Tag: Kentucky

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Sheriff details events leading up to Floyd Co. mass shooting

Sheriff details events leading up to Floyd Co. mass shooting

FLOYD COUNTY, Ky (WSAZ) — During a press conference Sunday, Floyd County Sheriff John Hunt shared events that led up to a violent, deadly standoff that occurred Thursday evening in the community of Allen.

The incident described by officials as a ‘war zone’ claimed the lives of three officers, a K-9 officer and injured four other people, including additional police officers.

Lance Storz is in the Pike County Detention Center on a $10 million cash bond facing several charges, including two counts of murder of a police officer. He also faces charges in connection with the death of K-9 Drago who served with the Floyd County Sheriff’s Department. A not guilty plea was entered on Storz’s behalf during a virtual court hearing.

Floyd County Sheriff John Hunt said Sunday the incident began Thursday, June 30 after the sheriff’s office received a phone call about a woman being held against her will.

When deputies arrived at the home in question near the intersection of Main Street and Railroad Street for a welfare check, a woman was waiting outside and ran to their cruisers, according to Sheriff Hunt.

The woman told deputies Lance Storz was inside the home and she was only able to leave because he was asleep.

Deputies retrieved the woman’s daughter who was at another home and took them both to a safe place, Sheriff Hunt reports.

While being interviewed, the woman accused Storz of taking her phone and holding her hostage inside the home for days.

Sheriff Hunt said the woman told deputies the only time she was able to use a phone was when Storz was sleeping. That is when she said she was able to contact a relative for help. That relative then called the sheriff’s department, Sheriff Hunt says.

Following the woman’s interview with officials, an Emergency Protection Order was filed.

Details about why protective order filed against mass shooting suspect

The woman accused Storz of emotional and physical abuse, including rape. She also warned deputies by telling them that Storz had guns inside the home, the press conference Sunday revealed.

“The woman did say that Mr. Storz had firearms in the house. Deputies didn’t know at that time, obviously how many or to what extent his training was or if he had any,” said Sheriff Hunt.

An examination at the hospital did show signs of physical assault, deputies say.

Sheriff Hunt said Sunday a total of four deputies went to the home Thursday to serve the Emergency Protection Order and arrest Storz for fourth degree physical assault.

Deputies got their first glimpse of Storz in a window behind blinds when they first approached the home.

Deputy William Petry, a victim of Thursday’s shootout, was the first to go up to the house, Sheriff Hunt reported.

Hunt said Storz opened the door ‘like he had been waiting for police’ and started firing.

Sheriff Hunt tells WSAZ.com Storz was wearing a bullet proof vest and backpack when he started firing at police.

“The suspect opened the door like he had been waiting for them,” said Hunt. “He knew they were coming.”

Sheriff Hunt said at least one officer was forced to hide underneath his police vehicle for hours to avoid being shot.

“Deputy Lawson would have been the fourth car,” said Hunt. “Deputy Hall was the third car. Deputy Hall was able to roll out of his car and he was to the rear of the K-9 vehicle driven by deputy Newsome. Deputy Hall rolled under the car and remained hidden there for hours to come. When Deputy Lawson rolled out of his vehicle he was immediately shot.”

Names of others injured in mass shooting released

Deputy William Petry with the Floyd County Sheriff’s Department, Capt. Ralph Frasure with the Prestonsburg Police Department and Prestonsburg Police Officer Jacob R. Chaffins all died as a result of their injuries sustained during the shootout.

Three law enforcement officers were shot and killed in the line of duty Thursday.
Three law enforcement officers were shot and killed in the line of duty Thursday.(WSAZ)

For previous coverage >>> CLICK HERE.

A vigil is planned Sunday evening to honor Petry, Frasure and Chaffins at the Prestonsburg High School.

TAP HERE FOR VIGIL INFORMATION

Officials described Thursday’s shooting as the deadliest law enforcement death in Kentucky since the prison riot in Eddyville in 1924 and the deadliest law enforcement event to happen in Eastern Kentucky.

This is a developing story.

Keep checking the WSAZ app for the latest information.

Copyright 2022 WSAZ. All rights reserved.

