Kool Gold 96.7 WANV

17/11/2023

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17/11/2023

Do not fear, Rock and Roll T-Shirt Friday is here!! So break out those rock tees and help us celebrate the weekend and rock and roll!! This week Dave's rockin' Prince!! So he'll be sprinkling in some Prince throughout the morning show! You can listen live online at 967wanv.com, on our free mobile app or on Alexa. Just say "Hey Alexa, play Kool Gold ninety six point seven!"

16/11/2023

Dave, Terry and Meredith spotted at the London - Laurel County Chamber of Commerce luncheon

13/11/2023

https://967wanv.com/local-news/

13/11/2023

10/11/2023

Well lookie here, it's Rock and Roll T-Shirt Friday!! So break out those rock tees and help us celebrate the weekend and rock and roll!! This week Dave's rockin' Foreigner!! So he'll be sprinkling in some Foreigner throughout the morning show! You can listen live online at 967wanv.com, on our free mobile app or on Alexa. Just say "Hey Alexa, play Kool Gold ninety six point seven!"

07/11/2023

Writer and director, David Sweet, of Millstone Theatre, stopped by London News Now this morning to talk about the upcoming dinner-theatre production, "Dinner at Eight, Dead by Nine" November 17th at 6 at Grace on the Hill Church and November 18th at 6 at London Community Center. Find out more at millstonetheatre.com

06/11/2023

Thanks to everyone who came out to the Veterans Day Celebration in London. Most of all thanks to our veterans for their service and sacrifice. The event included special singing from Daniel Carmack, a 21-gun salute and several speeches honoring veterans. Laurel County Judge-Executive David Westerfield coordinated the event, along with the London DAV Chapter 66. A veterans parade followed ending up at Wildcat Harley-Davidson, where a meal was served for all those in attendance.

03/11/2023

LOCAL NEWS UPDATE

East Bernstadt Man Arrested on Robbery Charges

Laurel County Sheriff John Root says Deputy Byron Grimes was dispatched to a reported burglary in progress at Apeyard Market off Highway 490. When deputies arrived at the scene, they caught 37-year Michael Holt inside the store with an employee. Police saw the front door had been kicked and the glass was shattered. They also discovered Holt had also tried to rob an ATM machine inside the store. He was arrested and charged with robbery and criminal mischief. Holt was lodged in the Laurel County Correctional Center.

Laurel County Students Excel Once Again on State Assessment

The Kentucky Department of Education released the Kentucky Summative Assessment (KSA) and accountability results, and Laurel County is once again a high-performing district. The KSA was administered in the spring of 2023 in grades 3 through 8, 10, and 11. The rated scores place Laurel County as the 2nd highest county school district in the state in the Overall Elementary rating, and 7th in all elementary district schools (top 4% out of 172 districts). The district middle school rankings placed Laurel County as the 11th highest county school district, and 19th in all middle district schools (top 11% out of 172 districts), while Laurel County high schools landed 19th highest county school district, and 32nd in all high district schools (top 20% out of 168 districts). Denise Griebel, Laurel County Schools Superintendent, said to say that she is proud of the Laurel County Schools is an understatement. After the ratings were released, The Lexington Herald-Leader ranked the top ten elementary, middle and high schools based on the report card data. Among the top 10 elementary schools on the list, Sublimity was number 1, Burning Springs was 4th, Whitley County East was 8th and East Bernstadt was 9th. Among the top Middle Schools, Corbin Middle School was 10th.

KSP Promotes 31 Troopers and Officers

This week, Kentucky State Police celebrated 31 troopers and officers who have been promoted throughout the year. Officials say this gives them a chance to move new perspectives into leadership positions. Not only was this a ceremony to recognize the promotions, it was also a time to thank the officers’ families for supporting them throughout the tough process. Those who were promoted include one lieutenant colonel, five majors, two captains, 10 lieutenants and 13 sergeants.

