PIKEVILLE, Ky. — With the turn of the new year, federal court proceedings are no longer being held in Pikeville.

Back in October, Chief U.S. District Judge David Bunning signed an order ending proceedings in Pikeville after Dec. 31. As a result, cases formerly heard in Pikeville will now be heard in other federal courthouses.

Pending and future cases originating out of Pike, Floyd, Knott or Letcher counties will now be heard in London. Cases arising from Johnson, Magoffin or Martin will be heard in Ashland.

The changes apply to both civil and criminal matters, and as of a separate order on Nov. 4, bankruptcy court as well.