Meet “Rat Fight”, the Madison County high school robotics team heading to international competition
By Maryn McDonald With advanced technology rapidly changing the way people work, a small group of students from Madison County is preparing to put their skills to the test at this year’s international robotics competitions. Mentored by students from Berea College, Rat Fight Robotics is a student-led organization made up of high school students from […]
Elite Martial Arts student win medals at KY State Championship Martial Arts Tournament
A student from Elite Martial Arts earned top honors this past weekend at the Kentucky State Championship regional sport karate tournament, bringing home multiple medals and representing the community with pride. The student competed in several divisions including Traditional Forms, Point Sparring, Continuous Sparring, and Weapons. Angel Gonzalez won 2nd in Point Sparring and 3rd in Padded Swords. Under […]
Bechtel Parsons presents innovation grant to Madison County Schools
Innovative classroom activities in Madison County schools are getting a boost thanks to a donation from Bechtel Parsons Blue Grass. Teachers from eight different schools are sharing the $10,000 BPBG grant which they will use to promote student-centered learning activities that focus on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).“Supporting teachers as they implement STEM activities […]
After yearlong investigation, two Booneville residents arrested in infant death
Following a year-long investigation, two individuals were arrestedTuesday Feb. 9, 2026, after indictments were issued by the Owsley County Grand Jury in late January. Deann Bennett, 27, of Booneville, was taken into custody and charged with reckless homicide, tampering with physical evidence, abuse of a corpse, and concealing the birth of an infant. Charles Bennett, […]
AI gives us options on what to do with the 44th District Tournament Draw
Every year, this topic comes up like clockwork. Former players text about it, longtime locals debate it over coffee, and if you’re new to the area, you’re probably wondering what everyone’s talking about. The 44th District basketball tournament is one of the last in Kentucky that still uses a random draw instead of seeding teams […]
Madison County agencies respond to I-75 crash Saturday night
Several Madison County agencies responded to a single-vehicle accident on I-75 Saturday night. The crash occurred around 9:15 p.m. near the 91-mile marker northbound. The vehicle left the roadway, traveled approximately 100 feet, and is believed to have flipped before coming to rest on its wheels. A female passenger from Berea was transported to UK […]
MCSO: Berea man arrested after giving officer brother’s information
A Madison County Sheriff’s Deputy arrested a Berea man early Monday morning after he allegedly provided false identifying information. According to an arrest citation, the officer observed an illegal burn operation on Big Hill Road which was reportedly being conducted by Tommy Eaton. When questioned about his identity, police say Eaton couldn’t clearly state his […]
Missing Madison County veteran found deceased
A Green Alert issued Monday evening for a missing Madison County Veteran ended tragically. The alert involved 45-year-old Nathan Branstutter of Madison County, who was reported missing Monday evening. That search culminated with a large police presence at an apartment complex on Tulip Drive in Richmond Monday night. That’s where Police say Mr. Branstutter was found deceased […]
Madison County woman joins Kentucky’s winter storm related deaths
Madison County Coroner Jimmy Cornelison tells WBON-TV9 a female was discovered deceased early Monday morning in the parking lot of Pebblecreek Crossing Elderly Apartments on Big Hill Avenue in Richmond. The woman may have slipped between 2 vehicles last night and was undiscovered until just after 7 this morning, succumbing to exposure. Her body will be taken to Frankfort for […]
State emergency officials provide Monday morning update on Winter storm system
Today, Gov. Andy Beshear, along with Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) Secretary Jim Gray and Kentucky Emergency Management (KYEM) Director Eric Gibson, provided another update on severe winter weather affecting the commonwealth. Snow, sleet and ice have moved out of Kentucky, but Gov. Beshear urged Kentuckians to continue to avoid travel and, if you must travel, slow down as crews treat slick roadways and temperatures remain dangerously low. “This storm blanketed Kentucky with snow, sleet and […]
State officials pre-treat roadways, designate warming stations ahead of severe Winter weather
In preparation for the severe Winter weather forecast for this weekend, numerous state and local government agencies are taking proactive steps to treat roadways and create shelter options for those in need. The National Weather Service (NWS) forecasts show statewide impacts, with snow accumulations predicted to be as high as 8 inches and the possibility […]
Waco Volunteer Fire Department discuses storm prep with WBON
With a major winter storm expected to impact the region this weekend, the Waco Fire Department is urging residents to prepare now for dangerous winter weather, including heavy snow, ice accumulation, widespread travel disruptions, and possible power outages lasting several days. According to the WBONTV-9 Weather Center, the storm is expected to move into the […]