03/11/2023

We made it! It's Rock and Roll T-Shirt Friday!! So break out those rock tees and help us celebrate!! This week Dave's rockin' Blondie!! So he'll be sprinkling in some Blondie throughout the morning show! You can listen live online at 967wanv.com, on our free mobile app or on Alexa. Just say "Hey Alexa, play Kool Gold ninety six point seven!"

02/11/2023

LOCAL NEWS UPDATE

UPDATE: Suspect Considered Armed and Dangerous Behind Bars

UPDATE: Laurel County Sheriff John Root says a suspect on the run from police has been located on the edge of Knox County off Ky 830 on Hazel Fork Road by the Knox County Sheriff’s Office and arrested without incident. Deputies say 39-year-old William Ragen was reported missing after he was last seen in the Slate Lick Church Road vicinity. Ragen was reportedly armed with a machete and intoxicated, possibly having mental issues. Ragen also reportedly broke into a home off Springcutt Road near Rocky Branch Road. Sheriff Root said Sgt Brett Reeves, Captain Richard Dalrymple and Deputy Allen Turner worked around the clock on the case.

Two People Face Criminal Trespassing Charges After Barricading Themselves in a Building

Laurel County Sheriff John Root says Deputy Tommy Houston was called out on trespassing complaint at a business off East Cumberland Gap Parkway. When police arrived, staff told them two people barricaded themselves inside a building on the business’ property. Deputies were eventually able to get the two out of the building. 54-year-old James Taylor and 37-year-old Shawna Gilbert were arrested and charged with criminal trespassing. Both were lodged in the Laurel County Correctional Center.

UPDATE: Woman Shot on I-75 Last Month in Rockcastle County Continues to Recover

Another update: Erica Ponder, of Georgia, who was shot on I-75 as she was driving through Rockcastle County last month continues to recover. Ponder said she was simply driving on the interstate when she heard gunshots and realized she was shot in the leg. She is a travel CNA and was on her way to Pennsylvania when it happened. Police are investigating, but it is not clear who fired the shot or why. The Rockcastle County Sheriff’s Office said they believe the shooter was driving another car. They have asked people to call them if they have any information from that night. Ponder said she still hasn’t been able to return to work yet.

KSP Announce Traffic Safety Checkpoints

The Kentucky State Police Post 11 in London, which provides coverage for Clay, Laurel, McCreary, Pulaski, Rockcastle, Wayne and Whitley counties, has announced they will be conducting periodic traffic safety checkpoints at various locations. The checkpoints are an effort to enforce traffic laws, especially seatbelt adherence, sobriety, insurance and registration violations. A complete list of traffic safety checkpoint locations can be found here: http://kentuckystatepolice.org/post11checkpoints/

01/11/2023

LOCAL NEWS UPDATE

East Bernstadt Man Arrested After Allegedly Causing a Disturbance and Running from Police

Laurel County Sheriff John Root says Deputy Nate Bishop and Deputy Zach Allen responded to a disturbance complaint off of TIB Drive. Deputies determined that 31-year-old Darrel Anger, of East Bernstadt, had been yelling and throwing items at a person’s home. Anger left the scene before deputies arrived, but they were able to find him. Police say Anger was under the influence and tried to run away from them. After a short foot chase and struggle, Anger was arrested. He was charged with public intoxication, resisting arrest, menacing and running from police. Anger was lodged in the Laurel County Correctional Center.

COVID and Flu Numbers Continue to be Relatively Low in Laurel County

During their weekly update on Kool Gold’s London News Now, the Laurel County Health Department reported COVID and flu numbers continue to be low in the county. Public Services Supervisor, Tyler Caldwell, said from October 23rd to October 27th there were 89 new cases and 1 new hospitalization. Caldwell says flu cases continue to be low at this point. He said as we get into flu and respiratory illness season, it's important to practice preventive measures like washing your hands, covering your coughs and sneezes, staying home when you’re sick and staying up to date on vaccinations. For more information visit their page or their website.