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UKTF Wins Six Events on Final Day of Florida Relays – University of Kentucky Athletics

UKTF Wins Six Events on Final Day of Florida Relays - University of Kentucky Athletics

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – University of Kentucky track & field earned six event wins on day two, highlighted by nationally-ranked marks from the men’s and women’s 4x400m teams, Abby Steiner and Alexis Holmes at the annual Pepsi Florida Relays at the University of Florida in the James G. Pressley Stadium on the final of two days of collegiate competition.

The Wildcats finished the meet with seven event wins, 12 new times/marks on the UK all-time list, 35 top nine finishes, two program records and 22 personal bests. 

“I think we found our identity today and that in adverse times, that’s when true champions are established, that’s when championship teams are developed. I think the majority of the group stepped up today,” Associate Head Coach Tim Hall said. 

“It was a true test of resolve today. These weren’t the perfect conditions, but it was something we had to respond to. It sets the tone for meets to come,” Hall said. 

Day Two 

The rain cleared up just in time for Abby Steiner to shine in the 100m, winning the race with a personal best time of 11.10. It was a personal best for the NCAA 200m Champion, the fourth fastest in the NCAA this season (all conditions) and the fastest in the NCAA this season without wind aid. It was also the fourth fastest time in UKTF history. 

Alexis Holmes cemented herself back on top in the 400-meters despite the rain with a win and NCAA leading time of 51.94. It was an outdoor personal best and cemented her as the fourth best for UK all-time in the event. 

The men’s 4x400m ran a blazing 3:02.99 with anchor leg Brian Faust taking the lead in the last 150m to win the race with the third fastest time in the NCAA this outdoor season. Dwight St. Hillaire, Lance Lang, Kennedy Lightner and Brian Faust also ran the third fastest time in UKTF history. 

The women’s 4x400m team of Karimah Davis, Steiner, Megan Moss and Holmes convincingly won the race with a time of 3:26.99, which is the fourth fastest in the NCAA this outdoor season and third fastest in UKTF history outdoors. 

Although the men’s pole vault was not able to finish due to weather conditions, Keaton Daniel won the event with a height of 17’7″/5.36m. He cleared his first attempt at his winning height and was able to get in one attempt at 5.46m.  

Joshua Sobota won the men’s shot put with a throw of 2’4″/19.00m. 

Masai Russell and Moss earned a pair of second place finishes with Russell finishing 13.18 in the 100m hurdles and Moss running 53.08 in the 400m. 

The men’s 4x100m of Rodney Heath Jr., Dwight St. Hillaire, Jacob Smith and Lance Lang placed third with a time of 39.30. 

2022 SEC Indoor Championships silver medalist Matt Peare placed fourth in the pole vault (16’7.25/5.06m). 

Jenna Schwinghamer ran a personal best and the fifth fastest 800m in UKTF history with her 2:04.50 run for fifth place. 

Day One 

Russell, Davis, Molly Leppelmeier and Jenna Gearing had solid days for UKTF. 

Minor earned his best high jump in over two years in his event win in Gainesville, jumping 7’2.25″/2.19m. It was only .75 inches off his Kentucky personal best of 7’3″/2.21m from his 2020 SEC Indoor Championships bronze medal-winning performance and tied his outdoor personal best at Kentucky, which ranks fifth in program history outdoors. 

Russell ran a personal best 55.41 with a stellar finish for second place in the 400-meter hurdles, beating her previous personal best that she earned at 2021 NCAA Outdoor Championships. 

Leppelmeier broke her own school record in the hammer throw with a mark of 212’6″/64.79m, finishing third collegiately and fifth overall. 

Davis ran 22.97 in the 200m to finish second and earn an outdoor personal best in the event. Her performance earned her the ninth best spot in UKTF history outdoors. 

Sophomore Matt Duvall finished third in the final race of the night, the men’s 5,000m, with a time of 14:27.91. 

Gearing ran a personal best in the 1,500m when she finished fourth (4:17.25), becoming fifth fastest for UK all-time in the event. 

Tori Herman came right behind Gearing in the 1,500m with a fifth-place finish (4:17.51). 

