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The Mountain Eagle

Newspaper for Letcher County, Ky., founded 1907. A weekly newspaper serving Letcher County, Kentucky since 1907.

12/11/2024

What better place to celebrate International Mountain Day than on Pine Mountain, in the heart of the hills, Letcher County? (Photo by Sam Adams)

12/11/2024

NEW SPECIAL JUDGE APPOINTED IN STINES CASE

The Chief Justice of the Kentucky Supreme Court has appointed another special judge and special clerk in the murder trial of former sheriff Shawn Mickey Stines.

Circuit Court Judge Christopher T. Cohron, whose regular jurisdiction is Edmonson and Warren counties in the 8th Judicial Circuit, Division 1, will serve as the judge for the remainder of the case, or until the chief justice says otherwise.

Chief Justice Laurance B. VanMeter also appointed Cortney Shewmaker, circuit court clerk for Boyle County, as special clerk in Letcher County for the purposes of the Stines trail.

Stines is charged with murder in the shooting death 47th Judicial District Judge Kevin R. Mullins on September 19 of this year.

11/25/2024

EX-SHERIFF ENTERS SECOND PLEA OF NOT GUILTY

Former Letcher County Sheriff Shawn “Mickey” Stines was back in the Letcher County Courthouse Monday, this time to plead not guilty to the murder charge contained in an indictment returned last week by the Letcher County Grand Jury.
Stines, who shot and killed Letcher District Judge Kevin Mullins inside Mullins’s chambers in September, was brought to the courthouse from the Leslie County Jail, where he has been held since he was arrested shortly after the shooting.
Stines did not speak during the short hearing. Rather, his attorney entered the plea for him after declining to have the charges in the indictment read publicly.
More information will appear in the November 27 edition of The Mountain Eagle, which will be on newsstands tomorrow, a day earlier than normal.

11/21/2024

LETCHER GRAND JURY INDICTS FORMER SHERIFF IN SHOOTING DEATH OF DISTRICT JUDGE

A Letcher County Grand Jury has indicted former Sheriff Mickey Stines on a charge of murder of a public official in the death of District Judge Kevin R. Mullins.
The indictment, announced at about 2:50 this afternoon, comes two months and two days after Stines walked into Mullins’s chambers behind the Letcher District Courtroom and shot the judge eight times. The entire shooting was captured on a security camera.
The indictment was handed up to Senior Judge Julia H. Adams, who served as circuit judge in Clark and Madison Counties before her retirement.
The indictment gives nearly no details about the crime and the motive is still unknown. Judge Adams was appointed solely for the purpose of receiving the indictment and presiding over the arraignment of Stines, which is set for Monday at noon.
Judge Adams also left room for Stines, 43, of McRoberts, to be released from jail on bond, but warned the bond "will be significant."
"I am disinclined to set 'no bond' in any case," the judge said.
The case against Stines was presented to the grand jury by Commonwealth’s Attorney for the 27th Judicial Circuit Jackie Steele, who was appointed special prosecutor by Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman. Assisting Steele was Deputy Executive Director of the Attorney General’s Special Prosecutions Unit Ramsey Dallam.

11/07/2024

WRITE-IN VOTE TOTALS RELEASED FOR SENATE RACE

Pineville Mayor Scott Madon, a Republican backed by the state Republican Party and endorsed by the family of the late State Sen. Johnnie L. Turner, will be the new Senator for the 29th District.

The 29th District includes Letcher, Knott, Floyd, Harlan and part of Bell, where Madon is from. The seat became vacant when Turner died more than a month after driving his lawnmower into the deep end of an empty swimming pool on his property.

Madon won in a field of 11 write-in competitors who had just 12 days to campaign. The full results in that race are in the table.

11/06/2024

STATE SENATE ELECTION RESULTS WILL TAKE TIME

It will be at least November 6 before residents of the 29th State Senatorial District know who won the election.
Letcher County alone had 3,955 write-in votes that have to be individually counted, and there are five counties in the district. There will likely be more write-in votes in Floyd and Harlan counties, which have slightly higher populations.
With 11 write-in candidates for the vacant seat, the count will take a substantial amount of time to complete.