Officials Break Ground on Expansion Project of the Corbin Center

Local and state leaders gathered in Corbin this week to break ground on the expansion project of the Corbin Center. Officials also unveiled a new hotel project. The Corbin Center expansion project will cost $3.5 million. Officials said the new structure is a 113-bed TownePlace Suites and Fairfield Inn & Suites. The building will also have conference spaces, which could attract business and association meetings.

01/11/2023

Another Halloween Spooktacular is in the books. Dave had a great time playing Halloween "carols" and meeting the trick or treaters. A special thanks to our sponsors, Wildcat Harley-Davidson and Larkey HVAC. Also thanks to Dave's wife Mary for helping hand out candy, our trick or treaters and everyone who tuned in!

31/10/2023

LOCAL NEWS UPDATE

KSP Investigating Deadly Laurel County House Fire

Kentucky State Police are investigating a deadly fire in Laurel County. Troopers responded to a call for assistance from Laurel County Dispatch regarding a structure fire on Terrell Road, approximately 10 miles south of London. After the fire was put out, firefighters found human remains inside the home. The Laurel County Coroner’s Office pronounced 54-year-old Melissa (Lisa) Creech, of London, dead at the scene. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

ATV Crash Kills Man and Injures Boy in Laurel County

Laurel County Sheriff John Root reports a man is dead and a boy is injured following an ATV crash. Investigators say the crash happened along Jim Garland Road, where an ATV hit a fence and tree, causing it to flip onto its side and eject both the driver and the passenger. Officials say the driver of the ATV, 52-year-old Jeffrey Smith, of London, was pronounced dead at the scene by Laurel County Coroner Doug Bowling. The passenger, an 11-year-old boy, was taken to St. Joseph Hospital London for evaluation of his injuries.

Griebel Named Laurel County Schools Superintendent

Administrators with Laurel County Schools this week announced Denise Griebel was selected to serve as superintendent. Griebel has served as interim superintendent since early August. She was named to the role after Dr. Doug Bennett retired. Griebel has served as either an assistant or deputy superintendent for the district for 16 years.

Candidates for Governor Make Stops in London

Gov. Andy Beshear, who is running for re-election, made campaign stops across Eastern Kentucky this week. As part of his ‘Go Vote Tour,’ he stopped in London, Hazard and Salyersville to meet with supporters. Beshear’s senior advisor Rocky Adkins joined him on the tour, along with his wife Britainy and other Democratic candidates running in state races. His opponent, Attorney General Daniel Cameron also visited Eastern Kentucky this week. Cameron made stops in Pikeville, Hazard and London as part of his ‘Fight for Kentucky Bus Tour.’

Early Voting in Kentucky Starts This Week

With the general election less than one week away, Kentucky’s top election official is urging voters to beat the lines and vote early. Secretary of State Michael Adams announced no excuse early voting will run from Thursday, November 2nd through Saturday, November 4th. He urged both candidates for the state’s top office, Gov. Andy Beshear and Attorney General Daniel Cameron, to promote the measure that passed with bi-partisan support back in 2021.

31/10/2023

Tyler Caldwell of the Laurel County Health Department showed up as Burt Reynolds in Smokey and the Bandit for the Halloween edition of London News Now.

30/10/2023

LOCAL NEWS UPDATE
Police in Laurel County Arrest Man Accused of Shooting Gun Near Crowd of People

Laurel County Sheriff John Root says Deputy Wes Brown, Sgt. Travis Napier and Deputy Joe Breeding, along with Constable Robert Smith and London Police officers arrested a Barbourville man after he reportedly shot a gun near a crowd of people. Police were called out on a noise complaint on Echo Valley Road. When officers arrived they heard gunshots and saw people run away. Investigators determined 22-year-old Zachary Tyler Morgan shot the gun with at least 26 people nearby. Morgan reportedly said he shot the gun “in fear of his life”. He was charged with 26 counts of wanton endangerment and lodged in the Laurel County Correctional Center.