Lance Lang ran for sixth in the 200m (20.58) with teammate Dwight St. Hillaire close behind in eighth (20.59). Kennedy Lightner also ran an outdoor personal best in the event (20.90). 

Jade Gates placed fifth collegiately and seventh overall in the hammer throw (204’11″/63.76m). 

Kenroy Williams placed eighth in the 400m hurdles with a time of 50.92. 

Jake Allen finished ninth in the men’s 1500m (3:46.18), only two seconds off his personal best. 

Logan Coles earned a freshman record in the hammer throw with a throw of 200’06″/61.12m in 11th place. It was also the sixth best for UK all-time. 

In the women’s 5,000m, Kaylie Kenne led the Wildcats with a sixth-place finish (17:08.76), followed by Kelli Walsh in eighth (17:28.63). 

Oliver Nikoloff Invitational 

A few Wildcats also competed at the Oliver Nikoloff Invitational at the University of Cincinnati, highlighted by Kaylyn Heath’s first place finish in the 200m (24.45) and second place finish in the 100m (12.18). 

Michael Browning won the hammer throw with a personal best 190’9″/58.16m, the eighth best for UK all-time. 

Myles Anders ran second in both the 100 and 200m with wind-legal times of 10.75 in the 100m and 21.45 in the 200m. 

Next Up 

The Wildcats will head to Baton Rouge, Louisiana for the Boots Garland Invitational on Saturday, April 9 while some distance runners will travel to Oxford, Mississippi and compete at Ole Miss on Friday, April 8 and Saturday, April 9. 

Follow Kentucky Track and Field and Cross Country on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and at UKathletics.com. 



















