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Appalachian News-Express
Former assistant county attorney’s murder trial underway
A trial for Donald Kyle Deskins, a former assistant county attorney, who is accused of the violent beating death of his wife, began July 8 in Pike Circuit Court. The investigation into the death of Judith Dawn Deskins began after Kyle Deskins, 49, called Pike County 911 on April 24, 2021, and reported his wife was deceased in their residence at Meathouse Road, Kimper. Two years later, he was indicted on charges of murder — domestic violence (a Class A felony carrying a penalty of 20 to 50 years and/or life in prison) and two counts of tampering with physical evidence (Class D felonies punishable by one to five years in jail each).
Fiscal court discusses public access options
The Pike County Fiscal Court discussed the viability of a local public access channel — which broadcasts and live streams court meetings — and alternative methods of ensuring public transparency is maintained if that channel is dissolved. Pike County Judge-Executive Ray S. Jones informed the commissioners July 9...
Christmas in July annual ride scheduled for July 20
It’s time for the ride. The 19th Hillbilly Christmas in July Randy Jones Memorial. Ride for the Kids will be held July 20. Event organizer Jimmy Kinney said this year’s ride will have some new elements. “Hillbilly Christmas in July raises funds to benefit children in need at...
Safe Haven Baby Box gets installed in Pikeville
A Safe Haven Baby Box, which officials said is the first — and possibly the only one, at least in the area — has been installed at the Pikeville Fire Department Station Three. The baby box was installed at Station Three, located at 156 Hambley Boulevard near the...
BSCTC’s Adult Education Program celebrates 118 graduates
The Adult Education Program at Big Sandy Community and Technical College celebrated the graduation of 118 students for the 2023/2024 academic year in a ceremony held at the Gearheart Auditorium on the Prestonsburg Campus, according to a statement from BSCTC. The event, attended by approximately 200 family members and friends,...
KSP: Pike man fled from police in stolen vehicle
A Pike County man was arrested on several charges after, police said, he fled from police in a stolen vehicle. According to the arrest citation written by Kentucky State Police Trooper Michael McKinney, on the evening of July 4, KSP Post 9 received a call reporting a stolen vehicle in the Island Creek community.
East KY Science Center and Varia Planetarium concludes first month of summer science camps
The East KY Science Center and Varia Planetarium announced in a statement the facility has successfully wrapped up the first month of its summer science camps, themed "Exploring the Universe." Running through the end of July, these camps feature different grade ranges each week, covering topics such as black holes,...
New equipment adds safety to Pikeville fireworks
Thousands watched the Independence Day fireworks show in Pikeville July 4. While the spectators enjoyed the spectacular show, a lot of hard work went into making the show memorable. That hard work was primarily done hours and even days before the show by members of the Pikeville Fire Department. This...
Bears set to defend Conference title
UPike is coming off of a conference championship season. The Bears had a special group and last season should be celebrated. It wasn’t easy, but the Bears came together as a team to accomplish their goal of a conference title. Coach Clifton Williams led the Bears to the Appalachian...
Work continues to reopen Pike golf course
Initial plans for golfing on the links at Lower Johns Creek to be reestablished by this summer have yet to come to fruition and the contractor cites external factors as being the cause of delays. “We have done a lot of work on the old golf course to get it...
Local community center destroyed by fire
Residents in the Greasy Creek community are still in shock after their community center burned July 4. "The structure is a complete loss," Greasy Creek VFD Chief Robert Kendrick said. "It's really sad to see this." Kendrick said when firefighters arrived shortly after 4:30 a.m., the blaze was so hot...
'Safer Kentucky Act' goes into effect July 15; potential impact still being debated
Among the legislation approved during this year's Kentucky General Assembly, many official agree the most significant and longest-lasting may be House Bill 5, termed the "Safer Kentucky Act" by those who proposed it. While officials on all sides of the issue agree that the legislation will have a significant impact,...
Kylie Alvin: No Days off
While most high schoolers were at the beach or taking a break during the KHSAA Dead Period, Pikeville’s Kylie Alvin was in the gym putting in work last Friday with UPike Coach Clifton Williams with a private workout. Alvin didn’t have to be there, but she wanted to be...
Father, daughter arrested on elder abuse charge
A North Carolina man and his daughter were arrested July 3 on charges they knowingly abused and/or neglected an adult after a man called the Pike County Sheriff’s Office regarding his mother. The caller said that Robert Eugene Kelley, 70, whose address listed on court documents is Sutton Drive,...
Pike nurse one of 193 charged in national enforcement action
A Pike County woman who works as a nurse in West Virginia has been indicted on federal charges linked to her alleged theft of a controlled substance. On June 25, a federal grand jury in Beckley, West Virginia, indicted Jacqueline Brewster, 54, of Peco Hollow, Belfry, on charges of obtaining controlled substances by fraud, tampering with consumer products and wrongfully obtaining individually identifiable health information under false pretenses with the intent to use it for personal gain in connection with the theft of, and tampering with, vials of hydromorphone at a hospital in Raleigh County, West Virginia.
Southeast Kentucky Chamber donates $76,000 to Shriners
Hillbilly Clan 1 Outhouse 2 received a donation of $76,000 from the Southeast Kentucky Chamber on June 27 during a presentation at the Garfield House in Pikeville. The funds represent the proceeds collected from selling vendor space at the 2024 Hillbilly Days festival and will go to Shriners Children’s Lexington Hospital.
Grand jury indicts 26
A Pike County grand jury convened June 26 at which time they returned 21 true bills indicting 24 individuals on June 26 including a Phelps man charged with arson. Bruce Hurley, 42, of Turnip Branch was indicted on charges of second-degree arson (a Class B felony) and second-degree fleeing or police (a Class A Misdemeanor).
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