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PIKEVILLE, KY (WOWK) – Police in Pikeville, Kentucky, say an arrest has been made in connection to an excavator theft. According to the Pikeville Police Department an excavator was stolen from the Pikeville Industrial Park earlier this week. Officers say the incident happened overnight between 8 p.m. Monday, Nov. 20 and 7 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. […]

WISE COUNTY, Va. (WJHL) – A Wise County, Virginia man was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison on drug and weapon charges, according to Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares. A release from Miyares’ office states Randall Scott Hileman, 56, previously pleaded guilty to the following: Hileman was sentenced Thursday to 120 months in federal […]

PIKEVILLE – (TNS) The operator of a major cockfighting venue in Eastern Kentucky has pleaded guilty and agreed to dismantle the facility. Robert Dwayne Baker pleaded guilty Tuesday in federal court in Pikeville to one charge of conspiring to operate a cockfighting facility in Letcher County.

The Appalachian Mountains, a breathtaking chain stretching from Canada to Alabama, are renowned for their natural splendor and ecological diversity. Home to Mount Mitchell, the range's highest peak, the Appalachians harbor over 2,000 plant species and a rich array of wildlife, including the world's largest variety of salamanders. This region, particularly the Southern Appalachians, offers a mosaic of habitats from temperate rainforests to alpine ridges, serving as a crucial wildlife corridor and a geological wonder due to its ancient tectonic history.

In the heart of eastern Kentucky, the Pikeville Cut-Through project stands as a towering example of engineering ingenuity and the transformative power of vision. Conceived by Dr. William C. Hambley during his mayoral term, the project began in 1973 and reached completion in 1987. By moving an astonishing 18 million cubic yards of earth, it created a channel through Peach Orchard Mountain to accommodate a highway, railroad, and river, earning its status as a monumental achievement second only to the Panama Canal in the Western Hemisphere.

Catch up on the top stories this morning on Mountain News. Learn about Pike County Detention Center's reintegration efforts, former Governor Patton's political predictions, and the latest weather updates. Plus, find out why Leslie County Schools have cancelled classes for the rest of the week.

The Clinchco Tunnel, completed in 1912, is an enduring symbol of the coal mining legacy in Clinchco, Virginia. Its construction marked a significant phase in the town's development, facilitating coal transport from mines to railroads and fueling the local economy. More than a mere conduit for resources, the Clinchco Tunnel embodies the area's historical identity, reflecting the broader narrative of progress in the early 20th century. The town's evolution mirrors the transformative impact of tunneling technology on mining communities, showcasing the intricate relationship between industrial advancements and cultural heritage.

FLOYD COUNTY, Ky. (WSAZ) - A woman was arrested in connection with a shooting that sent a man to the hospital Wednesday in the Blue River area of Floyd County, according to the sheriff’s department. The sheriff said the shooting happened at a home along state Route 404. The...

Welcome to Payne Gap, a charming town nestled in Letcher County, Kentucky. With a population of 738, Payne Gap offers residents a suburban rural mix feel, providing a peaceful and close-knit community. In this essay, we will explore various aspects of the neighborhood, including its population, median home value, public and private schools, neighborhood rankings, resident diversity, median household income, similar places, and current residents' reviews. Let's dive in and discover what makes Payne Gap such a unique and desirable place to live.

BUCHANAN COUNTY, Va. (WYMT) - A pioneer for one Southwest Virginia sheriff’s office is being remembered. Ruth Hutchinson, who served as the first woman deputy for the Buchanan County Sheriff’s Office, died on Sunday. She was 89. Hutchinson was born in Pike County and then moved to Grundy...

Nestled in the heart of Kentucky's mountainous terrain, Craynor epitomizes the Appalachian lifestyle. This small town is steeped in a culture of family, tradition, and a profound connection with the great outdoors. Despite facing modern economic challenges, the spirit of the Appalachians persists in this close-knit community. Craynor's coal mining heritage continues to influence its economy and identity, while environmental and health issues remain a concern. The town's residents, primarily white with a growing Hispanic presence, maintain traditional practices such as hunting and farming, underscoring their resilience and deep-rooted bond with the land.

DWALE, Ky. — A Floyd County man out of jail after pleading guilty to drug charges back in June was arrested on Friday for drug trafficking. Keith Webb, 49, of Dwale, was indicted for meth trafficking last year, but pleaded guilty to possession instead and received a three-year suspended sentence.

Steeped in the cultural and natural splendor of Southwest Virginia, the town of Clintwood stands as a beacon of Appalachian heritage. Founded in 1882, this charming community serves as the gateway to the awe-inspiring Breaks Interstate Park, revered as the 'Grand Canyon of the South.' Clintwood is not just a scenic wonder; it vibrates with a history rich in musical legacy, particularly that of bluegrass icon Ralph Stanley. The Ralph Stanley Museum encapsulates the town's rhythmic heart, while the Jettie Baker Center hosts a range of events that echo the Appalachian musical tradition.

Floyd County, Kentucky, nestled in the Appalachian Mountains, is a community that thrives on its natural beauty and a strong sense of togetherness. The county's landscape, characterized by the tranquil Beaver Creek area and the majestic Levisa Fork, sets a picturesque stage for a year-round celebration of its cultural and historical heritage. With outdoor activities like hiking and fishing, along with historical sites like the Samuel May House, Floyd County offers a diverse experience to its visitors and residents alike.

The first of six KHSAA state football championship games is a rematch between two of Class A’s heaviest hitters.

KY/VA (WYMT) - Police in two counties are asking for your help to find a missing man. Logan Stanley was last seen by his mother when dropped her off at work in Wise County, Virginia on Monday, November 20th. Stanley is 34 years old, 5′10″, 180 pounds with dark brown...

MINGO COUNTY, W.Va. (WCHS) — Two Mingo County residents were charged after dogs were found malnourished and shivering in cold temperatures Monday, court records said. Skyler Douglas Lee Mullins, 23, of Williamson, W.Va., and Shawna Leann Hicks, 23, of Chattaroy, W.Va., are each charged with two counts of animal cruelty, according to a criminal complaint filed in Mingo County Magistrate Court.

WILLIAMSON — The city’s annual Christmas Parade took place on Saturday, Nov. 25. Leading the brigade was the City of Williamson Fire Department flanked by numerous first responders.

In the quaint town of Draffin lies a marvel that merges the world of engineering with the wonders of geology: the 'Draffin's Double Tunnel' on the CSX railroad line. This unique feature, consisting of two sequential tunnels, offers a breathtaking spectacle that is a rarity in the world of railroads. It's a showcase of the incredible force of nature that formed these passageways and the human ingenuity that adapted them for modern rail travel, making it an essential visit for train enthusiasts and geology lovers.

JENKINS, Ky. — A traffic stop resulted in a Letcher County pair being taken to jail on drug trafficking charges. A Jenkins police officer pulled over a vehicle containing Emory Mitchell Mullins, 49, of McRoberts, and Samantha Nicole Callihan, 34, of Blackey. Inside the car, he found 7.5 ounces...