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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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PAINTSVILLE, Ky. — The Johnson County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help in locating a missing man.

David Scott Dalton, 51, was last seen April 28.

Anyone with information about Dalton is asked to contact the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office at (606) 789-3411 or call 911.

​Ralph Davis​

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PRESTONSBURG, Ky. — The judge over the Amber Spradlin murder trial has agreed with a request to release Michael McKinney from home incarceration, but he denied his request to end random drug testing.

Spradlin’s body was found June 18, 2023, at McKinney’s Arkansas Creek home. McKinney’s son, M.K. McKinney, has been charged with her murder, while both McKinneys and family friend Josh Mullins are charged with multiple counts of evidence tampering for allegedly trying to cover up the crime.

After Special Judge Eddy Coleman delayed the trial until January, Michael McKinney’s attorney, Terry Dean Jacobs, indicated he would ask for him to be released from home incarceration. That motion was filed May 21 and also included a request to end drug testing, saying it was disruptive to his business and left patients waiting for up to two hours whenever he was called to test.

Commonwealth’s Attorney Brent Turner responded by saying he spoke with Spradlin’s family, and they agreed to the release, saying it would be better than allowing him to build up another eight months’ worth of jail credit at home against any potential prison sentence he might receive. Turner further said he would leave the matter of drug testing up to the judge’s discretion.

Friday afternoon, Judge Coleman agreed to lift home incarceration. However, the judge said all remaining conditions of Michael McKinney’s release, including random drug testing, would remain in place.

Mullins’ attorney, Whitney Danielle O’Neal, has also indicated she would ask for her client’s release from home incarceration, and attorneys for M.K. McKinney have said they would seek an unspecified modification of his release. However, no motions regarding those clients have yet been filed.

All three defendants are set to go to trial Jan. 11.

A copy of the judge’s order follows:

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PIKEVILLE — The City of Pikeville has entered into a preliminary agreement with a Lexington-based developer to explore the possibility of building a large-scale data center at the Kentucky Enterprise Industrial Park.

City officials announced Friday that they signed a Memorandum of Understanding with MD Squared Power LLC on April 20, establishing a 120-day period for exclusive negotiations while both sides determine whether a final development agreement is feasible.

The city emphasized that the agreement does not transfer any land, commit either side to specific terms, or guarantee that the project will move forward. Once the 120-day period expires, either party can end negotiations without penalty.

According to the developer’s proposal, the project’s initial phase would represent more than $250 million in capital investment and could create more than 190 construction jobs and 40 permanent full-time positions with wages above the Pike County median household income. City officials say those projections will be independently reviewed before any final decision is made.

According to U.S. Census Bureau figures from 2024, the annual median household income for Pike County is $44,312.

MD Squared Power describes the proposed facility as an initial deployment of approximately 25 to 30 megawatts of computing capacity, with the potential to expand to between 75 and 100 megawatts if additional power becomes available.

According to the Secretary of State’s Office, MD Squared Power was organized in 2024 as M&D 2526 Realty in 2024. It amended its articles of organization in Feburary to change the company’s name to MD Squared Power. It’s managing member and only listed officer is Ben DeVary.

Mayor Jimmy Carter said the city has a responsibility to carefully evaluate opportunities that could bring jobs and investment to the region while protecting taxpayers and public resources.

As part of its review, the Pikeville City Commission is seeking independent legal counsel and plans to commission economic and site analyses to evaluate whether a data center is the best use of the industrial park, which has been developed over more than a decade using local, state and federal investments.

The city says it is also examining potential impacts on utility rates, water usage, environmental concerns, tax revenues and future job creation commitments. Officials stressed that any final agreement would need enforceable provisions to ensure promised jobs and economic benefits are delivered.

City Manager Reggie Hickman said many of the questions being raised by residents about data centers are the same questions city officials are already evaluating as part of the review process.

The Kentucky Enterprise Industrial Park is a 190-acre development owned by the city. It currently hosts two businesses and includes a state-certified Build-Ready site completed in 2024.

Before the City Commission considers any final development agreement, officials say the complete terms will be made available for public review and any vote will take place during a public meeting.

A Gallup Poll released last month indicates 71 percent of Americans are opposed to data centers in their communities, with 48 percent of respondents saying they are “strongly opposed.” Half of those saying they are opposed data centers cite their effect on local resources, such as water usage and power consumption.

A fact sheet about the data center review was provided by the city. It and a copy of the memorandum of understanding are printed below:

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CINCINNATI, Ohio — A Paintsville man who pleaded guilty to producing child pornography for secretly recording a teenage girl while she showered and changed is now appealing the sentence he received.

Henry Jonathan Ritscher, 44, pleaded guilty in federal court to producing child porn back in January. Last month, he was sentenced to 25 years in prison.

On Thursday, that appeal was filed in the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals in Cincinnati.Under the terms of his plea agreement, Ritscher is barred from appealing his guilty plea or conviction, and he can only appeal his sentence.

