London Ledger

07/31/2025

07/26/2025

BREAKING: Daniel Smoot, Chief of Police for Laurel County Schools, was arrested Friday night for DUI, according to jail records.

He was booked at 9:08 PM by London Police and charged with Operating a Motor Vehicle Under the Influence – 1st Offense.

07/24/2025

CONTRACTOR REGISTRATION PROCESS
CAUSES CONFUSION IN COUNTY

A contractor registration process purportedly enacted by the City of London is causing confusion for people out in the county trying to rebuild homes destroyed by the May 16 tornado.

Laurel County Judge-Executive David Westerfield said he and magistrates are getting calls daily from contractors who are being told they have to go to the city building inspector to get registered.

Registration is not required for contractors working in the county, Westerfield said. He also wondered why the city building inspector is involved at all, since only about three out of the hundreds of homes destroyed by the tornado are actually in the city.

“People are upset over this. The damage is mostly in the county, not in the city,” the judge said. “They’re telling contractors they are trying to keep the bad people out. I knew nothing about this. I’ve got contractors calling me and the magistrates daily asking me what this is about. The county is not affiliated with this in any way. It’s coming from the city only.”

A registration certificate sent to the judge from a local contractor working in the tornado zone appears to show a blank form from Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman’s office. The name of the contractor has been blanked out at his request.

It says the contractor will be registered in compliance with a resolution, ordinance or executive order passed by the Laurel County Fiscal Court and City of London.

The fiscal court has not passed a resolution, ordinance or executive order requiring contractors to register.

The certificate is signed by City of London Building Inspector Josh Wilson.

“The main thing is that I want people to know that the county has nothing to do with what the city is asking them to do,” Westerfield said.

The judge said he’s called the attorney general’s office and Wilson to get more information about the confusing registration process, but neither have returned his calls.

05/17/2025

05/16/2025

To Mr. Jamie Gibson,

First, let us acknowledge and thank you for your volunteer service with the fire department and the London-Laurel County Rescue Squad. Public service matters, and there’s no question you’ve dedicated time and energy to helping your community. That deserves recognition.

However, your recent statement about the City Council demands a response—because much of what you’ve said misrepresents the situation and unfairly maligns the Council and its members.

Let’s be clear: the reason your nomination to the Ethics Board was not confirmed had nothing to do with you personally, and everything to do with the toxic and improper way this administration—specifically Mayor Randall Weddle and the city attorney—has handled appointments, power, and process.

You claim Council members never asked questions or sought to learn about you. But did you ever ask why? Did you consider that their concern wasn’t about you, but about the method of nomination, the lack of transparency, and the broader context of ongoing dysfunction coming directly from the mayor’s office?

It’s disappointing to see you cast blame on Council members who have, for months, stood firm against political games, abuse of authority, and reckless behavior that continues to undermine the stability of our city government. These are the same Council members who have demanded accountability from the mayor and worked to preserve what’s left of order at City Hall.

Mr. Gibson , you say you want to be part of the solution. That’s commendable—if it’s genuine. But being part of the solution starts with being honest about the cause of the problem.

So here’s a challenge: Let’s have an open, public conversation. Come on the show. Sit down and talk with us—not just about your campaign—but about the real issues, the timeline, and the role the mayor and his attorney have played in all of this. If you’re serious about transparency and service, you should welcome that opportunity.

The citizens of London deserve the full truth, not just campaign slogans.

We look forward to hearing from you. Jamie Gibson for London City Council

05/16/2025

Jim Baker Appointed to Fill Seat Vacated by Holly Little

The City of London has a new face on its council. Jim Baker has officially been appointed to fill the vacant seat left by Councilmember Holly Little, who recently resigned from her position.

Baker is no stranger to city government. Prior to this appointment, he served on the city’s Ethics Board, where he worked to uphold standards of transparency and accountability across local leadership. His prior experience and involvement in civic affairs played a key role in the council’s decision to appoint him.

Baker will now serve alongside the remaining councilmembers as they continue to address the city’s priorities heading into the second half of the year.

Stay tuned to The London Ledger for more updates on city council developments and local government accountability.

05/16/2025

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05/15/2025

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Big stories, real conversations, and our very first episode… coming soon.

Stay tuned — it only goes up from here.

05/14/2025

Welcome to The London Ledger
Hosted by Bobby Ellison & Elijah Jarvis

We’re proud to introduce The London Ledger—a local news podcast and livestream focused on truth, transparency, and accountability right here in London, Kentucky.

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