Bus driver shortage leads to changes to schedule changes in Madison County Schools
The 2026-2027 school year will look a lot different for a few schools across the county, as the Madison County School system announced it will have five elementary schools with an earlier school day. Daniel Boone Elementary and Silver Creek Elementary will continue with their current schedules. Boonesborough Elementary, Kirksville Elementary, and Waco Elementary will […]
19-year-old dies in crash in Powell
On Tuesday May 26 at approximately 7:30 p.m., Kentucky State Police Post 8 say they received a call from Powell County Dispatch requesting assistance with a single vehicle fatality collision. As a result of the preliminary investigation, KSP says that Luke J. Pierce, 19 of Mount Sterling was traveling North bound along Morris Creek Road […]
Cody’s Wish – A Boy, a Racehorse, and a fight for life-Paul K. Halloran Jr.
R. David Shew A couple of weeks ago, I got a call from Leslie Dorman. She asked me if I would help her find a place to have a book signing for Paul Halloran Jr. Paul was coming to Kentucky for a book signing tour regarding a book that Paul had written and published about […]
From the Classroom to the Community: Keeley Cooper Voted Educator of the Year
For the second year in a row, WBON TV and Forcht Bank in the Richmond Centre partnered together to recognize outstanding local educators through the Educator of the Month award. Hundreds of nominations were submitted, but only one educator was selected each month. This year, Forcht Bank also presented a $1,000 grand prize to one […]
EKU Pep Band Goes National With Music Student Recording for Video Game
Most students cheer for their team on gameday, but one Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) pep band member will be heard by millions in the new EA SPORTS College Football ’27 video game. Silas Feeback, a junior music education major from Nicholas County, Kentucky, recently spent three days in Nashville recording over 15 songs for the […]
Richmond Teacher Selected as 2026 National STEM Scholar
Kate Tran, a teacher from B. Michael Caudill Middle School in Richmond, Ky., is among ten middle school teachers from eight states who have been selected to participate in the prestigious National STEM Scholar Program, a unique professional development program providing advanced STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) training, national network building and project support […]
Madison County’s Linda Hager Pack and Pat Banks celebrate release of third book about Appalachia
R. David Shew Linda Hager Pack and Pat Banks held a successful book signing this past Saturday, May 9th at Hager Cabinets. Over 200 people showed up as Linda welcomed everyone to the book signing while Pat signed their third book, Appalachian Plants: In the Garden, in the Yard, and in the Wild. Linda had signed several […]
Estill County receives over 14 million dollars for earmarked projects
Senator Brandon Smith visited Estill County today to present the Estill County Fiscal Court and the Estill County School District with three checks totaling $14,553,000.00. $10,000,000.00 has been designated for the Middle School Student Relocation. $2,233,000.00 for the Priority Local Road project, and $2,320,000.00 for new pedestrian walkway construction over the Kentucky River at the […]
McKinleigh Anglin Is young local musician with big dreams
R. David Shew Recently, this writer was introduced McKinleigh Anglin and set up an interview with her for a feature story. McKinleigh is a young singer-songwriter from Madison County with big ambitions. So, I sat down with McKinleigh on the patio at Chenault Winery, introduced myself to her, and asked her a series of questions. […]
Kentucky State Police Post 8 Troopers rescue two on Cave Run Lake
The Kentucky State Police (KSP) Post 8 in Morehead was informed of an overturned jet ski on Cave Run Lake near Stoney Cove Boat ramp, on Monday May 4 at around 5:00 p.m. Upon their arrival, Trooper Christian Saylor and Sergeant Sam Lawson observed an overturned jet ski with two individuals in the water. The […]
Cherie DeVaux and Golden Tempo write history on first Saturday in May 2026
R. David Shew The sun shined bright on Churchill Downs and the state of Kentucky this past Saturday. Cherie DeVaux became the first woman in 152 years to win the Kentucky Derby, and Jose Ortiz became the ninth jockey to win the Kentucky Oaks and the Kentucky Derby on the first Friday and first Saturday […]
Suspect in Berea bank double murder arrested and identified after long pursuit, search and investigation
The suspect in Thursdays deadly bank robbery in Berea, is in custody. The suspect has been identified as Brailen Weaver. Kentucky State Police Trooper Justin Kearney said the FBI has now taken the lead on the investigation. According to our media partner WLEX, Lexington Police assisted Kentucky State Police and the FBI in locating the […]
KSP “Lock your doors” in Berea as search for armed and dangerous suspect continues
A press conference just concluded by Scottie Pennington of the Kentucky State Police in Berea. Pennington, who has close ties to Berea, was clearly emotional as he urged people in the area to lock their doors, and reminded residents if they “see anything suspicious, if your dogs are acting strangely tonight, contact authorities immediately.” Pennington […]
Two confirmed dead in Berea bank robbery, suspect still at large
The US Bank location at 630 Chestnut Street in Berea was the scene of a violent bank robbery around 2 Thursday afternoon. WBON sources have confirmed two people allegedly have died from gunshots fired by the suspect. One person was a female that worked as a teller in the bank, who reportedly died on scene. […]
Richmond Parks and Recreation Announce Headline Performer for annual Fourth of July Celebration!