KSP Investigating Officer Involved Shooting in Pulaski

Kentucky State Police Post 11 is investigating an officer-involved shooting in Pulaski County. Police say officers with the Somerset Police Department responded to a domestic violence complaint on Emerald Court in Somerset. Upon arrival, they encountered a man with a gun. During the confrontation officers shot the suspect. The suspect was declared dead at the scene by the Pulaski County Coroner’s Office. A Somerset Police officer was taken to a nearby hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

Union College to Add University to Name

The Union College Board of Trustees approved an update to the official name of the College to include the word ‘University’. Officials with the college said the name change will help better describe all of the academic opportunities they offer. Board chair, Don Jones, said in recognition of Union’s status as a level IV graduate degree-granting institution, and with the increase in graduate programs and enrollment over the past ten years, Union’s Board has voted to incorporate the word ‘University’ into the official name of the 144-year-old institution. The school will take input from students, faculty, staff, alumni, and the community when choosing the new name. They plan to have a new name ready for board approval no later than the spring 2024 meeting. Union president, Dr. Marcia Hawkins, said while the college is embracing the future they will never forget its legacy.

27/10/2023

LOCAL NEWS UPDATE

Corbin Police Arrest Man on Assault Charges at Baptist Health Corbin

The Corbin Police Department says officers were called out to Baptist Health Corbin where an assault was reported. Officers say 27-year-old Andrew Worley assaulted a medical staff member in the emergency department and a security guard at the hospital. Police arrested Worley and charged him with disorderly conduct, public intoxication and assault. He was lodged in the Whitley County Detention Center.

Funding for Regional Project Awarded to Rockcastle County

Governor Andy Beshear this week announced funding for a regional project in Rockcastle County. The funding is through the Kentucky Product Development Initiative (KPDI). The Rockcastle County Fiscal Court plans to complete a due diligence study and buy land to create a regional industrial park. The project was approved for more than $1.6 million in improvements, with more than $800,000 of that being state funds. State officials said funds will also be provided by Rockcastle and Garrard counties, and Lincoln County is supportive of the project.

New President Named to Operation UNITE

Operation UNITE, a non-profit launched in 2003 to battle substance abuse, now has a new leader. Tom Vicini, who has been with UNITE for 17 years and last worked as their deputy director, took over starting Oct. 1. Vicini replaces Nancy Hale, who was the president for eight years before retiring. The new president said drug prevention will continue to be their main focus.

Bill Passes U.S. House that Includes Funding for Eastern Kentucky

On Thursday, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the 2024 Energy and Water Appropriations Bill. The bill will provide nearly $58 billion for national security, energy security and economic competitiveness. Eastern Kentucky will also gain important funding in the bill, including a request for $500,000 for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to study flood control options along the Kentucky River. The bill also provided $200 million for the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), including $10 million for the Appalachian Broadband Initiative, $16 million for infrastructure improvements and $65 million for the POWER initiative. Congressman Rogers said the bill also protects his annual requested prohibition preventing the Army Corps from carrying out a water-supply reallocation study for Lake Cumberland to protect local communities from being charged fees for using the lake for municipal water supply.

27/10/2023

It's the weekend before Halloween, so for Rock and Roll T-Shirt Friday Dave is reppin' some guys in costume, Kiss!! ...and you know he'll be sprinkling in some Kiss throughout the morning show! So break out those rock tees and help us celebrate!! You can listen live online at 967wanv.com, on our free mobile app or on Alexa. Just say "Hey Alexa, play Kool Gold ninety six point seven!"

26/10/2023

THE CHAIR BONANZA IS OVER...THEY ARE ALL GONE....

Thanks to every one who came and picked up one of our orphaned chairs. I'm glad to see they all went to a good home.

26/10/2023

ATTENTION! WE HAVE SOME FREEBIES FOR YOU!

