Recent News

Following a three day jury trial, thirty-three year old Vito Ceraulo of Oneida, New York was convicted last week of 1st Degree Sexual Abuse in the McCreary Circuit Court. Ceraulo was prosecuted by Commonwealth’s Attorney Ronnie Bowling and Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Joshua Price. Cearaulo is scheduled for sentencing by the Honorable Judge Dan Ballou on…

A native and current resident of McCreary County has been chosen as Kentucky’s National Wild Turkey Federation’s (NWTF) Officer of the year.  Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Law Enforcement Officer Joseph “Joey” Braden was selected by the NWTF State Board for the award. In selecting the recipient of the award, the NWTF considers a…

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Jan. 20, 2023) – For the first time in the commonwealth’s history, the Kentucky State Police (KSP) will be equipped with body-worn cameras to increase officer safety and public trust. Today, at the training academy, KSP demonstrated the new integrated video recording system, which will be distributed to approximately 780 sworn personnel. “These…

After family members expressed concerns that McCreary County Deputy Jason Perry acted overly aggressive during Perry’s arrest of Jonah Helton on January 14, 2023, McCreary County Sheriff David Sampson has launched an investigation into the incident.  Deputy Perry arrested Helton after a high speed chase from Pine Knot into Tennessee and a subsequent foot pursuit. …

McCreary County Sheriff David Sampson reports that Chief Deputy Dustin Ridner will present a case to the Grand Jury next month concerning the alleged theft of a vehicle from Ken’s Used Car Lot in Whitley City.  Deputy Ridner received a call on January 17, 2023 concerning forced entry into the office of Ken’s Used Car…

KY Fish & Wildlife seeks information about illegal kill of elk “We are trying to restore elk to this area,” Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources (KDFWR) Law Enforcement Officer Joey Braden said firmly as he referenced the illegal kill of a 2 ½ year old bull elk in McCreary County last week.  “There…

High speed chase results in numerous charges     McCreary County Sheriff David Sampson reports Deputy Jason Perry observed a silver Chevrolet travelling at a high rate of speed in Pine Knot, KY at approximately 5:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 14, 2023.  Deputy Perry closed in on the vehicle, following it down Poplar Ford Road…

Agenda items include personnel actions and proposed revisions to tourism ordinance

Blue garbage cans will help keep workers safe Dots of blue are now prevalent alongside the roadways of McCreary County as Scott Solid Waste delivers dark blue, 95 gallon, wheeled carts to McCreary County customers who do not currently have one.  Beginning on February 2, 2023, local weekly residential garbage service pick up will be…

Photo by Eugenia Jones Kentucky State Police (KSP) Trooper Eubanks and an explosive detecting KSP K9 named Dak searched the McCreary County Courthouse on Monday (1-9-22) after a bomb threat was received via telephone in the Child Support Office of the Courthouse.  An evacuation of the courthouse was ordered and remained in effect until the…