PIKEVILLE, Ky. – The undergraduate elementary teacher preparation program at the University of Pikeville Patton College of Education has earned an “A” from the National Council on Teacher Quality for how well they prepare future teachers to teach reading to elementary students. The report, “Teacher Prep Review: Decoding Progress in Reading Preparation,” published on June 9, spotlights UPike for meeting the standards set by literacy experts for coverage of the most effective methods of reading instruction. Specifically, this means the program is preparing aspiring teachers in all five components of scientifically based reading instruction, including phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, comprehension […]

The post UPike recognized for preparing future educators to teach reading appeared first on Mountain Top Media.

GRETHEL, Ky. — A Floyd County man has been indicted on charges related to a 2022 traffic stop, including an allegation that he tried to bribe is way out of trouble. Luke McKinney, 39, of Grethel, is now charged with DUI, meth possession, fleeing police, bribery of a public servant and numerous traffic violations, following his indictment last week. He was arrested after being pulled over on Route 1426 in January of 2022 and allegedly found with more than 14 grams of meth in his pocket. The police report accuses him of offering the state trooper who pulled him over […]

The post Floyd man charged with trying to bribe cop during traffic stop appeared first on Mountain Top Media.

RICHMOND, Va. — Legal marijuana dispensaries are one step closer to opening in Virginia, after Gov. Abigail Spanberger and key legislative leaders announced a compromise Tuesday that will allow retail cannabis sales a little more than one year from now. Spanberger was joined by Sen. Lashrecse Aird and Del. Paul Krizek in announcing the deal, with the governor says addresses her concerns about public safety and safeguards for children and teens, while also giving entrepreneurs flexibility to develop new markets. “Today, I’m excited to stand alongside Senator Aird and Delegate Krizek to announce that we have agreed to a compromise […]

The post Virginia leaders reach deal to open retail cannabis sales appeared first on Mountain Top Media.

PRESTONSBURG, Ky. — Allegations of fraudulent billing practices continue to pile up against Mountain Comprehensive Care Center, as a fourth longtime employee has now filed suit against the company. Kendra Allen, of Prestonsburg, filed her complaint against Mountain Comp and subsidiary Mountain Plus Services on Monday.According to the complaint, Allen was an 18-year employee of the company, most recently serving as revenue cycle manager when she resigned in February. In doing so, she joins former Chief Financial Officer Rebeckah Hall, former Regional Billing Coordinator Rachel Williams and former Mental Health Director Kristy Stiltner in suing the company for subjecting them […]

The post Fourth former Mountain Comp employee alleges retaliation for refusing to submit fraudulent bills appeared first on Mountain Top Media.

PIKEVILLE, Ky. — A trial date has been set for a man facing attempted murder and other charges, for allegedly locking three people inside a burning trailer. Marty Eugene Hurley, 50, of Stopover, is charged with three counts of attempted murder, three counts of kidnapping and one count of first-degree arson. He is accused of holding two women and a man at gunpoint with an AR-15-style rifle on May 30th, 2025, and forcing them into a mobile home. Once inside, Hurley allegedly began setting fires and told them he would kill them if they tried to leave.He then reportedly left […]

The post Trial date set for Pike man accused of attempted murder, kidnapping, arson appeared first on Mountain Top Media.