Here at Forcht Broadcasting, we have two storage rooms...and both are full. Especially with chairs. Chairs of all kinds. Now some of these chairs are in excellent condition and some show wear. We are having a FIRESALE GIVEAWAY....which means we have these chairs out inour driveway and basically giving them away. First come, first choice. Take as many as you want. We need to get these out...so our loss is your gain! Oh, by the way, we are located on To***co Road...same place since 1955!

26/10/2023

LOCAL NEWS UPDATE

Laurel County Police Arrest Man After Finding Him Walking In The Road Intoxicated

Laurel County Sheriff John Root says Deputy Austyn Weddle and Deputy Joe Breeding were dispatched to a complaint of a man walking in the roadway on Waterworks Road, about a mile west of London. Deputies arrived to find 25-year-old Logan Cagle, of Tennessee, barefoot on the road. When Cagle saw the police cruiser he fled into the woods. After a brief foot-chase he was taken into custody. Cagle was charged with alcohol intoxication in a public place and fleeing or evading police. He was lodged in the Laurel County Correctional Center.

Williamsburg Police Arrest Man After He Allegedly Tried to Use Counterfeit Money

The Williamsburg Police Department says a man was arrested after he reportedly attempted to use counterfeit money at a local gas station. Officers arrested 28-year-old John Carroll, of Williamsburg. Carroll was charged with criminal possession of a forged instrument and possession of a controlled substance. Police said that during Carroll’s arrest, they reportedly found suspected methamphetamine, suboxone and hydrocodone. He was lodged in the Whitley County Detention Center.

London Receives Funding for EV Charging Station

Governor Andy Beshear announced this week that several cities will receive funding for Electric Vehicle charging stations. In the second round of awards for developers to design, build and operate a network of EV charging stations across the state, Gov. Beshear announced London as one of the cities to receive the funding. The location will be at 105 Melcon Lane, near the Econo Lodge hotel. The other cities chosen for the funding to build chargers for this round were Berea, Calvert City, Grayson, Louisville, Richmond, and Wi******er. London is the second city in the area to receive the approval of a charging station. Earlier this month, Somerset was announced as one of the cities to get the nod for a station. Officials said every charging station must have at least four chargers and be accessible to people 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Officials said once the groundwork is complete, construction will begin and take approximately 12 to 18 months to finish. You can see the full list of where the locations will be for this round here.

25/10/2023

LOCAL NEWS UPDATE

UPDATE: Body Found at Lake Cumberland Identified

The body found in Lake Cumberland last week has been identified. The Pulaski County Deputy Coroner said the body is that of 28-year-old Robert E. Lee, of Somerset. The cause of death and manner of death are not known at this time. The deputy coroner said Lee’s body was sent to the State Medical Examiner’s Office in Frankfort for an autopsy. More updates are expected.

London Fire Department Partners with Red Cross for Home Fire Campaign

On Monday, the London Fire Department and the American Red Cross Bluegrass Area Chapter delivered free smoke detectors this week to community members. The partnership was during the Sound the Alarm event, that is part of the Red Cross’ Home Fire Campaign, which installs free smoke detectors. Disaster Program Manager for the Bluegrass Area Chapter of the American Red Cross Dawn-Marie Beals said through these partnerships they have saved 1,583 lives and 85 in Kentucky alone. London Mayor Randall Weddle said they partnered with the American Red Cross because they have the initiative already in place and are a well-recognized organization and make people more comfortable with the city coming in to help. The Sound the Alarm event runs until November 9, and officials said they plan to host another event in the spring. The Home Fire Campaign takes place throughout the year, and people can request a smoke alarm on the American Red Cross website.

Final Weekend of the Terror Squad Haunted House for the Year Coming Up

Friday and Saturday are the final days of the Terror Squad Haunted House. The Terror Squad is one of the biggest fundraising events of the year for the London-Laurel County Rescue Squad. London Fire Department Chief Carl Hacker said it is one of the best haunted houses in the area. The Terror Squad begins haunting at 8 p.m. both Friday and Saturday and runs until midnight.