11/03/2024

WYMT LAYS OFF 13; OTHER GRAY STATIONS ALSO CUTTING STAFF

Gray Media has laid off 13 employees at WYMT-TV in Hazard and made similar deep cuts to at least seven other small market stations across the eastern United States.

In addition to WYMT, stations included in the cuts include WTOK in Meridian, Miss.; WVIR in Charlottesville, Va.; WTVY, Dothan, Ala.; KEYC, Mankato, Minn.; WGGB, Springfield, Mass.; WDBJ, Roanoke, Va.; and WWNY, Watertown, N.Y.

Gray has made no formal announcement of the cuts.

According to sources close to the company, workers were laid off Friday with no notice. The cuts included news and sports reporters and off-camera personnel, some of whom had been at the station for more than 25 years. About three-fourths of the sports department was axed, sources said.

Employees of other Gray stations posting on Reddit said WTVY in Dothan, Alabama, laid off seven of its nine reporters and producers, half the employees at KEYC in Mankato, Minnesota, lost their jobs, and WGGB in Springfield, Massachusetts, cut its evening news programming on weekends and some weekday morning shows in addition to the layoffs.

The layoffs appear to be an attempt to reduce spending in smaller markets in favor of larger cities. On July 1, Gray completed transactions in which it sold television stations KCWY in Casper, Wyoming, (population 58,523) and KGWN in Cheyenne, Wyoming, (population 65,141) in exchange for Marquee Broadcasting Inc.’s FCC permit authorizing construction of a new television station to be built in Salt Lake City, Utah, (population 212,570 and metro area population of 1,257,936). The new station will be known as KCBU.

Gray Media, based in Atlanta, owns television stations in 113 markets from Maine to Hawaii and from Alaska to Florida, as well as production companies and digital media businesses. In Kentucky, Gray owns WYMT in Hazard, WKYT in Lexington, WAVE in Louisville, and WBKO in Bowling Green.

In its last quarterly report to the Securities and Exchange Commission, Gray reported revenue of $1.649 billion and a net income of $110 million for the six months ending June 30. Meanwhile, stock prices for the company had plummeted from a high of $10 a share on January 26 to $5.79 at the closing bell Friday.

10/31/2024

WANNA SELL POULTRY PRODUCTS? YOU PROBABLY CAN’T HERE
Meeting Friday to discuss problems county faces in food availability

The U.S. Department of Agriculture and the University of Kentucky will host a “community conversation” here Friday to discuss how the USDA can address problems with food distribution, nutrition access, food loss and waste, and ways to strengthen local and regional food supply chains.
The meeting is set for 2 p.m. tomorrow (Friday, November 1) at CANE Kitchen, located at 38 College Drive, Whitesburg, in the old Whitesburg High School.
Among the problems facing farmers here is the lack of access to USDA inspected meat processors, especially for poultry. A USDA inspected plant is required for a person to sell poultry products for human consumption. (Poultry products means anything made with any part a bird but does not include eggs.) The only two poultry processors in Kentucky that work for small farmers are about 300 miles away.
The USDA is asking farmers, food producers, processors, business owners, and all other community members who have an interest in strengthening the county food system to come to the meeting, join the discussion, and voice their opinions.

