WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Associated Press is reporting that the Trump administration has sent to letters to more than 500 hospitals around the country, including eight in Kentucky, warning them that they could be taken to court for failing to disclose price information to the public.

The letters go on to warn each hospital that its faces up to $2 million in fines each year if it doesn’t comply with cost transparency requirements.

The letters are an effort to help consumers make more informed decisions about their health care spending, by letting them know the cost of procedures beforehand.

Among the hospitals listed are:

• Pikeville Medical Center
• Hazard ARH Regional Medical Center
• Eastern State Hospital in Lexington
• Marshall County Hospital in Benton
• Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Lakeview in Elizabethtown
• Cumberland Hall Hospital in Hopkinsville
• UofL Health Jewish Hospital in Louisville

Mountain Top News has reached out to representatives of Pikeville Medical Center and Hazard ARH for comment. Both have said they are working on statements, but have not released them yet.

We will update this story as we receive comments from the hospitals and additional information.

The post Eight Kentucky hospitals receive warning about cost transparency from feds appeared first on Mountain Top Media.

PIKEVILLE, Ky. — A Daviess County sex offender is facing charges in Pike County for allegedly failing to keep authorities apprised of his address.

Benjamin Alexander Simmons, 54, of Owensboro, is now facing a charge of failing to comply with sex offender registration requirements. That charge carries a sentence of up to five years in prison, if he is convicted.

Simmons pleaded guilty in 2024 to first-degree sexual abuse and meth possession and was given a three-year sentence. According to the sex offender registry, the victim in the case was 3 years old.

He had given his last address as Westcare’s Hal Rogers Recovery Center at Ashcamp, but authorities say he left that facility Oct. 28 and never updated his address. He was arrested last week on outstanding warrants out of Daviess County.

He is currently being held without bond in the Daviess County Detention Center.

The post Sex offender charged with not maintaining registration appeared first on Mountain Top Media.

HEMPHILL, Ky. — The Hemphill Community Center is launching a new monthly Songwriter Series aimed at giving local musicians a place to showcase their original music.

The series will debut Saturday, June 13, and continue on the second Saturday of each month from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Organizers are inviting songwriters and music lovers from across the region to attend and share original songs in a welcoming live-performance setting.

The event is designed to highlight local talent while providing an opportunity for community members to enjoy an evening of music, creativity and fellowship.

The Hemphill Community Center is located at 2514 Highway 317, Jackhorn, KY 41825 and is also home to the Letcher County Coal Miner’s Monument and Black Sheep Brick Oven Bakery. It is open Thursdays and Fridays from 3:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

For more information about the Songwriter Series, call (971) 867-4337 or (606) 821-9121.

The post Songwriter Series to begin at Hemphill Community Center appeared first on Mountain Top Media.

PIKEVILLE, Ky. — A Mingo County woman who is accused of brutally attacking a Pike County woman back in December has been ordered to undergo a psychiatric examination.

Angel Joy Hunt, 29, of Wharncliffe, is charged with attempted murder, first-degree assault, first-degree strangulation, third-degree arson and two counts of tampering with physical evidence.

The investigation began when a woman was found lying on a bench outside of a burning house at Freeburn. The woman had multiple cuts, bruises and burns, and police say her eyes were swollen shut and she was bleeding from her ears.

When the woman awoke in the hospital three days later, she was able to tell police that Hunt allegedly tied her hands behind her back, choked her with her hands and put her toes inside an Amish heater. She said Hunt also punched her, stomped on her, and broke glass across her back. She said Hunt then set a fire in the living room and left.

Hunt appeared in court last week for a hearing. On Monday, Pike Circuit Judge Eddy Coleman issued an order directing her to undergo an evaluation by the Kentucky Correctional Psychiatric Center to determine if she is competent to stand trial. In the event she is found incompetent, the judge asks examiners to then determine if there is a substantial probability that she will become competent in the foreseeable future.

Judge Coleman also set the next hearing in the case for Oct. 7.

The post Psychiatric exam ordered for woman charged with violent attack appeared first on Mountain Top Media.

PIKEVILLE, Ky. – Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) District 12 announces work to replace the KY 979 bridge over Mud Creek (milepoint 11.36) in Floyd County starts next week, and will require a temporary closure of the aging structure near the KY 3680 intersection.

Beginning Monday, June 15, the bridge will be closed to all traffic to allow contractors to begin demolition and replacement operations. While crews will work quickly to replace the bridge, the closure is expected to remain in place through August, pending any unforeseen circumstances.

The bridge has remained in service under a 3-ton weight restriction since fall 2024 following concerns identified during inspection. Since that time, KYTC has worked to safely maintain access while evaluating long-term solutions, but continued wear and decline of the bridge’s superstructure has made its replacement necessary.

To reduce traffic impacts, KYTC worked to speed up design and project delivery while strategically scheduling the majority of construction during summer break. The cabinet expedited the bidding process and awarded a contract to Keetech/Bush & Burchett Construction to complete the work.

