Fatal Crash on KY 801 Claims Local Man

A 23-year-old Rowan County man died Wednesday following a crash on KY 801 North near PrimaryPlus.

Christopher Blake Adkins was operating a motorcycle involved in a collision with a Ford Explorer. He was transported to UK St. Claire HealthCare, where he was pronounced dead at 4:09 p.m.

The crash remains under investigation by Kentucky State Police.

Rowan County 10-Year-Old Publishes First Book

A Rowan County student is proving that creativity and hard work can turn into something lasting.

Bryce Morrison, a 10-year-old fourth grader at McBrayer Elementary School, has officially become a published author and illustrator. His first paperback book is now available worldwide on Amazon—a remarkable achievement for someone his age.

What makes Bryce’s accomplishment even more special is that every page features his own original artwork and coloring. What began as classroom creativity and drawings brought home over time has grown into a full-fledged book, showcasing both his imagination and dedication.

School officials say Bryce’s success is a powerful example of what can happen when students are encouraged to explore their creativity and share their voice.

As he continues working on a series of books, Bryce’s journey is just getting started.

Morgan County Water Board Member Resigns After Hot Mic Controversy

A Morgan County Water District controversy has led to a resignation following a profane remark about a resident that was captured on a hot mic.

Katlin Haney, a longtime Morgan County resident, attended Monday’s board meeting to advocate for extending county water service to his property. He said his family relies on well water and that access to county water is essential for building a home and improving quality of life.

After Haney spoke and left the meeting, microphones and cameras remained on. Board member Donalda Harper was then recorded making a profane comment about him, which quickly drew public backlash.

Haney later said he was unaware of the remark until others brought it to his attention. While calling the comment unprofessional, he emphasized that he still wants to work with the board to find a solution.

In an update Wednesday morning, Morgan County Judge Executive Jim Gazay confirmed that Harper has since resigned and issued an apology.

The Morgan County Water District had previously released a statement saying the comment did not reflect the views of the entire board and that appropriate action would be taken.

Haney says he plans to remain persistent in seeking access to county water and hopes to move forward in a more constructive and professional manner.

Frosty Freeze of Midland Cuts Hours, Will Close Two Days Weekly

A well-known local favorite, Frosty Freeze of Midland, has announced a change to its weekly schedule.

In a Facebook post shared April 7, the restaurant said that beginning Tuesday, April 14, it will be closed on both Mondays and Tuesdays until further notice.

The decision, according to the post, comes after “much discussion and deliberation,” with staff describing it as a difficult but necessary move.

Despite the change, the Frosty Freeze team expressed appreciation for the community’s continued support, thanking customers for their loyalty over the years.

No additional details were provided regarding how long the reduced schedule will remain in place.

New Project Aims to Preserve Local Landmarks

A new community-driven initiative is taking shape in Eastern Kentucky with a simple but meaningful goal: don’t let our history disappear.

Appalachian Heritage Revival has officially launched, focusing on the preservation and repurposing of historic buildings across the region — from old schools and gyms to churches and long-forgotten gathering places.

Rather than allowing these structures to fade away, the project aims to bring them back into active use through community events, storytelling, and local involvement.

One example already drawing attention is the former gymnasium in Frenchburg — a building that once hosted games, events, and memories for an entire community, but now sits empty.

The initiative is currently in its early stages and is encouraging the public to get involved by sharing locations and photos of historic buildings in their own communities.

If you know of a place worth preserving, you can join the conversation on  their official Facebook page  Appalachian Heritage Revival.

A Thought from Joe: Look Up Before It’s Too Late

Recently, the Kentucky State Police wrapped up a distracted driving campaign. For a short time, there was extra attention on the issue.

But the problem didn’t go away when the campaign ended.

Distracted driving is something we see every day—people looking down at their phones instead of the road. And all it takes is a few seconds.

According to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, distracted driving contributes to thousands of crashes across Kentucky every year, including hundreds of injuries and fatalities. Most of those crashes didn’t happen because someone was being reckless—they happened because someone thought, “This will just take a second.”

In our part of the state, that second matters even more. Narrow roads, curves, and hills don’t leave much room for mistakes.

This isn’t about pointing fingers. It’s about awareness—and responsibility.

Because whatever is on your phone… it can wait.

The road can’t.

The Visit of Jesse James

A local story preserved in the 1956 Within This Valley centennial book claims that outlaw Jesse James once passed through the area—without anyone realizing it at the time.

Mr. and Mrs. Jim Andy Nickell took in a woman with a baby and two men traveling by wagon and horseback. The men soon left, claiming they were heading west, but days later returned exhausted, their horses worn from hard riding.

Growing suspicious, Mrs. Nickell peeked through a knot hole and saw stacks of gold and money spread across a table as the men counted it.

By the next morning, the group was gone. The woman left by train, abandoning the wagon and furniture, telling the Nickells they could keep it if no one returned.

That same day, a newspaper revealed the truth: a Huntington bank had been robbed—by Jesse James and his gang.

The Nickells recognized the faces. They never came back.

Photo Of The Week

A day in the life of a squirrel. Photo by Joe Clark

Don’t Shelter Under Overpasses During Tornado Warnings

It may seem like a safe option, but parking under a highway overpass during a tornado warning is actually dangerous.

Overpasses can intensify winds, creating a tunnel effect that makes conditions worse.

People have been pulled from vehicles or hit by debris in these situations. They also create traffic jams, trapping others with nowhere to go.

The National Weather Service warns against using overpasses for shelter. Instead, get inside a sturdy building. If that’s not possible, lie flat in a low-lying area and cover your head.

When severe weather hits, don’t trust the myth—make the safe choice.

AMW Sets Major Title Match for Summer Bash

LEXINGTON, KY — A major championship match is set for Appalachian Mountain Wrestling’s Summer Bash on June 14.

Fresh off a hard-fought cage match victory over his cousin Wes Barker, AMW Champion Marty Clay was immediately thrown into the spotlight again—this time by a national name.

In a video delivered to officials, Nic Nemeth—known for his time in WWE and TNA Wrestling—challenged Clay for the AMW Championship, saying that to be the best, Clay has to face the best.

Clay didn’t back down.

“June 14th, I’m ready to prove that I am the best,” he said.

The match is now official: Clay vs. Nemeth, one-on-one, with the AMW Championship on the line at Summer Bash in Lexington.

For updates and event details, follow Appalachian Mountain Wrestling or visit AMWrestling.com.

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