Recent News

By Eugenia Jones McCreary County School Resource Officer (SRO) Angie Vanover was struck by a McCreary County School bus while directing traffic at the end of the school day on Monday, February 3, 2025, at Pine Knot Primary School. Wearing a safety vest, Vanover directed traffic as a line of buses, including the first two…

By Eugenia Jones Local and state law enforcement officers were busy eradicating illegal drugs in McCreary County on Friday (February 7/8, 2025) night. First, Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Officer Lt. Chris King, assisted by McCreary County Chief Deputy Dustin Ridner, conducted a routine traffic stop which led to multiple arrests, including drug-related charges. The routine…

By Eugenia Jones Community Raises Funds for Storybook Trail McCreary County Public Library’s Youth and Adult Program Coordinator, Holly Daugherty, is determined to see the construction of a Readers to Leaders Storybook Trail in the McCreary County Park.  Having already received enough donations from local organizations, businesses, and individuals to officially join the program, Daugherty and…

By Eugenia Jones According to McCreary County Heritage Foundation Chairperson Ray Moncrief, the derailment of Big South Fork Scenic Railway’s SW9 Engine #106 resulted from a runaway incident. Moncrief told the McCreary Journal that the incident occurred during a routine locomotive run to Blue Heron, noting that routine runs during the off-season provide opportunities for…

By Eugenia Jones A resident of Winfield, Tennessee, has filed a complaint in the United States District Court, Eastern District of Kentucky, London Division, against two McCreary County Deputy Sheriffs in their individual capacities.  The complaint alleges the two deputies used excessive force against her. According to the complaint filed on January 13, 2025, the Plaintiff,…

The Donut Shop opening in Pine Knot is a sweet success. It was dollars to donuts that opening a donut shop in McCreary County would be a success; however, even the owners of Pine Knot’s newest business, The Donut Shop, are surprised at the shop’s overwhelming, grand opening success. “We sold 300 donuts before 9:00…

The works of McCreary County artist Lenville Maxwell are currently on display in the city of Lexington, Kentucky’s main downtown public library.  Maxwell, who is in his 80’s, recently donated many of his sculptures and paintings to UK (University of KY) Healthcare who, in addition to organizing the downtown display, will also display the McCreary…

Chief Deputy Ridner Announces Candidacy for Sheriff Last week, McCreary County Chief Deputy Sheriff Dustin Ridner declared his candidacy in McCreary County’s 2026 political race for sheriff. Ridner, who has approximately eleven years of law enforcement experience,  initially served as the constable in District 1 before joining the Sheriff’s office as a regular road deputy for…

Elders and others at Signature Health of McCreary in Pine Knot are eagerly awaiting their Valentine’s Day prom, an event that will turn back the clock as residents get dressed up for a night to remember. According to the facility’s activity director, Leslie Harris, the elders asked for a dance or prom, and Valentine’s Day…