Recent News

Voice Staff Report Burglary in the First Degree, Drug Trafficking and the Sexual Abuse of a minor headed the May Grand Jury indictments. The McCreary County Grand Jury met in regular session on May 9th, 2022 and returned nine indictments charging 12 individuals.  Daniel Ridner of Whitley City, KY was indicted on two counts, the…

Board of Education chooses Dr. John Gunn as superintendent During their regular meeting on Monday (May 23, 2022), the McCreary County Board of Education authorized Board Chairperson Braxton King and Board Member Johnny Barnett to work with the Board Attorney to negotiate a contract with Dr. John Gunn to become the next McCreary County School…

After 47 years, Dr. John Patton leaves McCreary County By Eugenia Jones Long-time McCreary County physician, Dr. John Patton, will soon be leaving his McCreary County practice for North Carolina where he intends to enjoy lots of time with his two grandchildren and playing some rounds of golf in North Carolina.  Patton plans to continue…

By Eugenia Jones Thanks to Kentucky lawmakers’ historic levels of educational classroom funding (HB 1) in the most recent state budget, more than $3.8 million of funding will be coming to McCreary County Schools for the local career and technical center.  The funding will provide McCreary Central High School students with expanded opportunities as well…

State Auditor Mike Harmon released the audit of Sheriff Randy Waters settlement for 2020 taxes. Harmon commented “the sheriff’s financial statement fairly presents the taxes charged, credited, and paid for the period May 16, 2020 through April 15, 2021 in conformity with the regulatory basis of accounting.”  The state auditor is required by Kentucky state…

Derbies to Take Place Saturday of Fee-Free National Fishing and Boating Week In recognition of National Fishing & Boating Week, the Daniel Boone National Forest and partners will host several kids fishing derbies on June 4, 2022.  In addition to free fishing derbies for kids, no fee permit will be required to use Bee Rock…

Michael Laxton, President/CEO of United Cumberland Bank, on behalf of the Board of Directors, today announced the promotions of five employees. Laxton said that Michael Bush has been named to Executive Vice President / Chief Credit Officer while Whitney Roark was named Vice President / Chief Financial Officer. Ryan Duncan was promoted to Vice President…

Sheriff Randy Waters and David Sampson will square off in November By Eugenia Jones During Tuesday’s Primary Election, McCreary County voters deemed the County’s local General Election in November will be comprised mostly of incumbents running unopposed with only two locally contested races for Sheriff and PVA.  The only exception will be if write-in candidates…

County budget tops $12 million During their regular monthly meeting on May 12, 2022, the McCreary County Fiscal Court unanimously approved a first reading of the tentative 2022-2023 fiscal year county budget totaling $12,749,853.66.  Of the more than 12 million dollar budget, sixty-five percent ($8,354,966.90) was appropriated to the General Fund which covers the cost…

Three McCreary Teenagers Find Their Voices through Vocal Performance By Shane Gilreath When talent and passions collide, it’s an inspiring spectacle. It’s also one that grows rarer by the day, as entertainment encompasses the world of reality and reality becomes entertainment. Despite its modern rarity, McCreary County has long been seen as a hub of…