10/23/2024

SEN. JOHNNIE L. TURNER, WHO REPRESENTED LETCHER AND FOUR OTHER COUNTIES IN THE KENTUCKY STATE SENATE, HAS DIED AT AGE 76

State Senator Johnnie L. Turner has died, apparently as a result of injuries he suffered in a lawnmower accident on September 15.
The death of Turner, a Republican attorney from Harlan who represented Letcher, Knott, Harlan, Bell and Floyd counties in the Kentucky General Assembly, was announced Wednesday morning when fellow State Senator Philip Wheeler of Pike County paid tribute to Turner on the social media site Facebook.
“It is with profound sadness that I announce the passing of my friend and colleague, State Senator Johnnie L. Turner, as a result of the injuries he suffered in his tragic accident on September 15,” Wheeler writes in the post. “Johnnie was truly one of the most fascinating people I’ve ever had the privilege of knowing.”
Adds Wheeler: “Born on Christmas Eve 1947 into what was even for the time an atypically large family of 11 children, Johnnie grew up in Harlan County before attending the Redbird Mission School, where he worked on the campus to pay for his books and tuition.”
According to Wheeler, Turner was an Army veteran who served in the Panama Canal Zone from 1967 to 1969. He was later graduated from Union College and the University of Kentucky College of Law.
Wheeler’s post also notes that through his law practice in Harlan, Turner handled “hundreds of cases … representing thousands of coal miners and injured workers.”
Turner, 76, is survived by his wife Maritza and the couple’s three children. He was injured last month after the mower he was driving during the early evening hours plunged into the deep end of an empty swimming pool.
Turner was elected to the state Senate in 2021, nearly a decade after he served in the state House of Representatives from 1999 to 2002.
He was running for re-election to another four-year term in the November 5 election and was unopposed.

10/21/2024

MCHC OFFERING TWO DRIVE-THRU VACCINE CLINICS THIS WEEK

If you want a flu vaccine or COVID-19 vaccine, Whitesburg-based Mountain Comprehensive Health Care is offering two simple ways to get them quickly and easily.

Tomorrow (Tuesday, October 22), the not-for-profit healthcare provider is offering a “Drive-Thru Vaccine Clinic” on the campus of the old Whitesburg High School. The vaccines will be offered in what is now the CANE Kitchen parking lot from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.

On Wednesday (October 23), MCHC will park its Mobile Health Clinic outside the MCHC-owned Whitesburg Medical Clinic at 226 Medical Plaza Lane in Whitesburg from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. as part of its Breast Cancer Awareness Luncheon being offered at the same time.

Persons wishing more information about either of the Drive-Thru Vaccine Clinics may call 606-633-4871.

10/10/2024

KSP’S “CRUISING WITH CRUISERS” EVENT IS THIS WEEKEND IN WHITESBURG. PROCEEDS WILL BENEFIT KSP’S “SHOP WITH A TROOPER” PROGRAM.

The 2024 Cruising with Cruisers event will begin in Whitesburg Friday (Oct. 11) with the “Truck-or-Treat” Halloween special at James Wiley Craft Memorial Park (formerly River Park) near the ARH Hospital. “Truck or Treat” will begin at 5:30 p.m. and last until 7:30 p.m.
The 2024 Cruising with Cruisers Car Show will be held on the campus of Letcher County Central High School on Saturday from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m.
After the Car Show, there will be a “Police-led Cruise” to the top of Pine Mountain near Whitesburg, which will be followed by fireworks, music, s’mores and more.
Proceeds from the two days of fun will benefit the Kentucky State Police “Shop With a Trooper” program held each Christmas season.
Persons wishing more information may call KSP Trooper Michael Burton or Trooper Matt Gayheart at 606-435-6069.

10/02/2024

WESTERN AUTO, OTHER LOCAL BUSINESSES CAN'T BE REACHED BY REGULAR LANDLINE PHONE

Several area businesses have lost their normal telephone service and are losing customers as a result. Among them are the Western Auto tire store in downtown Whitesburg, which is that town's oldest continuous retail store.

According to store owner Owen W. Wright, people at AT&T say his phone service will be restored Friday at the earliest, but wouldn't even promise that.

Wright is now asking customers who normally would reach him at 633-2229 to instead call him at 606-335-2302.

10/01/2024

JUDGE REJECTS DEFENSE REQUEST TO REDUCE CHARGE AGAINST SHERIFF STINES

Sheriff Mickey Stines was “mostly calm” after shooting District Judge Kevin Mullins to death in his chambers, a detective with the Kentucky State Police testified during a preliminary hearing in Morgan County District Court on Tuesday.

When taken into custody, he told and officer that “They were trying to kidnap my wife and kid,” Detective Clayton Stamper said. His only other statement: “Treat me fair.”