During his sentencing, Ritscher had objected to elements of his pre-sentencing report, including enhancements for abusing a position of trust, obstruction and engaging in a pattern of criminal sexual activity. Any of those objections could have reduced his sentence if granted, but all were denied.

Ritscher is currently being held in the Grayson County Detention Center, in Leitchfield.

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CLINTWOOD, Va. — Dickenson County is proud to announce that two local professionals have been selected to participate in the 2026-27 LEAD SWVA Program, a regional leadership development initiative led by University of Virginia’s College at Wise and supported by VCEDA and The Anne & Gene Worrell Foundation.

Sabrina Stanley, Communications & Community Engagement Specialist for the Dickenson County Department of Economic Development and Tourism, and Miana Abshire, Disaster Recovery Programs Assistant with the Cumberland Plateau Planning District Commission, have been selected for this year’s cohort. Both women are residents of Dickenson County and are committed to making a positive impact in their communities and throughout Southwest Virginia.

The LEAD SWVA Program brings together emerging leaders from across the region to explore key issues, strengthen leadership skills, and build relationships that support the future growth and success of Southwest Virginia.

“Our greatest asset in Southwest Virginia has always been our people,” said Dana Cronkhite, Director of Economic Development for Dickenson County. “Programs like LEAD SWVA are important because they invest in the next generation of leaders who will help shape the future of our communities. Sabrina and Miana are both passionate about this region and deeply committed to serving others. Their selection reflects not only their individual talents and dedication, but also the strength of the emerging leadership we have here in Dickenson County.”

Scotty Wampler, Executive Director of the Cumberland Plateau Planning District Commission, echoed the importance of developing regional leadership.

“Strong communities require strong leaders, and leadership development is one of the best investments we can make in the future of Southwest Virginia,” said Wampler. “Miana and Sabrina have already demonstrated a commitment to service, collaboration, and community improvement. The LEAD SWVA Program will provide opportunities to broaden their perspectives, strengthen regional connections, and further develop the skills that will help them serve their communities and our region for years to come.”

The 2026-2027 LEAD SWVA cohort includes professionals from throughout Southwest Virginia who have demonstrated leadership potential and a commitment to improving their communities. Participants will engage in leadership development activities, regional learning experiences, and discussions focused on the opportunities and challenges facing Southwest Virginia.

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ASHLAND, Ky. — The head of Addiction Recovery Care is now facing federal charges for allegedly defrauding two investors by selling the same tax credits twice.

Timmy G. Robinson Jr., 50, of Louisa, was indicted Thursday in Ashland federal court on one count of wire fraud and two counts of monetary transaction derived from unlawful activity, commonly referred to as money laundering.

According to the indictment, Robinson, a Louisa attorney and chief executive officer of ARC, allegedly fraudulently sold the same Employee Retention Credit assets to multiple buyers while concealing previous transactions.

Federal prosecutors say ARC sought more than $6.9 million in Employee Retention Credits from the Internal Revenue Service based on employee wages paid during the COVID-19 pandemic. The credits included a claim for approximately $3.3 million tied to the first quarter of 2021 and another for approximately $3.6 million tied to the second quarter of 2021.

The indictment alleges Robinson first sold the rights to the first tax credit to one buyer for approximately $2.7 million in July 2025. Prosecutors say he later transferred rights to the second tax credit to the same buyer as part of an amended agreement.

Despite those transactions, Robinson allegedly represented to a second buyer that both tax credits remained available for purchase. Prosecutors say he concealed the earlier sales and entered into additional agreements in November 2025 that generated nearly $4.74 million in payments to ARC.

According to the indictment, Robinson directed ARC not to transfer the tax credit proceeds to either buyer after the IRS issued the credits. Instead, prosecutors allege the funds were used to pay operational expenses and debt obligations.

Court filings have identified the buyers as Angelica Capital Trust and Clear Cove Opportunities Fund. Those companies have sued ARC in an attempt to recover their money.

Thursday evenimng, ARC released a statement addressing the indictment on its Facebook page.

“Addiction Recovery Care is aware of the federal indictment involving Chief Executive Officer Tim Robinson,” the post said. “Effective immediately, Tim Robinson is stepping down as CEO. Cassandra Webb will be stepping in as Interim Chief Executive Officer while remaining in her position as President and Chief Operating Officer of Addiction Recovery Care.

“This is an active legal matter and ARC will not be making any further statements regarding the case at this time. ARC continues to operate normally. All facilities, programs and services remain open and fully operational. Our leadership team, employees and clinical staff remain committed to delivering high-quality care and support to the individuals and families we serve.

“Our commitment to our clients, employees and communities reamins unchanged and we will continue carrying out our mission of helping individuals find recovery, healing and hope.”

Prosecutors have asked the judge to issue a summons for Robinson to appear in court.

If convicted, Robinson faces up to 20 years in prison on the wire fraud charge and up to 10 years on each money laundering charge. The indictment also seeks forfeiture of proceeds connected to the alleged offenses.

An indictment is an allegation, and Robinson is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

A copy of the indictment follows:

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