PIKEVILLE, Ky. – The University of Pikeville has announced the appointment of Kelly Ryan Taylor, D.M.E., as director of instrumental music. Taylor brings nearly three decades of experience in music education, performance and program leadership to UPike. In his new role, he will lead the university’s instrumental music program, oversee band initiatives and support the continued growth of music opportunities for students. Prior to joining UPike, Taylor served as a music educator with Litchfield Public Schools in Minnesota, where he led band instruction for grades 5-12, directed jazz and marching ensembles and developed innovative curriculum for young musicians. His career […]

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LONDON, Ky. — Two of the five people arrested in a pair of drug raids last month have now seen their cases moved up to federal court. Pikeville Police executed a pair of search warrants early on the morning of March 8, where they arrested five people after seizing drugs, guns, cash and drug paraphernalia. Last week, a federal grand jury indicted Wayne Buzard, 57, of Zebulon Highway, and Cathy McKinney, 53, of Island Creek, on charges of conspiracy to distribute meth and possession of meth with the intent to distribute. Buzard is also charged with using a gun in […]

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PIKEVILLE, Ky. — Special Judge Eddy Coleman has issued ground rules for the upcoming trial in the Amber Spradlin murder case, now scheduled to begin two weeks from today. Spradlin’s body was found June 18, 2023, at the Arkansas Creek home of Prestonsburg dentist Michael McKinney. McKinney’s son, M.K. McKinney, has been charged with her murder, while both McKinneys and family friend Josh Mullins are charged with multiple counts of evidence tampering for allegedly trying to cover up the crime. In addition to setting deadlines for pretrial disclosures and proposed jury instructions, the rules also give us the first glimpse […]

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MAYTOWN, Ky. — Police are investigating after a Floyd County woman was attacked and killed by a dog Sunday afternoon.  It happened just after 3 p.m. near Railroad Street in Maytown. Floyd County Coroner Greg Nelson confirmed the woman’s death but has not released her identity, as not all family have been notified. The woman was in her 60s.  Nelson said the dog was a German shepherd that belonged to someone else. He added that he believes the animal was collected by animal control.  Floyd County sheriff’s deputies also responded to the scene. Sheriff John Hunt had confirmed earlier in […]

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PAINTSVILLE, Ky. – The Kentucky State Police Critical Incident Response Team has been requested by Post 9 Pikeville to investigate an officer-involved shooting that occurred around 2 a.m. Sunday, in Johnson County. The preliminary investigation indicates that an officer from the Paintsville Police Department was conducting a foot patrol when he observed a parked motorcycle on Main Street matching the description of one reported stolen earlier. A short time later, the officer encountered Shawn Gayheart, 37, of Salyersville. Gayheart fled on foot for a short distance before the officer caught up with him, at which point a physical altercation ensued.   A […]

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