The City of Richmond KY Parks and Recreation is honoring America’s 250th in a BIG WAY at this year’s 4th of July Celebration – and they are kicking things off with an exciting announcement. The department is proud to announce that the live music headliner for this annual event will be Marshull, a rising band with strong […]
Three Madison County farm markets accepted into 2026 Kentucky Farm Bureau Certified Farm Market Program
K & R Farm Store, Kelly’s Fruit Market and Warren Farm Greenhouse, all located in Madison County, have been accepted into the 2026 Kentucky Farm Bureau (KFB) Certified Farm Market Program. As members of the program, KFB says these markets have committed to providing top-quality products and services to their customers. This certification ensures that […]
KSP: Man arrested for role in major telephone cable theft near Fort Boonesborough State Park
Kentucky State Police arrested a man this past Thursday following a large-scale theft of telephone cable from an area near Fort Boonesborough State Park. According to police, approximately 1200 feet of AT&T telephone cable was removed along KY 388, which resulted in telephone and internet outages in at least 20 homes throughout the area. Officials […]
EKU Engineering Program Receives $800K Investment Following Toyota Grant and State Match
On March 23, Toyota Kentucky announced a $400,000 grant to support Eastern Kentucky University’s (EKU) Engineering program, helping to advance the next generation of the workforce. The funding was announced during Toyota’s celebration of 40 years at its Georgetown plant, as part of new grant funding further solidifying the company’s commitment to career readiness and […]
TRAFFIC ALERT: One-lane traffic on KY 1571 in Estill County to begin next Monday
Officials of the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet say that drivers who use KY 1571 (Millers Creek Road) east of Ravenna in Estill County will need to prepare for delays beginning Monday, May 4. According to KYTC, the road will be reduced to one lane between milepoints 1.4 and 1.82 so repairs can be made to damage […]
Berea hosts 38th annual East Kentucky Leadership Conference
Berea, “The Folk Arts and Crafts Capital” of Kentucky welcomed the participants of the 2026 East Kentucky Leadership Foundation Conference. Mayor Bruce Fraley and Dr. Cheryl Nixon, the President of Berea College, welcomed those in attendance to the reception and awards banquet which was held at Churchill’s this past Thursday. Both Fraley and President Nixon […]
Kentucky Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials to host 2026 Spring Summit in Richmond
The Kentucky Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials (KBC-LEO) has announced that its 2026 Spring Summit will be taking place April 23–24, 2026, in Richmond, Kentucky. The summit will convene elected officials, community leaders, policymakers, and engaged citizens from across the Commonwealth for two days of collaboration, leadership development, and policy discussion. Hosted in partnership […]
Man dies in latest fatal accident near Buc-ees in Richmond
A two-vehicle accident early this morning near Buc-ees has claimed a Somerset man’s life. The collision occurred at the intersection of Buc-ees Boulevard and Duncannon Lane. The location has been the site of numerous collisions, several fatal, since the popular tourist destination opened. The wreck happened around 1 a.m. Saturday. The deceased has been identified […]
Lexington man arrested and federally charged with Threatening to Assault and Murder President Trump and ICE Officers
A federal criminal complaint was unsealed in the U.S. District Court in Lexington on Wednesday charging Kadrioan Serainity Santiago, 25, with interstate threatening communication. According to the criminal complaint, on April 1, 2026, FBI received information that Santiago, under the username “kadi_skating,” had been posting a series of politically violent threats and statements on Instagram […]
Pavement marking work starting Friday for KY 595 in Madison County
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet has issued plans for scheduled pavement marking work on KY 595 in Madison County. Contractors will be updating pavement markings, which requires the application of thermoplastic striping. Work is scheduled for Friday, April 17 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., weather permitting. Work will take place on KY 595 near mile […]
Madison County School Board Announces Hiring of First Chief of Police
The Madison County School System has announced Ben Wilcox as the district’s first Chief of Police. The Board of Education voted this spring to establish the Madison County Schools Police Department and we are excited for how that department will take shape under Chief Wilcox’s leadership. With a career in law enforcement that spans 26 […]
