Prestonsburg Adds Ambulance Service to town’s Fire Department
By Jordan Mullins (WYMT – 01 November 2022)
PRESTONSBURG, Ky. (WYMT) – On Tuesday evening at the Mountain Arts Center, officials with the city of Prestonsburg announced its new ambulance service which adds an advanced life support and basic life support unit to the town’s fire department.
The decision to add the service came after officials noticed extended wait times with two existing ambulance services due to personnel shortages.
“Our fire department gets to the scene in three to six minutes and they’re administering first aid, they’re going through the process, they’re literally packaging them for transport then we have to wait on the ambulance to get there, and sometimes it’s been 40, 45, 50 minutes,” said Prestonsburg Mayor Les Stapleton. “It’s not because any other ambulance service has bad quality. They have great service. It’s just limited personnel and we had the personnel here at City Hall… in our fire department.”
Firefighters, EMTs, and paramedics with the Prestonsburg Fire Department began reaching out to officials about adding the service to service within the city limits. This addition will hopefully cut down on wait times across the county.
Officials add that even officers with the Prestonsburg Police Department are stepping in and filling part-time roles as EMTs on the two ambulances. Stepping up to provide a valuable service for the community they serve.
“I think it’s an awesome, awesome thing to add to the community,” said Prestonsburg FD Firefighter/EMT Tyler Sparks. “It’s going to be a very, very big asset to the citizens of Prestonsburg and everyone even passing through. The citizens deserve the service.”
Mayor Stapleton added that the process to acquire an ambulance service for the city was a long one but was made possible due to the passing of HB 777 and with help from the Kentucky League of Cities.
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Floyd Count-Prestonsburg to Purchase Thunder Ridge
By Trevor Thacker (Staff Writer Floyd County Chronicles – 19 October 2022)
It was announced Oct. 19 that the Floyd County Fiscal Court and City of Prestonsburg are in the process of purchasing the former Thunder Ridge property at no direct cost to Floyd County taxpayers — a move which officials said could create 50 jobs.
Floyd County and Prestonsburg has been awarded a $3 million Abandoned Mine Lands grant thanks to what Floyd Judge-Executive Robbie Williams said was the result of a joint effort by he, Rogers and Prestonsburg Mayor Les Stapleton. The funding award was announced during the Shaping Our Appalachian Region (SOAR) Conference in Pikeville Oct. 19.
During the conference, Gov. Andy Beshear also announced that the company Boxvana has already committed to building a 200,000-square foot facility on the site which will employ 50 people.
“This is an award for the repurchase of the Thunder Ridge properties that Floyd County once owned,” Williams said.
The property is approximately 58 acres which are located out of the floodplain. Another plus, Williams said, is that most major infrastructure, such as commercial water, commercial sewer and electricity are already on-site and ready to go. Williams also said upgraded utility lines are on-site.
With the property being purchased through the grant program, Williams said, the property will be at no cost to the county.
“There’s no loans, there’s no bonds, zero debt or liability to Floyd County,” Williams said.
Williams and Stapleton have been working on the repurchase of the Thunder Ridge property for more than a year. The pair, Williams said, worked in close conjunction with the Cabinet for Economic Development, Beshear’s office and Special Advisor to the Governor Rocky Adkins.
(source : Floyd County Chronicles)
PRESTONSBURG POLICE DEPARTMENT Assist in Flood Stricken Communities
By Trevor Thacker (Staff Writer Floyd County Chronicles)
The City of Prestonsburg has witnessed more tragedy in the past six weeks than at any time since the city was incorporated on March 9, 1867.
The town still dealing with the aftermath of the deadly June 30 shooting at Allen, that claimed the lives of two of Prestonsburg’s finest police officers, a sheriff’s deputy and a K9 officer. Now, the city is dealing with record-setting flood waters and damage.
Though Floyd County received significant flood damage, surrounding cities like Hindman, in Knott County and Whitesburg, in Letcher County were nearly wiped out.
The Prestonsburg Police Department has been assisting displaced families not only in Floyd County, but in other areas as well. Sadly, with any tragedy, criminals spot opportunity.
According to Prestonsburg Police Department Deputy Chief Ross Shurtleff, the department received calls from the cities of Hindman and Whitesburg to assist with reports of looting of flood-damaged homes.
“Hindman doesn’t have a municipal police department; they rely totally on the (Knott County) Sheriff’s Office and the state police. Shurtleff continued, “Troopers who live in the area in Hindman I think it was something like four or five troopers lost their cruisers, their personal vehicles, some even their homes.”
Shurtleff noted The City of Whitesburg does have a police department. However most of their equipment is now destroyed.
“Almost all those officers who lived in Whitesburg lost everything they had. We got a huge showing of support back at the first of July, when we went through our tragedy and it was the least that we could do” said Shurtleff.