“We understand this closure creates an inconvenience for those who travel this route every day, and that decision was not made lightly,” said Mary Westfall-Holbrook, chief District Engineerfor District 12. “Our teams worked to keep the bridge open as long as safely possible and made accelerated replacement plans so most of the work can be completed while school is out. Our goal is to limit impacts once the new school year begins while ensuring the traveling public has a safe and reliable structure for years to come.”

Detour Information

All traffic will need to detour using KY 3680 and KY 122 for travel north and south of the bridge. For example, residents south of the bridge would follow this signed detour route:

• Travel KY 979 South
• Connect to KY 122
• Continue north to KY 3680
• Return to KY 979

Motorists should expect additional travel time and are encouraged to plan ahead. KYTC reminds drivers to obey all posted signs, respect work zones, and remain alert for construction equipment and crews in the area.

Safety remains the Cabinet’s top priority, and every effort will be made to complete the work efficiently and reopen the roadway as quickly as possible.

According to traffic counts in 2023, the bridge carries about 2,000 cars a day.

The post Route 979 bridge replacement will close road, require detours appeared first on Mountain Top Media.

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — The Department of Veterans Affairs Hershel “Woody” Williams VA Medical Center is seeking compassionate caregivers in Eastern Kentucky who are interested in becoming Medical Foster Home caregivers.

A Medical Foster Home is a long-term care option for elderly or disabled veterans who need nursing home level of care but prefer to live in a home setting. Caregivers provide around-the-clock care or supervision in their own private residence. They help veterans with daily living activities such as bathing and dressing. They also provide nutritious meals, transportation to medical appointments, and support Veterans in community and recreational activities. Caregivers receive monthly compensation from the veteran or the veteran’s representative.

Medical experience is not required. Each veteran in the Medical Foster Home program receives clinical care through VA’s Home-Based Primary Care program.

Potential caregivers or anyone seeking more information about the Medical Foster Home program may call 304-429-6741, extension 3841.

All veterans are encouraged to enroll in the VA health care system. To begin the process, complete an Application for Health Care Benefits. More information on how to apply is available at the VA’s Eligibility for VA Health Care webpage.

The Hershel “Woody” Williams VA Medical Center in Huntington, W.Va., is a fully accredited 80-bed acute medical and surgical care facility. The medical center provides primary and subspecialty outpatient care, including rehabilitation and mental health services. The facility is honored to serve veterans across a primary service area that includes 10 counties in West Virginia, two counties in southern Ohio, and 12 counties in Eastern Kentucky.

The post VA Medical Center seeks caregivers for Medical Foster Home Program in Eastern Kentucky appeared first on Mountain Top Media.

PIKEVILLE, Ky. — Following Friday’s announcement that the City of Pikeville is currently in negotiations with MD Squared Energy over that company’s proposal to build a $250 million data center in the city’s Kentucky Enterprise Industrial Park, the two men running to be Pikeville’s next mayor have issued statements about where they stand on the issue.

Those statements are reprinted below.

BOB SHURTLEFF

As many of you have seen, the Pikeville City Commission has entered into an agreement to explore the possibility of a data center at the Industrial Park – well away from residential areas.

This agreement does not approve a project. It simply allows us to gather information, ask questions, hear public concerns, and determine whether it would be in Pikeville’s best interest.

As both a City Commissioner and a candidate for Mayor, I want to be clear about where I stand.

There are two issues that are non-negotiable for me:

1. If a project would increase electric rates for Pikeville residents, I will not support it. I will oppose it.

2. If a project relies on a water-cooling system that places a burden on our water treatment or distribution infrastructure, I will not support it. I will oppose it. Any proposal must utilize a closed-loop system.

These are my biggest concerns, as well as concerns I’ve heard the most from citizens, and they are understandable.

In addition, if a company promises 40 jobs and fails to deliver, there should be accountability. I will advocate for provisions requiring the value of those unfilled positions to be paid and invested back into our community.

I want transparency and public involvement. That is why the City issued a public media release in the early stages of these discussions. I want citizens to have the facts and ask the tough questions.

Exploring an opportunity does not mean accepting it. We will examine every option for creating jobs and growing our economy in a way that protects Pikeville.

STEVE HARTSOCK

My Public Statement on the Proposed Data Center:

First and foremost, Pikeville has been my home my entire life. It is both an honor and a privilege to serve as a City Commissioner and to be a candidate for Mayor of this great city. I take seriously the trust that the citizens of Pikeville place in me, and I am proud to help make decisions that impact our community and our daily lives.

If there is one thing the people of Pikeville can always count on, it is that I will consistently put the best interests of our city and its citizens first. With that said, as many of you know, the City has to communicate with MD Squared LLC and has entered into a preliminary agreement to explore and better understand what a data center of this magnitude could potentially bring to our community.

As the City has already announced, no property has been transferred and nothing has been sold. MD Squared LLC, the developer, and the City of Pikeville have a 120-day period to communicate, negotiate, and determine whether this project is the right fit for all parties involved.