Florida Relays: Friday, April 1 

Women’s Hammer Throw 

Prelim/Final 

5. Molly Leppelmeier – 212’06″/64.79m, 3rd collegiate finisher, school record, PB 


7. Jade Gates – 204’11″/63.76m, 5th collegiately 

Men’s Hammer Throw 

Prelim/Final  

11. Logan Coles – 200’06″/61.12m, PB 

Women’s Long Jump Open 

Prelim/Final  

15. Sophie Galloway – 18’0.5″/5.50m 

Men’s Long Jump Open 

Prelim/Final  

10. Robbie Springfield III – 23’2.5″/7.07m 

Women’s 1500m 

Final 

4. Jenna Gearing – 4:17.25, PB, 5th for UK all-time 


5. Tori Herman – 4:17.51 


13. Perri Bockrath – 4:24.78 


16. Rachel Boice – 4:27.93, PB 


28. Mollie Roden – 4:37.12 

Men’s 1500m 

Final  

9. Jake Allen – 3:46.18 


13. Jacob Brizendine – 3:49.01, PB 


15. Harper Moore – 3:49.16, PB 


19. Dylan Allen – 3:51.07 


21. Jackson Watts – 3:52.27, PB 


Alex Justus – DNF 

Men’s High Jump Invite 

Final 

1. Rahman Minor – 7’2.5″/2.19m, tied outdoor PB, 5th all-time for UK 

Women’s 200m 

Final    

2. Karimah Davis – 22.97, outdoor PB, 9th all-time for UK 


18. Megan Moss – 23.57, PB 


25. Dajour Miles – 23.74 

Men’s 200m 

Final  

6. Lance Lang – 20.58 


8. Dwight St. HIllaire – 20.59 


16. Kennedy Lightner – 20.90, outdoor PB 


38. Rodney Heath Jr. – 21.43 

Women’s 400m Hurdles 

Final  

2. Masai Russell – 55.41, PB, 4th all-time for UK 


41. Darci Khan – 1:04.83, PB 

Men’s 400m Hurdles 

Final  

8. Kenroy Williams – 50.92 


20. Beck O’Daniel – 52.53 

Women’s Discus Invite 

Final  

7. Areti Filipidou – 167’00″/50.90m 

Men’s 3000m Steeplechase 

Final  

9. McLean Griffin – 9:15.46, PB 

Women’s 5000m 

Final  

6. Kaylie Kenne – 17:08.76, PB 


8. Kelli Walsh – 17:28.63 


Tori Herman – DNF 


Perri Bockrath – DNF 

Men’s 5000m  

Final 

3. Matt Duvall – 14:27.91 


17. Trevor Warren – 15:12.45 


Dylan Allen – DNF 


Jake Allen – DNF 





















Florida Relays: Saturday, April 2 

Men’s Discus Invite 

Final  

9. Joshua Sobota – 169’8″/51.72m 

Women’s 100m Hurdles 

Final 

2. Masai Russell – 13.18 


8. Shadajah Ballard – 13.93 


9. Darci Khan – 13.87 


20. Sophie Galloway – 14.75 

Men’s Pole Vault 

Final 


Competition did not finish due to weather 

1. Keaton Daniel – 17’7″/5.36m 


4. Matt Peare – 16’7.25/5.06m 


11. Joseph Jardine – 16’1.25″/4.91m 


Jacob Sobota – NH 

Women’s Triple Jump 

Final  

10. Kendall Jordan – 38’2.25″/11.64m 

Women’s 4x100m Relay 

Final  

Miles, Steiner, Russell, Davis – DNF  

Men’s 4x100m Relay 

Final  

3. Heath, St. Hillaire, Smith, Lang – 39.30 

Women’s 800m 

Final 

5. Jenna Schwinghamer – 2:04.50, PB, 5th all-time for UK 


10. DeAnna Martin – 2:06.52, outdoor PB, tied for 8th all-time for UK 


11. Jenna Gearing – 2:07.27, PB, 10th all-time for UK 


13. Phoebe McCowan – 2:07.64, PB 


23. Bryanna Lucas – 2:10.26 

Women’s High Jump 

Final  

10. Sophie Galloway – 5’3.25″/1.61m 

Men’s Shot Put Invite 

Prelim/Final  

1. Joshua Sobota – 62’4″/19.00m 

Women’s Shot Put 

Final  

7. Molly Leppelmeier – 50’4.5″/15.35m 

Men’s 800m 

Final  

17. Alex Justus – 1:51.48 


27. Jacob Brizendine – 1:52.54 

Women’s 400m 

Final 

1. Alexis Holmes – 51.94, outdoor PB, 4th all-time for UK 


2. Megan Moss – 53.08 


14. Dynasty McClennon – 55.38, PB 

Men’s 400m 

Final 

6. Brian Faust – 46.76 


16. Jacob Smith – 49.02 

Women’s 100m 

Final 

1. Abby Steiner – 11.10, PB, 4th in NCAA this season, 4th all-time for UK 


9. Shadajah Ballard – 11.82 

Men’s 100m 

Final 

6. Rodney Heath Jr. – 10.51  

Women’s 4x400m Relay 

Final 

1. Davis, Steiner, Moss, Holmes – 3:26.99, 3rd for UK all-time, 4th in NCAA outdoor season so far 


2. Lucas, Schwinghamer, Martin, McCowan – 3:48.62 

Men’s 4x400m Relay 

Final 

1. St. Hillaire, Lang, Lightner, Faust – 3:02.99, 3rd for UK all-time, 3rd in the NCAA this season 

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Backroads of Appalachia preparing for two upcoming events

Backroads of Appalachia preparing for two upcoming events

HARLAN COUNTY, Ky. (WYMT) – Those with Backroads of Appalachia are gearing up for two exciting events in April.

In partnership with Sports Car Club of America, the first is a “hill climb” racing event at Pine Mountain State Resort Park in Bell County.

That event will take place the third weekend of April.

The second is a gravel rally car race in McCreary County. It takes place the fourth weekend of April.

Director Erik Hubbard said these types of events are crucial for economic development.

“This is something that is very cost effective for you and your family to come see and experience. It’s safe, it’s providing something enjoyable,” he said. “The most important thing, you’re helping out our local communities when you come and visit.”

Hubbard said there will be a small transportation fee for the hill climb event. However, the race in McCreary County is free.

For more information, you can go here.

Copyright 2022 WYMT. All rights reserved.

