616h ago

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) - Police are investigating a shooting that left one person injured Tuesday evening in Lexington. According to the Lexington Police Department, officers were dispatched around 5:30 p.m. on March 17, 2026, to a home in the 1700 block of Cantrill Drive for a report of shots fired. When officers arrived, they located a male victim...

WTVQ ABC 3618h ago

Our not so subtle reminder from Mother Nature that the winter season is over yet continued on St. Patrick's Day across Central and Eastern Kentucky as the unseasonably cold air stayed locked in. It was a rough morning in the Lexington area as a burst of snow showers covered the ground just prior to the morning commute creating slick roadways and...

Kentucky Lantern19h ago

FRANKFORT — Kentucky’s Republican-controlled House and Senate overrode Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear’s veto of a bill that would opt the state into a program of education grants for K-12 students promoted by the Trump administration and benefiting from a new federal tax credit. With little debate, the Senate voted 31-5 to overturn Beshear’s rejection of [...]

Mountain Top Media20h ago

A new report from Nielsen shows radio is the number-one way Americans listen to audio, far outpacing digital platforms. The report, titled “Audio Today 2026,” finds radio reaches 93 percent of all U.S. adults each month, making it the most widely used media platform in the country. Nielsen says radio also accounts for the majority of ad-supported audio listening, with about 61 percent of daily lis

Mountain Top Media20h ago

With March Madness right around the corner, this time of year brings up a lot of memories for basketball fans around the state. One team that comes to mind is the dominant Paintsville Tigers in the late 90s. This team was stacked from top to bottom, with a front court of Craig Ratliff, JR VanHoose, and Josh McKenzie; the Tigers were an impossible team to stop down low. On top of that, they were le

Mountain Top Media21h ago

ASHLAND, Ky. -- A Pike County man has pleaded guilty in a federal child porn case that officials say involved thousands of images. Michael Wayne Hilliary, 58, of McCarr, pleaded guilty Monday to possessing child porn. Hilliary was arrested May 15, after police with a search warrant raided his home and found 20 pictures and videos of child porn on his computer. Later, a forensic examination of the

WTVQ ABC 3621h ago

UPDATE (2:00 PM): Authorities have announced that Amanda King has been found safe. RICHMOND, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) - Authorities in Madison County are asking for the public’s help locating a missing Richmond woman. The Madison County Sheriff’s Office has issued a Golden Alert for Amanda King, who was last seen Saturday, March 14, 2026, around 11 a.m. Deputies say...

WTVQ ABC 3622h ago

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) - The Lexington Police Department says it has resumed taking reports and responding to non-injury crashes after handling a large number of incidents Tuesday morning. According to police, as of 11:40 a.m. on March 17, officers are again responding to non-injury collisions. Anyone involved in a crash is asked to call (859) 258-3600 or 911....

Mountain Top Media22h ago

WEST LIBERTY, Ky. -- An investigation into illegal drug activity inside an Eastern Kentucky prison has resulted in the arrest of five people. Kentucky State Police and the Gateway Area Drug Task Force responded to a request to investigate from the Eastern Kentucky Correctional Complex in West Liberty. That investigation resulted in indictments being returned against two former correctional officer

Mountain Top Media22h ago

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - The Johns Creek Archery Team walked away with some bragging rights following the National Archery in the Schools Program state tournament this past Friday. Team member Blake Mullins delivered an outstanding performance, shooting an impressive score of 274 out of a possible 300. Of the 1,585 middle school partipants, Mullins finished in 102-place. While his score fell just short o

WTVQ ABC 3623h ago

EDDYVILLE, Ky. (ABC36 News Now) — A caseworker at the Kentucky State Penitentiary has been arrested after security footage allegedly captured her having a sexual encounter with an inmate, according to Kentucky State Police. KSP detailed that 26-year-old Alysta Mathis of Dawson Springs was arrested and charged with third-degree rape and third-degree sodomy. She was transported to the Crittenden Cou

WTVQ ABC 3623h ago

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 News Now) — The Lexington Police Department is temporarily suspending the taking of reports for minor, non-injury collisions due to high call volume in Fayette County amid the winter weather. The suspension took effect today at 8:45 a.m, police added. Motorists involved in a collision where no one is injured and vehicles are not disabled are asked...