The PPD covered The City of Whitesburg for three days and nights, and currently still has a police presence in The City of Hindman. Reports of looting began to surface, Shurtleff said, and those municipalities were unable to respond.
“These were local people. They weren’t any stranger to the justice system. The citizens of Hindman had huge concerns with attempted thefts at the bank there, and even attempted break-ins at the mayor’s house in Hindman,” Shurtleff said.
Shurtleff had a message for those who attempt thefts of those who have suffered flood damage.
“These people have just lost everything they have,” he said. “They shouldn’t have to sit in their garage with a shotgun at three in the morning in fear of being robbed.”
“It will not be tolerated. If we have to drive you three counties over to jail, then that’s what we’re going to do. There’s absolutely no excuse for it,” Shurtleff said
(source : Floyd County Chronicles)
PRESTONSBURG POLICE ARREST THREE FOR BRINGING DRUGS TO PRESTONSBURG
11 March 2022
Yesterday afternoon, Prestonsburg Police Det. Brad Caldwell and Ptl. Dennis Hutchinson received information that an unknown male subject known only as “Florida Alexander” was distributing a significant amount of dangerous drugs in Floyd, Johnson, and Lawrence Counties. We began corroborating the information provided and were able to confirm the facts of the matter.
Today, additional, very specific information was received that the male was on Kentucky Route 321 at a local convenience store selling these drugs in a light blue Plymouth car. Undercover units verified the vehicle was in the area and began surveillance. Once the vehicle became stationary and the risk of flight was minimal, officers surrounded it. Captain Ross Shurtleff observed a male subject, later identified as Franklin Penix of West Van Lear moving around erratically in the vehicle, opened the door and observed a large bag full of methamphetamine in Penix’s hand.
Penix was removed from the vehicle and arrested.
Franklin Penix, 26, of West Van Lear, Sarah Moore, 36, of Louisa, and Doris Strickland, 47, of Louisa were all found to be in possession of 1.5 ounces of methamphetamine, 4.25 grams of fentanyl, and a variety of illegal pills, scales, and other paraphernalia used in the sale of illegal drugs.
All three were arrested and lodged in the Floyd County Jail on charges including:
– Trafficking Methamphetamine
– Trafficking Opiates
– Trafficking Fentanyl
– Tampering with Physical Evidence
– Promoting Contraband, 1st degree
“We are absolutely not going to tolerate this poison in our community.” Chief Randy Woods said. “We’re going to build strong cases that will hold water and send the dealers to prison and get the users the help they need and deserve” he continued.
This arrest potentially saved multiple lives and resulted from a tip from an individual who was concerned about its distribution. You can call us anonymously any time at 886-1010.
Prestonsburg receives another “EXCELLENT” Audit
source : Floyd County Chronicles – Austin Blankership (April 2, 2021)
Last week, the City of Prestonsburg received its audit report for the year 2020, which auditors said went really well despite navigating through COVID-19.
On March 22, the Prestonsburg City Council held its first regular meeting since voting to move its time to the fourth Monday of each month and during so, the council received its 2020 audit report which was prepared by White and Associates, PSC, a certified public accountant firm based out of Richmond.
According to auditor Artie White, the city’s finances appear good.
“It seemed like this year was really good,” White said. “Overall, I actually think that this year is better than last year’s, it just keeps getting better and that’s what I expect.”
Last year, White said that the city’s audit for the year ending in 2019 contained no findings was one of the best in terms of getting the information the firm needed in order to conduct the audit something of which White added, the city “actually improved in.”
“It keeps getting better and that’s something I expect,” White said. “As long as I’m working for an entity and I’m auditing, I expect to see it improve each year. I know you’ve changed staff recently over the last couple of years but, I think that it’s a lot better than it was the year before and it will continue to get better.”
White added that despite having an “excellent report” the city should continue to be mindful of its reports and spending as audits are something to watch.
Prestonburg Mayor Les Stapleton asked White if he or his firm had any trouble receiving any of the information they requested to perform the audit to which White replied that he didn’t, as he said that anything requested was received in a timely manner and adequate.
According to White, the city’s tourism commission is expected to be caught up on its audit reports which should add an expected component unit to the city’s next audit in addition to the city’s utility department.
City Attorney Jennifer Elliott said that the 2020 audit was the first report in which the city didn’t have “leftover” litigation from the prior administration something she said the current council should be very proud of.
“It’s been a long process for our council to get where we’re at, but we’re starting to get there,” Stapleton said.
Last week, the City of Prestonsburg received its audit report for the year 2020, which auditors said went really well despite navigating through COVID-19.
On March 22, the Prestonsburg City Council held its first regular meeting since voting to move its time to the fourth Monday of each month and during so, the council received its 2020 audit report which was prepared by White and Associates, PSC, a certified public accountant firm based out of Richmond.
