The Estill County Tribune

07/23/2025

NEWS RELEASE
*UPDATE* Kentucky State Police Investigate Escaped Inmate in Estill County
RICHMOND, Ky. (July 22, 2025) – The Kentucky State Police, Post 7 in Richmond, was notified today by the U.S. Marshals Service that Jeffrey Harrison was apprehended just before 3:00 p.m. in Lexington, Ky.

Mr. Harrison was charged with Escape, 2nd Degree and has been lodged in the Fayette County Detention Center.

Original Press Release Below:

IRVINE, Ky. (July 8, 2025) – The Kentucky State Police, Post 7 in Richmond, was contacted just before 9:30 a.m. today by the Estill County Sheriff's Office regarding an escaped inmate.

The initial investigation indicates that Jeffrey Harrison, 43, of Lexington, Kentucky, escaped custody during transport at approximately 9:20 a.m. this morning from the Estill County Courthouse.

Harrison is described as a white male, approximately 5 feet 9 inches tall, weighing 138 pounds, with brown hair and blue eyes. He was last seen wearing an orange jumpsuit.

Anyone with information regarding Harrison's whereabouts is urged to contact local law enforcement or Kentucky State Police, Post 7 at (859) 623-2404.

The investigation remains ongoing.

07/23/2025

Book signing, Thursday night in downtown Irvine

07/22/2025

Obituary of Shelby H. Booth
Shelby H Booth, 92, of Clay City, widower of Edith Shuler Booth, passed away July 21, 2025 at his home. He was born October 27, 1932 to the late Leonard & Opha Shoemaker Booth. A great jokester and storyteller, he was a lifetime member of the Engine Club and operated Booth's Sunoco & Service Station in Clay City for many years. Survivors include: brother Wayne (Barbara) Booth of Clay City; sister Edna Joyce Epperson of Stanton; fifteen nephews & fourteen nieces; numerous great-nieces & great-nephews; and special friends Gilbert Shear & Terry Abney. In addition to his wife Edith Booth and parents Leonard & Opha Booth, he was preceded in death by: brothers Lemon Booth, Earnest Booth, James Booth, Sherman Booth, & Norval Booth; and sisters Lorene Johnson, Alene Logan, Treva Morton, & Ruby Katherine Booth. Funeral services will be conducted at 1:00PM on Saturday, July 26 at Wells Funeral Home by Bro. Doug Booth. Visitiation will be held on Friday night, beginning at 5:00PM for family & 6:00PM for friends. Burial will follow the funeral at Resthaven Cemetery in Stanton with active pallbearers including Johnny Logan, Bobby Booth, Garry Booth, Terry Booth, Gilbert Shear, & Joshua Knox. Honorary pallbearers are Steve Johnson, Jason Epperson, Kenny Booth, Edward Booth, Sammy Booth, Earl Booth, Mike Booth, Glen Creech, & Terry Abney. Wells Funeral Home has been entrusted with these arrangements.

07/21/2025

Obituary for Leonard Martin
Leonard Martin, 78, of Jeffersonville, widower of Patsy Bocook Martin, passed away Sunday, July 20, 2025 at the Saint Joseph Hospital, Lexington. He was born June 3, 1947 in Mount Sterling to the late Odie and Mary Roberts Martin. Leonard was an Army Veteran. Survivors include, son, Bryan Martin; daughter, Tilly (Jason) Kelley; grandchildren, Hannah Nicole Davis, Sara Elizabeth Kelley, Ayden Kristofer Martin, Arielle Faith Martin, Patrick Bocook, Matthew Jones, Natasha Prater, and Tanner Sallee; brothers Odis Martin and Ronald (Mattie) Martin; sisters Mildred (Eugene) Mullins and Ruthann (Bill) Shoemaker; many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, daughter, Nina Ann Sallee; brothers, Danny Martin, Jimmy Martin, and Bobby Martin; and sisters, Janie Halcomb and Eva Humphrey. Services Monday, July 28,1:00PM Wells Funeral Home by Bro. Bill Shoemaker. Visitation Monday from 12-1pm. Burial in Martin-Willoughby Cemetery with Michael Halcomb, Kyle Halcomb, Tony Scott, Brad Mullins, Daniel Martin, Mitchell Jacob, and Hunter Humphrey serving as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers serving, Walter Shrout, John Shrout, Alfred Martin, Scottie Martin, and Earl Roberts.