I understand the concerns many people have regarding the possibility of a data center in our region. I share some of those concerns and have several important questions that I believe must be answered before any final decision is made.

One promise I will always keep as a City Commissioner and mayoral candidate is this: I will always be a voice for the people, and I will never compromise the future of our beautiful city. The citizens of Pikeville will always come first.

Some of the key questions I want answered include:

• Electricity Costs: One of my primary concerns is ensuring that the data center and its operators are responsible for purchasing the electricity they require and that the financial burden is not passed on to the citizens of Pikeville through higher utility rates.

• Water Usage and Cooling Systems: I want a clear understanding of the cooling systems that would be used at the facility. Data centers utilize different cooling methods, and I want to ensure that our water resources can adequately support any proposed operation.

• Wastewater and Environmental Impact: I want detailed information regarding wastewater management. Will the cooling systems recirculate water, or will they require a constant supply of fresh water? Will any wastewater be discharged, and if so, where? Most importantly, I want to understand any potential environmental impacts on our rivers, streams, and surrounding ecosystem.

• Job Creation and Accountability: We have been told the project could bring approximately 190 construction jobs and 40 full-time positions. Those are significant commitments, and I believe the company should be held accountable for meeting those projections. If promises are made, there should be mechanisms in place to ensure they are fulfilled.

A $250 million investment in our community would certainly be significant and could provide meaningful economic opportunities. However, I want to be clear: I will never place financial gain ahead of the safety, health, and well-being of our citizens.

The creation of 40 full-time jobs, especially if they offer competitive wages and benefits, would not only support 40 individuals but also 40 families. Job opportunities are desperately needed in our region, and our industrial park was designed to attract businesses that can create employment and economic growth. Opportunities like these could also help keep our younger generations here at home, allowing them to build careers and raise families in Pikeville.

Before I can support any proposal, I want a full understanding of both the benefits and the potential drawbacks. I want clear answers regarding water usage, wastewater management, environmental impacts, and how AEP can provide the necessary power without increasing costs for our residents.

Like many of you, I still have questions. I approach this process with an open mind and a commitment to gathering all the facts before making any decision. Above all else, I will continue to put the interests of the citizens of Pikeville first.

Thank you for taking the time to read this statement and for staying engaged in the future of our community.

The post Pikeville mayoral candidates issue statements on proposed data center appeared first on Mountain Top Media.

SALYERSVILLE, Ky. — A Magoffin County man has reached a plea deal that will see him plead guilty to rape, sodomy and sexual abuse, in exchange for having incest charges dropped.

Justin McCoy Caldwell, 35, of Salyersville, entered a guilty plea to charges of third-degree rape, third-degree sodomy and first-degree sexual abuse on Friday.

Under the terms of his plea agreement, prosecutors are asking that he serve a three-year sentence and be required to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life.

Caldwell will be back in court Sept. 3 for formal sentencing.

He is currently being held in the Big Sandy Regional Detention Center in Paintsville.

The post Magoffin man pleads guilty to rape, sodomy, sex abuse appeared first on Mountain Top Media.

MARTIN, Ky. — Police say a Pike County man went to a Floyd County auto dealer and took a test drive nearly two years ago, then kept on driving.

James Anthony Snell, 53, of Kimper, is now charged with a single count of auto theft.

Police say he went to BRC Auto Sales on Route 80 at Martin on August 31, 2024, and took a 2011 Jeep Compass out for a test drive and never returned.

He was finally arrested just before noon Saturday, after he was pulled over by a state trooper for cracked windshield. He was not driving the Jeep at the time of the traffic stop.

Snell now faces up to five years in prison, if he is convicted.

The post Pike man accused of stealing Jeep from Floyd auto lot appeared first on Mountain Top Media.

COLSON, Ky. — A Letcher County man died and a woman was injured in a single-vehicle crash late Saturday night at Colson, according to Kentucky State Police.

Troopers from Kentucky State Police Post 13 in Hazard responded shortly before midnight Saturday to a crash detection alert near the intersection of Route 7 and Route 1410.

Investigators say a Lincoln MKZ driven by Kathy Hall, 71, of Deane, was traveling north on route 7 while transporting 72-year-old Eugene Hall to the hospital for a medical emergency.

According to the preliminary investigation, Eugene Hall became unresponsive during the trip. Police say Kathy Hall then veered off the roadway and over-corrected, causing the vehicle to cross the center line and overturn into a nearby creek.

Eugene Hall was pronounced dead at the scene by the Letcher County Coroner’s Office.

Kathy Hall was airlifted to the University of Kentucky Medical Center for treatment of injuries sustained in the crash.

State police said both occupants were wearing seat belts at the time of the wreck. Toxicology and autopsy results are pending.

The crash remains under investigation by Kentucky State Police Det. Brandon Thomas.

The post One killed, one injured in Letcher crash appeared first on Mountain Top Media.