According to auditor Artie White, the city’s finances appear good.
“It seemed like this year was really good,” White said. “Overall, I actually think that this year is better than last year’s, it just keeps getting better and that’s what I expect.”
Last year, White said that the city’s audit for the year ending in 2019 contained no findings was one of the best in terms of getting the information the firm needed in order to conduct the audit something of which White added, the city “actually improved in.”
“It keeps getting better and that’s something I expect,” White said. “As long as I’m working for an entity and I’m auditing, I expect to see it improve each year. I know you’ve changed staff recently over the last couple of years but, I think that it’s a lot better than it was the year before and it will continue to get better.”
White added that despite having an “excellent report” the city should continue to be mindful of its reports and spending as audits are something to watch.
Prestonburg Mayor Les Stapleton asked White if he or his firm had any trouble receiving any of the information they requested to perform the audit to which White replied that he didn’t, as he said that anything requested was received in a timely manner and adequate.
According to White, the city’s tourism commission is expected to be caught up on its audit reports which should add an expected component unit to the city’s next audit in addition to the city’s utility department.
City Attorney Jennifer Elliott said that the 2020 audit was the first report in which the city didn’t have “leftover” litigation from the prior administration something she said the current council should be very proud of.
“It’s been a long process for our council to get where we’re at, but we’re starting to get there,” Stapleton said.
Allen and Prestonsburg enter into Interlocal agreement for policing services
source : Floyd County Chronicles – Austin Blankership (February 3, 2021)
After terminating its police chief last month, the City of Allen has been without a police presence for several weeks. However, after a recent agreement, the city is set to once again have law enforcement present in Allen limits.
During the regular meeting of the Allen City Council on Jan. 15, council members voted to enter into an interlocal agreement with the City of Prestonsburg and its police department to provide policing services for the city. The decision came after the council received proposals from the PPD, as well as the Floyd County Sheriff’s Office to assist Allen with its lack of law enforcement.
Representatives from each department was in attendance to the Jan. 15 meeting, where each agency had the opportunity to explain their proposal, as well as answer any questions the council may have had.
According to the proposal made by the FCSO, a deputy would be assigned to the city and would be providing law enforcement-related services, while maintaining a visible presence within the designated assigned area, during the scheduled time. The proposal said that the deputy would be assigned to approximately 20 hours per week, which representatives said would be divided over a five-day period. According to the proposal, those hours could run at a consistent period or spilt and the deputy would be allowed and encouraged to utilize the Allen city police station for business. The FCSO would provide those services, the proposal said, for approximately $1,850 per month.
According to the proposal made by the PPD, the inter-local agreement between Allen and the Prestonsburg Police Department would be for approximately two years, with the agreement being renewable every year after. Regular patrols for the City of Allen would be made throughout the day and night, seven days a week, the proposal said. The PPD would also respond to calls for emergency and non-emergency law enforcement services in the city of Allen, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so long as the agreement remains in effect, which Mayor Sharon Woods said would be a nice added aspect, as to not have to wait for 911 calls to go through Pikeville’s Post 9
After hearing both proposals, both law enforcement agencies were asked to leave to meeting, as the council went into executive session to discuss which proposal would be best for the city. Once closed session had ended and the regular meeting began again, Woods informed both agencies that the council had voted to enter into an agreement with the PPD.
Small businesses booming in Prestonsburg
source : Mountain News – wymt.com (November 16, 2020, by Kimberly Keagy)
PRESTONSBURG, Ky. (WSAZ) – The city of Prestonsburg is seeing a small business boom, welcoming three new storefronts to the area. Two clothing boutiques are already up and running, and a restaurant will open in the near future.
For Mod Chic owner, Brittany Lamb, it’s a dream finally coming to life.
” I was going to open up a store online, but I decided I wanted to do it right and open a brick and mortar first,” Lamb said. “What better location than to open the store in my hometown?”
Her store sits on West Court Street and with the foot traffic downtown, Lamb says it’s the prime location for a boutique.
Prestonsburg Mayor Les Stapleton is happy to see businesses investing in the area.
“We are just excited … especially in the middle of COVID,” Stapleton said. “We’re tickled to death to have businesses here in town, money turning over, our people enjoying this money and not leaving to go to Lexington or Myrtle Beach.”
Just down the road, Rustic Oak is a clothing boutique led by a mother and daughter duo, Sherri and Kelsi Pennington, who say shopping small goes further than the price tag.
“I think she’s learning every day what it takes to run a business, and it’s not all fun and games, there’s a lot of work to this,” said Sherri Pennington, as she teaches her daughter about the entrepreneurial process.
The location or name of the restaurant has not been announced yet.
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