Mountain Top Media23h ago

LEXINGTON, Ky. – Kentucky men’s basketball senior guard Otega Oweh was named to the National Association of Basketball Coaches Central District Second Team, the organization announced on Tuesday. It marks the second-consecutive season that the Wildcat star has received all-district honors from the NABC, after being named a first-team selection a year ago. Oweh leads the Wildcats with 18.2 points p

Mountain Top Media23h ago

by CHRIS COMBS COLUMBUS, Ohio – For the 21st time in program history, the West Virginia University rifle team won the NCAA Rifle National Championship after two days of competition inside the Covelli Center in Columbus on Saturday. The win marks the second straight title for the Mountaineers and the second straight season WVU has come from behind to claim it. This season, the Mountaineers came bac

Harlan EnterpriseMar 17

Phyllis Ann Day, 77, of Smith, died March 7, 2026. Eric Hurston Simpson, 46, of Watts Creek, died March 10, 2026. Betty Ann Bledsoe Fee, 62, of Harlan, died March [...]

Salyersville IndependentMar 13

SALYERSVILLE – The city has finally turned in the 2023 audit and is now in compliance with the Department of Local Government for state funding. Last week the City of Salyersville received their 2023 audit report and the Department of Local Government confirmed for the SI that they have now received the audit. As of [...]

Salyersville IndependentMar 13

JOHNSON COUNTY – A Magoffin County man was killed in a one-vehicle wreck in Johnson County on March 5. A commercial vehicle, owned by Jackson Propane Plus and operated by Allen Skaggs, 49, of Salyersville, reportedly left the roadway and Skaggs lost control of the vehicle. Johnson County Sheriff Scott Hazlette told Mortimer Media Group [...]

Appalachian News-ExpressMar 13

The annual prom dress giveaway at Valley Veterinary Clinic is in full swing, with hundreds of free gowns available for students to choose from.

Appalachian News-ExpressMar 13

A discussion on updating the City of Pikeville’s zoning ordinance was held during the March 9 city commission meeting.

Salyersville IndependentMar 13

SALYERSVILLE – The Magoffin County Animal Shelter has had a lot going on as of late, with donations, fundraisers and lots of new, lovable faces ready for their forever homes. The Magoffin County Animal Shelter sent in a video to Mortimer Media Group last week, with volunteer Melinda Watson discussing everything going on at the [...]

Salyersville IndependentMar 13

SALYERSVILLE — Longtime leader Walker Russell led Magoffin County in both scoring and rebounding for the second straight boys’ high school basketball season. As a senior, Russell averaged a team-high 21.5 points and 8.0 rebounds per game for the Hornets. In 32 games, Russell scored 687 points and claimed 255 rebounds for the Hornets. Russell [...]

Salyersville IndependentMar 13

SALYERSVILLE — Herald Whitaker Middle School hosted the final Magoffin County archery tournament of the 2025-26 season on Saturday, March 7. Several area teams competed in the tournament. During the tournament, Herald Whitaker Middle School and Magoffin County High School each placed third. A breakdown of Magoffin County’s top individual performers in the tournament for [...]

Appalachian News-ExpressMar 13

Before you jump to conclusions that I have reverted back to the '70s and started to follow the now nearly all-dead Grateful Dead, my joint issue has a new meaning.

Appalachian News-ExpressMar 13

With two-thirds of the legislative session now behind us, lawmakers have already worked through a significant portion of this year’s agenda. By the Wednesday, March 4 deadline to file new legislation, House members introduced 938 bills. As is typical each year, only a small share

Appalachian News-ExpressMar 13

Before I type another word, you need to know. I am on drugs.