Richmond man charged with 1st degree rape
Richmond Police arrested a man they charged with 1st degree rape this past Sunday. Police spoke with a female victim who reported the incident while at Baptist Health Richmond on Saturday evening, January 18th. According to the victim, Demetrius Farris sexually assaulted her at his home earlier that evening. After obtaining a search warrant for […]
KSP investigating missing Laurel County woman
Kentucky State Police Post 11 is actively investigating the disappearance of a Laurel County woman who has been missing since January 11, 2026, at approximately 7:00 p.m. Ida J. Hicks, 45, of London, Kentucky, was last known to be in the area of Highway 30 near the Laurel–Jackson County line. Mrs. Hicks is a white […]
10th Planet Jiu Jitsu Richmond – Chewjitsu Louisville results
January 17, 2026 10th Planet Jiu Jitsu Richmond traveled to Louisville, Kentucky to compete at the Chewjitsu Open Louisville 2026, turning in another strong team performance. The team returned to Richmond with 9 gold, 7 silver, and 4 bronze medals. The nine youth competitors combined their efforts to earn 2nd Place for Best Overall Youth […]
Irvine Police undercover efforts results in two arrests
In the late evening hours on Thursday of this week, Irvine police say they conducted a controlled buy from Angel Webb, age 27, of Irvine. Once the exchange was complete, officials say a traffic stop was then made on Cow Creek Road, where her and another suspect were placed under arrest. Webb was brought to the Irvine Police Department for an […]
Irvine Police Department: Estill Co. residents charged with child endangerment, animal cruelty
On Saturday, the Irvine Police Department arrested two individuals they claimed were subjecting children and animals to “obscene living conditions”, per an arrest citation. Police say they were accompanying Larry Beckler to a Sandhill Road residence to collect his belongings as a condition of an EPO. When authorities arrived to the residence, they observed two […]
Pulaski County veteran missing, KSP asking for publics assistance
Kentucky State Police Post 11 is actively investigating the disappearance of a Pulaski County veteran. Frank K. Coomer, 54, of Somerset, Kentucky, was last seen leaving his residence on January 10, 2026, at approximately 3:00 p.m. His direction of travel is unknown. Mr. Coomer is described as a white male, approximately 6 feet tall, weighing 151 pounds, with gray hair and blue eyes. […]
10th Planet Jiu Jitsu Richmond NAGA Results
10th Planet Jiu Jitsu Richmond traveled to the North American Grappling Association (NAGA) event in Cincinnati on January 10th and delivered an outstanding performance across all divisions. The youth team had an impressive showing, tying for 1st place overall in the youth team standings. Notable performances came from Israel Prince and Rylan Durham, whose determination, discipline, and coachability stood out throughout the day. The entire youth squad […]
Murder suspect spotted in Berea, dies while fleeing in fiery car crash
A high-speed police chase, that started in Berea today, ended in a fiery crash that killed the driver on I-64 in Franklin County. According to Berea Police, Dalton Georgia Police discovered a body while investigating a house fire overnight, and the suspect was believed to be involved in the death of that person. An Attempt […]
KSP make arrest in cold case involving infant body discovered at landfill in Richmond in 1991
Kentucky State Police Post 7 Detectives, with assistance from DESI East, KSP Intelligence Branch, and the KSP Forensic Laboratory, arrested one individual in connection with a cold case investigation dating back to 1991. Jennifer Cummins, 55, of Fairfax, Virginia, was arrested yesterday, January 6th, 2026, by the Fairfax County Police Fugitive Tracking and Apprehension Team. The […]
American Red Cross looking for donors to prevent winter blood shortage
KENTUCKY, Jan. 6, 2026 — The American Red Cross is teetering on a blood shortage this winter, which could lead to a disruption in lifesaving care. Donors are urged to make an appointment to give blood or platelets now. The Red Cross blood supply is under pressure following a busy holiday season when winter weather […]
Richmond man arrested following carjacking, hit & run collision
On Sunday evening, Richmond Police Department arrested a man they say committed a carjacking on Jason Drive. On the afternoon of December 27th, two parties met in the area of Jason Drive to exchange vehicles as part of a Facebook Marketplace sale. While test driving the vehicle, victims stated that the suspect, later identified as […]
Missing Rockcastle teen found in Maryland safe
A 13-year-old girl who disappeared from her Rockcastle County home in mid-October has been found tonight. According to Rockcastle County Sheriff Shannon Franklin, the juvenile was found safe in Montgomery County Maryland. Wagoner was the subject of numerous searches involving multiple law enforcement agencies in the last several weeks. Sheriff Franklin stated it is a […]
Annual Dustin Short Memorial Run and Scholarship Honors Legacy of Family and Community
The Richmond community will once again come together to honor the life and legacy of Dustin Short, a lifelong martial artist whose impact continues to inspire athletes and families throughout the region. Dustin began training in martial arts at just 8 years old under the guidance of Coach Scott Elliott of the AFS Academy of […]
