Some local students have made a big splash with their app

January 11, 2016

Seven Betsey Layne High School Students are reveling in victory after their app called “enviroscanner” won best in Kentucky in the Verizon Innovative App Challenge. The competition asked students to create an app that would better their community, and according to WYMT their app was created to educate individuals about the outdoors, while giving alerts and offering a safety monitoring system. While students say it will be a rough challenge, they are happy with the support they have received from the community. If you want to help these students out you can vote by texting enviroscan2, all one word, to number 22333.

Officials in Virginia are asking for help finding a scammer

January 11, 2016

The Wise County Sheriff’s office received several complaints on Saturday, claiming that a man had been taking money from elderly shoppers. The suspect claimed he needed the money to repair his vehicle, and promised that he would reimburse the victim, but he would take the money and leave. The crimes occurred at the Norton Walmart, and at Ollie’s Bargain Outlet in Wise. If you have any information on the scammer’s location you are encouraged to call the wise county sheriff’s office at 276 328 3756.

Photo from the Wise County Sheriff’s Department

Officials are investigating a shooting in Wolfe County

January 11, 2016

Two men received injuries yesterday morning while traveling on Quillins Chapel Road. The two men told deputies that they pulled over to the side of the road when they were fired upon by two other men in a red pick-up. One of the men was shot in the hip while the other took a bullet in the leg, and both received treatment at the Kentucky River Medical Center in Jackson. Officials are not releasing the names of the victims at this time, and have not been able to establish a motive for the attack.

Jenny Wiley State Resort Park held their annual impaired mobility hunt over the weekend

January 11, 2016

The event is a collaboration between the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife, Jenny Wiley State Resort Park, Floyd County Hunters Education, and the Dewey Lake Fish and Game Club. The event is designed to help hunters who have trouble traversing the woods continue to enjoy the sport. IN a statement to WYMT park interpreter Trinity Shepherd said the park had several easy access areas where participants can set up, and volunteers help collect, dress and load the animals.

 

Several Floyd Countians celebrated a day of history and culture

January 11, 2016

The Battle of Middle Creek ended over 150 years ago, but a group of dedicated re-enactors braved the cold to honor their history. The company gathered at the national battlefield just outside of Prestonsburg and fired three volleys to honor those who died on the field, those who lived through the war, and those who fight to preserve history. Later people crowded into the Samuel May House to celebrate old Christmas. Guests were welcomed to tour the house, enjoy refreshments, and listened to Christmas music. Organizers were pleased with the large attendance.

Some local historians are walking to highlight history tomorrow

January 8, 2016

The Friends of Middle Creek, a historical preservation organization out of Prestonsburg, is holding its annual discovery walk. These programs typically follow the routs that the armies followed during the Civil War. According to the groups vice-president John Ison this year they will be walking from the head of Brush Creek Martin. Ison said the group chose the route to highlight a local Civil War Site called Fort Beaver *audio*. The Friends will be joined by members of other re-enacting units and a local Boy Scout troop.

Two Floyd County men survive a Lawrence County explosion yesterday

January 8, 2016

The two men claimed they were remodeling the trailer in the Martha Community. In an interview with WSAZ Martha resident, Marcella Staniford, said she rushed to the scene and found the two covered in debris. The two men were in shock when responders arrived, but claimed their heater inside the home must have ignited some propane gas after they turned on the tank, and when they tried to enter the building it exploded. The explosion was powerful enough to blow out the windows in the house across the street, and could be felt by neighbors several miles away. The unnamed men suffered serious burns, and were airlifted out for medical care.

Dwight Yoakam will be at the expo center in April

January 8, 2016

One of Eastern Kentucky’s favorite sons is set to jump start Hillbilly Days. On April 16th the East Kentucky Expo Center will host country music star Dwight Yoakam for the first time, and Expo officials are billing it on Facebook as the “kickoff concert” for Hillbilly Days. Yoakam will be joined by country music star Lee Ann Womack, who sang several hit songs such as “I’ll think of a reason later” and “I hope you dance”. Tickets went on sale this morning and will cost fans anywhere from 39.50 to 59.50.

A Floyd County crash is ruled an accident

January 7, 2016

Troopers responded to the scene after noon yesterday, where a pedestrian was struck and killed. Chuck Hall with the Floyd County Coroner’s office identified the victim as 41 year old Ricky D Little of Weeksbury. According to Trooper Bryan Layne with the Kentucky State Police Little was traveling with his parents, who pulled to the side of the road after he complained of complication from his tinnitus. Little then bolted out of the car and into traffic, where he was struck by a vehicle being operated by Beverly Meade of Bevinsville. Officials have ruled the death an accident and do not suspect drugs or alcohol was involved, but they are continuing the investigation.