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UKTF Wins 13 Total Events at UCF Black and Gold Invite – University of Kentucky Athletics

UKTF Wins 13 Total Events at UCF Black and Gold Invite - University of Kentucky Athletics


ORLANDO, Fla. — The Kentucky track and field teams won six events and had the top collegian in another events on Saturday, giving the Wildcats 11 total wins and 13 total top collegians at the outdoor-season-opening Black and Gold Invitational on the first of two days of competition at the UCF Soccer & Track Complex.

Molly Leppelmeier won the women’s hammer throw with a mark of 211’9″/64.55m. On Friday, she took second, but was the top collegian, in the shot put (52’0″/15.85m).

Rahman Minor won the men’s high jump, clearing 7’0.25″/2.14m, just two inches from his PB.

Uk’s women’s 4x400m relay of Dajour Miles, Karimah Davis, Masai Russell and Bryanna Lucas won the last event of the meet with a time of 3:42.51.

Fresh off an All-America indoor season, Karimah Davis won the women’s 100m with a time of 11.29 (+1.6) that earned her the No. 7 spot on the UK all-time performers list.

Rodney Heath won the men’s 100m in 10.32 (+1.8). Tai Brown won the 110m hurdles with a 13.59.

Shadajah Ballard and Darci Khan were the top two collegians in the women’s 100m hurdles, second and third overall, with respective windy times of 13.20 and 13.27 (+3.5).

Freshman Logan Coles placed seventh in the men’s hammer throw with a mark of 189’4″/57.72m, moving to No. 8 on the UK all-time list.

Alex Justus placed third in the men’s 800m stopping the clock at 1:52.38.

—

Kentucky track & field ran for five event wins and swept the men’s 200-meter dash among collegiate competitors on the first of two days of competition.

Four Wildcats either improved their current standing or made it onto the UK all-time top times/marks list.

Day One

The Wildcats earned event wins in the men’s pole vault, men’s discus, men’s and women’s 400m hurdles and the men’s 200m on day one.

Dwight St. Hillaire ran for first in the men’s 200m with an outdoor personal best of 20.24 seconds, improving upon his already second fastest time in UKTF history. An unattached competitor finished second while UKTF swept third through sixth.

Keaton Daniel tied his best vault of the year (18’0.5″/5.50m) for an event win. Daniel is the school record holder in the event both indoors and outdoors and is the reigning 2021 NCAA Outdoor Championships silver medalist in the pole vault.

Josh Sobota won the discus with a personal best throw of 191’8″/58.44m. He now ranks ninth for UK all-time in the event.

Masai Russell ran a speedy 56.52 in the 400H for the win, only .34 off her personal best from 2021 outdoor NCAAs.

Kenroy Williams won his best event, the 400H, with a time of 50.30 which is only .12 off his personal best.

Siobhan Szerencsits placed second in the women’s pole vault (13’5.25″/4.10m), as did Phoebe McCowan in the 1500m (4:27.29).

Beck O’Daniel placed second in the men’s 400H (52.27).

The third-place finisher in the men’s 200m was Jacob Smith (20.86). Tai Brown earned fourth (20.89), Brian Faust placed fifth (20.90) and Myles Anders finished sixth (21.03). Only Brown’s time was wind legal.

Also earning third place was Robbie Springfield III in the long jump with a personal best 24’10″/7.57m jump that earned him a spot on the UK all-time list at 10th.

Matt Peare vaulted for third in the men’s pole vault (16’9.25″/5.11m), followed by Jacob Sobota in fourth (16’5.25″/5.01m)

Competing teams at the event were Alabama State, Albany, Bethune-Cookman, Connecticut, Dartmouth, Embry-Riddle, Flagler, Florida Atlantic, Florida Gulf Coast, Florida Memorial, Florida Tech, Kentucky, Marshall, Mercer, Michigan, Minnesota, NC State, North Florida, NYU, Rhode Island, Rutgers, Saint Leo, Southeastern U., Stetson, Tampa, Temple, UCF, UMass Amherst, University of The Bahamas, Vanderbilt and VCU.

Follow Kentucky Track and Field and Cross Country on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and at UKathletics.com.

