PRESTONSBURG, Ky. – Prestonsburg High School announced Friday that Rick Ward has been named the school’s new girls basketball coach. The school said in a Facebook post that Ward is the perfect choice to lead the Lady Blackcats forward. “Coach Ward has been a dedicated member of the Prestonsburg basketball program for the past nine years, playing a key role in helping build the foundation and success the team enjoys today. His commitment to the student-athletes, the school, and the community makes him the perfect choice to lead the program forward.” Prestonsburg High School Principal Brandon Kidd said Ward has […]

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HAGER HILL, Ky. — Kentucky State Police is investigating a two-vehicle crash in Johnson County that killed two people. According to Kentucky State Police, Retina Meek was driving along Route 321 at Hager Hill around 1:30 p.m. Thursday, when she crossed the center line and struck a pickup truck driven by Jason Kinner. Meek and a passenger in her vehicle, Anita Meek, both died of injuries sustained in the crash. Kinner was also injured but is continuing to receive treatment. The accident remains under investigation.

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by LINDSEY PIERCY LEXINGTON, Ky. — It’s the familiar March Madness frenzy: bracket predictions, buzzer-beater highlights and, of course, the quirks of fandom. Basketball fans have long found ways to feel like they can influence the outcome of a game — even from the couch. We embrace traditions that range from lucky attire to sitting in the same spot. While some might chalk these behaviors up to coincidence, one researcher at the University of Kentucky suggests there’s more at play. Jenny Rice, Ph.D., professor in the UK Department of Writing, Rhetoric, and Digital Studies in the College of Arts and […]

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PIKEVILLE, Ky. — A Pike County couple has pleaded guilty in a child abuse case that doctors likened to torture. Jerome Norman, 44, and Mary Hall, 43, both of Raccoon, entered blind Alford pleas to one count of first-degree abuse and two amended counts of second-degree abuse. An Alford plea functions as a guilty plea, but allows a defendant to maintain innocence while acknowledging the evidence in the case would likely result in a conviction. The charges were the result of someone at the child’s school noticing several injuries and disturbing behaviors in January 2025. The person said they had […]

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My first year of covering 15th Region basketball has officially come to an end. This year was nothing short of exciting, the talent in this region on both the boys’ and girls’ side is as good as it has been in years. There are so many amazing players spread across the region who are game changers for their teams, and most of them will be back next year. Here are my thoughts on players and teams to keep an eye on heading into the next basketball season. TEAMS TO WATCH (BOYS) Johnson Central (28-5)The defending 15th Region champions will certainly […]

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