Stines stands charged with first-degree murder in the shooting. Mullins, still dressed in his black robe, was shot to death September 19 in his chambers. Video from a security camera in the judge’s office captured the moment of his death, and a short clip from it was played in court.

The testimony at times resembled rumors flying around the county, when the defense elicited testimony from Stamper that Stines attempted to call his daughter using Mullins’s phone when he shot and killed the judge.

Stamper, lead investigator in the case, said Stines attempted to call his daughter on his own phone first, then borrowed the judge’s phone and tried to call her from that phone. It was not clear whether this occurred before or after the shooting, but under cross examination by defense attorney Jeremy Bartley, Detective Stamper said Stines stood up immediately after looking at Mullins’s phone and shot the judge.

Bartley asked Stamper if there was any evidence of a problem when the two men had lunch together earlier, and Stamper said there was not. But he said the judge at one point had asked Stines if they needed to speak privately in his chambers. Under questioning later, he said Kentucky State Police also took a phone belonging to a sheriff’s office employee, an unsworn employee, who had given up her phone voluntarily. That phone allegedly showed text messaging between her and the sheriff prior to the shooting.

Stamper testified several times that he had no direct knowledge of what was on any of the telephones or what witnesses told other detectives, despite Bartley’s repeated questions.
When the hearing was over, Judge Rupert Wilhoit said he found probable cause to the send the case to a grand jury, a ruling Bartley objected to, saying he hoped to change the judge’s mind.
“Take your best shot,” Wilhoit said.

Bartley said the prosecution could not rebut the possibility that the shooting occurred “under extreme emotional disturbance,” and therefore did not qualify for a first-degree murder charge.
“I think they’ve established probable cause for manslaughter first and not murder. I have heard nothing today to indicates this is not an example of an extreme emotional disturbance relation to the phone,” Bartley said.

Special Prosecutor Jackie Steele referred back to the video as showing Stines shot and killed the judge intentionally, and said it does support the murder charge.

Judge Wilhoit did not change his ruling.

In related news, Letcher Judge/Executive Terry Adams appointed Deputy Sheriff Billy Jones to take over the office of sheriff. Jones, who had been the school resource officer, took the oath of office about a half-hour before the preliminary hearing for Stines began.

10/01/2024

SHERIFF STINES ‘RETIRES’ AFTER GOVERNOR'S DEMAND FOR RESIGNATION

Sheriff Mickey Stines has “retired” from office, signaling he may intend to fight a charge of first-degree murder in the shooting death of District Judge Kevin R. Mullins.

Gov. Andy Beshear had demanded that Stines tender his resignation by close of business September 27, but Stines did not do so. Instead, his attorneys, Jeremy A. Bartley and Kerri N. Bartley, wrote an undated letter to the governor's general counsel that was released shortly before 6 p.m. today outlining his 22 years of service and declaring his decision is not the "result of any ultimatum" he was facing.

“Mr. Stines has made the difficult decision to effect his retirement as of September 30, 2024. This decision is made, not as a result of any ultimatum or in any way as a concession to any allegations made by the Commonwealth of Kentucky,” the attorneys wrote. “Rather, Sheriff Stines has made this decision to allow for a successor to continue to protect his beloved constituents while he address the legal process ahead of him.”

Multiple sources have told The Mountain Eagle that police have a video from a closed circuit camera in Mullins's office that captured the shooting. Stines pleaded not guilty at his arraignment last week. A preliminary hearing is set for Tuesday in West Liberty. Defendants often waive their right to a preliminary hearing, delaying public release of evidence against them. So far, Stines's hearing has not been canceled.

09/30/2024

KY 15 REOPENED

KYt 15 is open following a three-vehicle collision near the Premium exit (KY 170).

Vehicles were being loaded on rollbacks at 6:15 p.m., and one lane of traffic was opened with flaggers on both ends of the accident.

09/30/2024

THREE-CAR COLLISION CLOSES KY 15

KY 15 is closed temporarily after three vehicles collided near the Premium exit.