07/21/2025

NEWS RELEASE
*CORRECTED* Kentucky State Police Investigates Fatal Collision in Madison County
RICHMOND, Ky. (July 21, 2025) – The Kentucky State Police, Richmond Post, was contacted just before 5:30 p.m., Sunday, July 20, 2025, in reference to a multi vehicle collision on I-75 near the 83 mile marker northbound in Madison County.

The initial investigation indicates traffic on I-75 was heavily congested at the time of the incident. An International commercial motor vehicle (CMV), operated by David Turner, failed to slow down and struck the rear of a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado operated by Rico Brown. The impact caused the commercial motor vehicle (CMV) to then strike a guardrail and collide with a 2024 Ford F-350 pulling a recreational vehicle, operated by Steven Wohlscheid. As a result of the initial collision, the Chevrolet Silverado was pushed forward and struck the rear of a 2021 Freightliner (CMV) operated by Justin Hill.

As a result of the collision, Rico Brown, 33, of Berea, Kentucky, who was operating the Chevrolet Silverado, was transported to the University of Kentucky Albert B. Chandler Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. A juvenile passenger in the vehicle was transported to Baptist Health Richmond, where he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased by Madison County Coroner Jimmy Cornelison.

Trooper Tyler Holt is conducting the ongoing collision investigation. He was assisted on scene by Kentucky State Police personnel, Madison County EMS, Madison County Fire Department, Madison County Sheriff's Office, and Madison County Coroner's Office.

07/21/2025

Nada Tunnel on KY 77 in Powell County to be closed on Tuesday, July 29
Pavement repairs scheduled from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
JACKSON, Ky.– Drivers who use the Nada Tunnel on KY 77 in the Red River Gorge in Powell County should prepare to use an alternate route on Tuesday, July 29. The road will be closed for pavement repairs.

A number of potholes have developed on the driving surface of the one-lane former railroad tunnel that serves as an iconic gateway to the Red River Gorge National Geological Area. The closure is necessary for blacktopping work.

The repairs will begin at 8 a.m. and will be completed by 4 p.m. The road will be closed to all traffic during this time.

Drivers can use KY 11/KY and either KY 613 and Forest Service Road 23 through Bowen, or KY 715 through Pine Ridge, as an alternate route to avoid the closure.

The tunnel is located at milepoint 2.25 on KY 77. Approximately 725 vehicles use the Nada Tunnel each day.

07/20/2025

07/20/2025

Obituary for Jerry Allen Strange
Jerry Allen Strange, 74, passed away Thursday, July 17, 2025 at Saint Joseph Hospital, Lexington. He was born April 22, 1951 in Clay City to the late Leonard and Peggy Townsend Strange. He was a retiree of Trane Company and worked for Western Auto for many years. Jerry loved to hunt, fish, watch UK football, basketball, and work in his garden. Jerry was a Christian who loved the Lord very much. He is survived by son, Shane Axl Strange; brother, Truman (Cutis) Strange; sisters, Judy Combs, Anna Hobbs, and Janice Centers; former step-daughter, Andrea Williams and her children, Kaitlin Williams, Kyle Williams, and Kaleb Williams; numerous nieces and nephews. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, James Strange, Garrett Strange, Harrison Strange, Melvin "Bear" Strange, Dixie Stange, and Gendon "D**o" Strange; sisters, Margaret Strange, Helen Brewer, and Glenda Strange. Services Monday, July 21, 11:00AM Elkin Cemetery, Clay City by Bro. James Harold Combs.

07/20/2025

Obituary for Betty Lou Hymer
Betty Lou Hymer, age 90, of Richmond Road in Irvine, left this earth to be with her beloved husband, Thomas Hymer, in Heaven on July 19, 2025. She was born October 18, 1934, in Estill County and was the daughter of the late Moss Barker and Mossie Isaacs Barker. She was a Homemaker and retired as a Factory Worker. She was a member of the Lower Red Lick Holiness Church. Betty Lou’s greatest joy in life was spending time with her family. She is survived by:

3 sons: Roger Lynn Hymer (Maggie) - Ashland

Terry Lee Hymer (Shell) - Irvine

Darrell Thomas Hymer (Beth) - Fishers, IN

1 sister: Drucilla Muncie - Irvine

1 brother: Earl Barker - Oklahoma

4 grandchildren: Matthew Hymer, Joshua Hymer, Blake (Kate) Hymer, and Amanda (David) Moore

8 great grandchildren

And a host of other family and friends to miss her and mourn her passing

In addition to her parents and her husband, she was preceded in death by 3 sister, Treva Winkler, Barbara White, and Mary Katherine Barker, and 2 brothers, Tracy and Ronnie Barker

Funeral services will be conducted Wednesday, July 23, 1 PM at the Warren F. Toler Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Jerry Rose and Bro. Terry Louis officiating. Burial will be at the Finney Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Wednesday from 11 AM to 1 PM.

