Former Morehead State University Coach Under Investigation

The head coach of the boys basketball team at Scott County High School is at the center of a child abuse or neglect investigation, according to state documentation.

Sean Woods, a former University of Kentucky player and former Morehead State University coach, previously resigned from MSU following a battery charge stemming from an incident during an away game.

Concerns involving Woods first surfaced months ago. A Scott County parent, Tosha Williamson, says she raised concerns in December, alleging inappropriate conversations between Woods and her daughter.

According to Williamson, her daughter reported the situation after feeling uncomfortable. An investigation was opened but, she says, was closed within about a week, and Woods remained employed.

However, later documentation from Kentucky Child Protective Services indicates that abuse or neglect claims connected to Woods were substantiated.

The school district has since confirmed that an employee has been placed on leave while the matter proceeds through appropriate channels and will not return for the 2026–2027 school year.

Officials state that all allegations were reported to appropriate agencies and that the district cooperated fully with investigations.

Local Funeral Home Honored on National Funeral Director Recognition Day

A respected pillar of the Morehead community was recently recognized for its service to families during life’s most difficult moments.

Northcutt & Son Home for Funerals was honored as part of National Funeral Director Recognition Day, receiving special acknowledgment from the Nurse Honor Guard of the River Cities.

The recognition highlights the funeral home’s continued commitment to professionalism, compassion, and community service.

The Nurse Honor Guard—founded in Ashland in 2019—honors nurses for their lifelong dedication to caring for others and supporting families during times of loss.

From The Editor

On Friday night, a man died in Rowan County after a high-speed pursuit that began on I-64 and ended in flames on KY-801. According to WKYT, Kentucky State Police  troopers attempted to stop a speeding Camaro. The driver fled. Minutes later, a second pursuit ended when the vehicle crashed and caught fire.

The driver—30-year-old Donavan Kyle Porter of Olive Hill—died at the scene despite efforts to save him.

It’s a tragic end to what began as a traffic stop—and it raises a difficult but necessary question:

When should police continue a pursuit, and when should they call it off?

Police pursuits are among the most dangerous situations in law enforcement. Officers must balance two realities: the need to apprehend a suspect, and the risk the pursuit creates for everyone involved.

In this case, the initial stop was for speeding—not a violent crime. After the driver first escaped, troopers should of had key information: a vehicle description, license plate, and direction of travel. In many jurisdictions, that’s enough to disengage and pursue charges later—without the risks of a chase.

The driver’s record, based on available information, did not suggest a violent history that would require immediate apprehension.

People flee for many reasons—panic, fear, mental issues, poor judgment, or impairment. That doesn’t excuse the decision, but it does matter. A person already making a bad decision is far more likely to make a fatal one when a pursuit escalates the situation.

To be fair, officers don’t know why someone is running. A fleeing driver could pose a serious threat. But that uncertainty is exactly why pursuit policies must prioritize public safety.

This chase didn’t occur on an empty road—it happened on KY-801, a busy corridor for local traffic. That reality makes the central question unavoidable:

Was the risk of continuing the pursuit justified?

Because the outcome is clear:

• One man is dead
• Officers risked their lives trying to save him
• The public was placed in danger

And it all began with a traffic stop.

Calling off a pursuit is not “letting someone go.” It means identifying the driver, securing a warrant, and making an arrest later—safely. Many departments have adopted stricter policies for non-violent offenses for this reason.

This isn’t about blaming individual troopers. They made split-second decisions in a difficult situation and tried to save a life.

But this is about policy—and policy deserves discussion.

Rowan County should be asking:

• Where is the line between enforcement and unnecessary risk?
• Should pursuits for non-violent offenses be limited?
• How do we prevent this from happening again?
  
  

These are not anti-police questions. They are pro-community questions.

Because the cost of getting it wrong is measured in lives.

— Joe Clark, Editor

Why Volunteer Fire Departments Need Us Now More Than Ever

Across Kentucky, volunteer fire departments are the backbone of emergency response. They’re the ones who show up when seconds matter—whether it’s a house fire, a medical emergency, a wreck on a back road, or a helicopter landing zone that needs secured. But as one local firefighter, Brent Hollon, recently reminded us, these departments are stretched thin.

Most volunteers already work full‑time jobs. They rush from factories, offices, and job sites to answer calls, never knowing if enough hands will be there when the tones drop. That uncertainty is more than stressful—it can be dangerous. And it’s becoming more common as membership numbers decline statewide.

What many people don’t realize is that joining a fire department isn’t just about running into burning buildings. Departments need people for:

• Auto accident response

• Rope and technical rescue

• Pump operations

• Medical calls

• Landing zone coordination

• Event support

• Traffic control

There is a role for nearly every skill set and comfort level.

Most Kentucky departments are nonprofit organizations, relying entirely on volunteers, donations, and community support to keep their doors open. They don’t just need funding—they need people. Neighbors willing to give a little time, learn new skills, and step up when their community needs them.

If you’ve ever wondered how to make a real difference close to home, this is one of the most direct ways to do it.

Reach out to your local fire department. Ask how you can help. Even one new member can change everything.

Your community will be stronger for it.

Free Community Seminar to Help Families Plan Funeral, Cremation, and Burial Arrangements in Advance

The Fleming County community is invited to attend a free educational seminar on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at 11:30 AM, focused on helping individuals and families understand how to make funeral, cremation, and burial arrangements ahead of time.

The event will take place in the Large Room of the Fleming County Cooperative Extension Office and is designed to provide clear, compassionate guidance on one of life’s most important—and often most avoided—topics.

A complimentary luncheon will be provided, sponsored by Michael R. Gray Funeral Homes. Licensed funeral directors will be present throughout the seminar to answer questions, explain available options, and help attendees better understand the benefits of preplanning.

“Many families don’t realize how much stress can be lifted when arrangements are made in advance,” organizers noted. “This seminar is an opportunity to learn, ask questions, and make informed decisions in a supportive environment.”

Community members are encouraged to reserve their spot early. RSVPs are requested by Thursday, April 16, 2026, by calling the  Fleming County Chamber of Commerce office at 606‑845‑1223.

This event is presented in partnership with the Fleming County Chamber of Commerce and Michael R. Gray Funeral Homes.

From The Archives

Rowan County, Kentucky native Curtis Plank in Vietnam. Curt is the son of the late Allie & Eliza Belle Loveless Plank. He currently resides in Tennessee. Photo courtesy of the late Rev. Lloyd Dean (Curt's brother-in-law.)

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