 

 

















Black and Gold Invitational: Saturday, March 19

Women’s Hammer Throw

Final

1. Molly Leppelmeier: 211’9″/64.55m


26. Leah Moore: 145’10″/44.47m


27. Simisola Akinrinsola: 144’9″/44.13m

Men’s Hammer Throw

Final

7. Logan Coles: 189’4″/57.72m


22. John Kruzel: 148’9″/45.35m

Men’s High Jump

Final

1. Rahman Minor: 7’0.25″/2.14m


7. Donsten Brown: 6’5.5″/1.97m

Women’s Triple Jump

Final

8. Kendall Jordan: 39’10.74″/12.13m w (+2.3)

Men’s 800m

Final

3. Alex Justus: 1:52.38

Women’s 100m Hurdles

Final

2. Shadajah Ballard: 13.20w (+3.5) | Top collegian


3. Darci Khan: 13.37w (+3.5)


18. Sophie Galloway: 14.60 (+1.3)


24. Annika Williams: 14.81 (+1.8)

Men’s 110m Hurdles

Final

1. Tai Brown: 13.59w (+2.8)


7. Patrick Kimball: 14.39w (+2.8)

Women’s 400m

Final

7. Dynasty McClennon: 55.88

 

Women’s 100m

Final

1. Karimah Davis: 11.29 (+1.6)


4. Shadajah Ballard: 11.43w (+3.1)


7. Masai Russell: 11.54 (+1.6)


11. Dajour Miles: 11.66 (+1.6)


14. Kaylyn Heath: 11.75 (+0.5)

Men’s 100m

Final

1. Rodney Heath Jr.: 10.32 (+1.8)

Women’s 4x400m

Final

1. UK (Dajour Miles, Karimah Davis, Masai Russell, Bryanna Lucas): 3:42.51

Men’s 4x400m

Final

2. UK C (Patrick Kimball, Beck O’Daniel, Jacob Sobota, Joseph Jardine): 3:15.04


4. UK (Smith, Anders, Justus, Heath Jr.): 3.15.63

 

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Gymnastics Sweeps Four Events and All-Around Against Kentucky

BATON ROUGE – The fifth-ranked LSU Gymnastics team scored a 197.450 in front of 12,838 fans in a loss to 10th-ranked Kentucky Friday night inside the Pete Maravich Assembly Center.

The Wildcats took the team win with a 197.500 in the SEC finale. LSU’s crowd marked the sixth-highest in the history of the gymnastics program.

“We didn’t do our job tonight,” head coach Jay Clark said. “We had a lot of distractions in warmups, and we were not as dialed in as we have been. There were problems with a lot of landings, which was frustrating. I think the way we performed and the way it ended really stung, and I think they will come out hungry.”

LSU seniors Sami Durante and Sarah Edwards along with sophomore Haleigh Bryant swept the event and all-around. Bryant scored a 9.95 on vault, bars and beam. Her score of 39.75 in the all-around marked a new career high. Durante also took home bars with a 9.95 and Edwards anchored floor with a 9.925.

The Tigers opened vault with a 49.350 and fell behind the Wildcats. Sami Durante opened with a 9.875. Elena Arenas and KJ Johnson each scored a 9.85 and Kiya Johnson earned a 9.825. Bryant anchored the rotation with a. 9.95.

On bars, Kiya Johnson and Arenas each scored a 9.825. Olivia Dunne earned a 9.875 and Bryant followed with her career high 9.95. Durante anchored with a 9.95 to post a 49.425 on bars.

The Tigers scored another 49.425 on beam in the third rotation. Christina Desiderio opened with a 9.90 and Arenas followed with a 9.825. Dean returned to the lineup with a 9.85 and Bryant matched her career high with a 9.95. Freshman Aleah Finnegan also posted a 9.90 in the fifth spot for the Tigers.

LSU was unable to find its landings on floor for a 49.250. Dunne and KJ Johnson scored a 9.80 and Finnegan put up a 9.825. Bryant scored a 9.90 in the fifth spot and Edwards ended the night with the 9.925 and win.

LSU returns to the PMAC on Friday, March 11 against No. 4 Utah for the regular season finale. The meet will be the finale for LSU’s six seniors.