Pallbearers: Joshua Hymer, Blake Hymer, Greg Wright, Marlyn Wright, Timmy Muncie, Beatle Lyle, David Moore, and Rory Thomas

07/20/2025

When you look up the word Kentuckian, there is no doubt that you could find a photo of Byron Roberts that fits that description. Deep in the heart of the mountains of Estill County is what is considered the birthplace of Kentucky’s modern day music scene.

On his family’s farm for several years, Byron would host “Kickin’ It on the Creek.” This festival was the launching pad for many Kentucky musicians and other festivals. It was also the basis of the storyline of many songs including Arthur Hancock’s “Wolfpen Branch,” Laid Back Country Picker’s “Magoffin County Cadillac,” and many more. The festival was also the start of many that went on to perform at Railbird Music Festival, Laurel Cove Music Festival, as well as The Burl, Manchester Music Hall, and even Rupp Arena and Commonwealth Stadium.

Many artists from Kentucky and beyond got their start on that stage including Town Mountain, Morgan Wade, John R. Miller, Arlo McKinley, The Wooks, The Local Honeys, Justin Wells, Grayson Jenkins, Buffalo Wabs, and Tyler Childers, among many others. Over 30 musicians, festival volunteers, and more provided letters of support of the impact he has made on their lives.

Beyond music, Byron and his family made an impact within his own community by lending a hand when others were in need. They raised over $100,000 in funds as needed for disaster relief efforts, as well those with medical needs.

Recently, Bryon Roberts received a diagnosis of stage 4 cancer. To say the least, the news has shaken the entire Kentucky music community. That same community stood up and showed up packing Manchester Music Hall for a benefit show. They continue to show up in support of the Roberts family as the family has done so for them.

It is with distinct honor that the Board of Directors of the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame formally welcomes Mr. Byron Roberts into our Class of 2026 Inductees. The official ceremony will be held next year in October 2026. Congratulations and many heartfelt thanks for being a major influence and inspiration of the Kentucky music scene.

07/18/2025

Donald Lee Brown was born April 11, 1946, in Ludlow Kentucky. He devoted his life to serving God and spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ touching countless lives with his compassion, wisdom and unwavering dedication to the word of God. For 50 years, he served as lead pastor in numerous churches of the Nazarene. Don was an avid supporter of the Estill County Engineers, and he had a passion for the Cincinnati Reds, the Bengals and the Kentucky Wildcats. Don served his country as a Chaplin in the United States Air Force for four years. Don was a devoted husband to his loving wife Joy and a proud father to Gina and Jami. He instilled in his family the values of faith, kindness and perseverance, and his legacy will live on through them.

Don was preceded in death by his mother, Faye Brown, His father Louis Brown, his brother JR Brown, and his sister Betty Stamper.

Don leaves behind his wife Joy Shearer Brown, of 58 years; daughters Gina Flynn (Greg), and Jami Ballew (Eric); three sisters Pauline Ingram (Hal), JoAnn Williamson (Kenny), and Patty Mossman; five granddaughters Cassidy Moore (Austin), Ashlyn Farrow (Johnnie), Kennedy Thompson (Starr), Kiely Williams (Noah), and Addison Mariakis (Jacob).; 6 great grandchildren Braylee Mariakis, Kyren Moore, Kollyns Moore, Emersyn Thompson, Eloise Mariakis and Barrett Williams.

He also leaves behind numerous special nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be conducted Saturday, July 19, 2 PM at the Waco Church of the Nazarene with Blaine Click, Bro. Jimmy Bonny, and Bro. Dan Miller officiating. Burial will be at the Oakdale Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Saturday from 12 to 2 PM at the Church.

The Pallbearers will be Don’s sons-in-law; Greg Flynn and Eric Ballew and his grandsons-in-law; Austin Moore, Johnnie Farrow, Starr Thompson, Noah Williams and Jacob Mariakis.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Larry Shearer, Kenny Williamson, Hal Ingram, Jimmy Osborne, David Shearer, and Frank Bostick.

Arrangements provided by Warren F. Toler Funeral Home

07/18/2025

Estill County High School would like to announce Chris Flynn as the Varsity Girls Soccer Head Coach. Coach Flynn provides so much for our community, and we are excited to have him at the helm of one of our most successful athletic programs.