Two of the vehicles appear to have hit head-on. A third is over the hill.

No other information is available, but drivers are asked to take an alternate route until the vehicles are removed from the roadway.

09/29/2024

45 LETCHER COUNTY HOMES STILL WITHOUT POWER

Kentucky Power Company reported just before noon today (Sunday) that power has been restored to all but 45 of the 2,311 Letcher County homes and businesses that were left without power as the remnants of Hurricane Helene blew across the region Friday.
The company said all Letcher County homes should have power restored by midnight.

09/28/2024

Rain from Hurricane Helene crushed efforts by local nonprofits and school sports teams to raise money this week for this year's seasons.
Letcher County Central High School teams such as at archery, cheerleading, baseball, and softball that get little money from the school district and ticket sales depend on the money raised at The Mountain Heritage Festival to get their teams through the year.
The Mountain Eagle encourages you to come out to the festival today and patronize the food booths, donate if you can, and tip the teams. These kids, coaches and parents work hard and they deserve our support.

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EX-SHERIFF ENTERS SECOND PLEA OF NOT GUILTY Former Letcher County Sheriff Shawn “Mickey” Stines was back in the Letcher County Courthouse Monday, this time to plead not guilty to the murder charge contained in an indictment returned last week by the Letcher County Grand Jury. Stines, who shot and killed Letcher District Judge Kevin Mullins inside Mullins’s chambers in September, was brought to the courthouse from the Leslie County Jail, where he has been held since he was arrested shortly after the shooting. Stines did not speak during the short hearing. Rather, his attorney entered the plea for him after declining to have the charges in the indictment read publicly. More information will appear in the November 27 edition of The Mountain Eagle, which will be on newsstands tomorrow, a day earlier than normal.

ONE PERSON DEAD AFTER CHASE ACROSS 4 COUNTIES IN 2 STATES One person was killed Wednesday when a car rammed head-on into another vehicle in Wise County, Virginia, after leading police on a four-county chase from Hazard, Kentucky. Authorities have not yet identified the victim or the suspect. Four people were taken to the hospital following the wreck, which occurred about 9 a.m. June 12 in a congested shopping area on US 23 at Wise. According to police, the suspect had stolen Apple products from the Hazard Walmart and fled in a silver Audi SUV with North Carolina tags around 8 a.m. Hazard Police called ahead to the Whitesburg Police Department, which in turn called Kentucky State Police for assistance. Police from here chased the car to the Virginia state line and broke off the pursuit, which was picked up by the Wise County Sheriff's Department. From Pound to Wise, dash cam video shows the car traveling around 70 miles per hour on the wrong side of the median, narrowly missing several cars headed in the opposite direction, dodging them sometimes on the left and sometimes on the right. At one point, a deputy crossed the median and used his cruiser to strike the fleeing car, but the driver maintained control and continuing on south in the northbound lanes of US 23. Law enforcement officers then attempted to deploy spike strips at two separate locations, but the suspect vehicle crossed the median and avoided the spike strips. Law enforcement was able to divert the suspect back into the south bound lane briefly, but the Audi then crossed to the opposing lane again on US 23 in Wise, VA. The vehicle then struck a passenger vehicle head-on. Deputies and other responding law enforcement officers took occupants of the suspect vehicle into custody and rendered aid to occupants of both vehicles involved. One person was killed and four others, including the driver of the Audi, were taken to local hospitals. Charges are pending. Hazard Police, Whitesburg Police, Kentuck

Truck fire on KY 15 at Van Flames hadn’t yet reached the full gas tank of this pickup truck when this video was taken a few minutes ago. Travelers in the Van-Isom area should use caution.

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The weekly newspaper serving Letcher County, Kentucky since 1907. Winner of The Elijah Parish Lovejoy Award for courage in journalism, The Hugh Hefner First Amendment Award for community leadership, The Joe A. Callaway Award for Civic Courage, and The Edwards M. Templin award for distinguished community service. 1997 Pulitzer Prize nominee.