Bath County News Outlook

10/02/2025

Send a message to learn more

10/01/2025

NOTE: There is an error in our printed version of this obituary this week. Below is the correct information.

Linda Vance Obituary

Linda Lou Vance Little, age 74, of Mt. Sterling, KY, passed away Friday September 26, 2025 at UK Chandler Medical Center, Lexington, KY. Linda was born March 10, 1951 in Bath County, KY to the late Eaf and Edith Little. Linda loved her family and dedicated her life to caring for their needs. She was a born again Christian.
Linda is survived by 1 son, Jonathon (Sherry) Townsend of Owingsville, 1 daughter, Jody Lawson Townsend of Owingsville, 5 grandsons; Cody (Lexi) Townsend, Brandon (Meagan) Townsend, Dustin Townsend, Lyle (Amber) Napier, and Brady (Holli) Stamper, 2 granddaughters; Johnna Townsend and Chrissy Asher, 5 great grandsons; Theodore (Theo) Townsend, Noah Townsend, Payton Napier, Gage Asher, and Billy Hatfield, 6 great granddaughters; Emma Townsend, Lucy Crawford, Brooklyn Napier, Kennedy Asher, Gracie Hatfield, and Charlee Hatfield, 1 sister, Ruby Presley of Owingsville, and 2 brothers, Josh little of Mt. Sterling and Arl Little of Sharpsburg.
She is proceeded in death by 7 brothers; Ike Little, Marion Little, Charles Little, Henry Little, Rhondo Little, Ralph Little, and Sammy Little, and 4 sisters; Edis Munday, Ivela Pergrem, Angela Powell, and Willa Robinson.
Visitation will be Wednesday, October 01, 2025 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Richardson Funeral Home
Funeral Services will be Thursday, October 02, 2025 at 1:00 p.m.
Officiating will be Brother Jim Crouch and Brother Kenny Crouch.
Burial will follow at Longview Cemetery in Bethel, KY.
Pallbearers: Brandon Townsend, Cody Townsend, Dustin Townsend, Jarrod Little, Rex Little, Gary Martin, Tony Little, and Billy Jo Presley.
There will be a dinner following burial at the Northside Church of God.
Funeral Services entrusted to the care of Richardson Funeral Home.

09/30/2025

Coffee with a Trooper

Join us this Friday, October 3rd, from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. at the Frosty Freeze in Salt Lick for Coffee with a Trooper!

This is your chance to enjoy a cup of coffee, ask questions, and get to know your local Kentucky State Police Troopers in a relaxed, friendly setting.

We’d love to see you there—stop in, say hello, and share a cup with us!

09/30/2025

Wildfire Hazard Season Begins Oct. 1

By KYDEP on September 30, 2025

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Sept. 30, 2025) - Gov. Andy Beshear is urging Team Kentucky to be alert as the fall wildfire hazard season begins Oct. 1, bringing outdoor burning restrictions to the state.
“It’s so important this fall that we do what we can to protect Kentucky and our people,” Gov. Beshear said. “Please stay alert and follow the guidance so we keep everyone safe and protect against wildfires.”
The commonwealth’s outdoor burning law (KRS 149.400) prohibits burning between the hours of 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. local time within 150 feet of any woodland, brushland or fields containing dry grass or other flammable materials. These restrictions are in effect every fall (Oct. 1 – Dec. 15) and spring (Feb. 15 – April 30) to help prevent wildfires.
“We had a wet spring in the state, creating good growing conditions for vegetation. With the current drought conditions in parts of Kentucky, we are likely to see leaves falling early and increased fuel on the ground for wildfires to spread,” said Division Director and State Forester Brandon Howard. “The Division of Forestry is preparing for a busy wildfire hazard season. Our firefighters are trained and ready to quickly and safely respond to wildfires when they occur.”
The Division of Forestry responds to between 850 and 1,000 wildfires annually. In Kentucky, 99% of all wildfires are caused by human activity. Arson accounts for more than half, with debris fires being the second leading cause. If a fire escapes from the burning of debris, immediately contact the nearest Division of Forestry field office or a local fire department.
Kentucky’s forests cover nearly half of the commonwealth’s land mass, at 12 million acres, and are a major economic force. In 2023-2024, the forest products industry contributed $19.1 billion to the state’s economy and provided more than 28,000 jobs.
"Wildfires, when left uncontrolled, can wreak havoc on our cherished forest ecosystems and diminish timber value for landowners. They also pose significant risks to both the public and our brave firefighters. Let's work together to protect our environment and ensure everyone's safety. Being responsible today makes for a brighter tomorrow," said Energy and Environment Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Goodman.
To help prevent wildfires, the Kentucky Division of Forestry recommends the following precautions:
- Avoid burning debris during fire hazard seasons and during dry, windy conditions. Outdoor burning is illegal between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. in or within 150 feet of any woodland or brushland during wildfire hazard seasons.
- Incorporate “Firewise” practices around homes and communities in forested areas. Firewise practices include creating a defensible space around homes by removing leaves, debris and firewood to ensure access for safety personnel and equipment in rural or isolated areas.
-Report suspected arson to the nearest Kentucky State Police post or call the Target Arson Hotline at 800-27-ARSON.

Contact your local fire department or county judge/executive’s office for questions regarding local burn bans. Residents should call the Division for Air Quality at (502) 564-3999 to learn about other specific regulations before burning anything.
For more on the Kentucky Division of Forestry, and outdoor burning, visit https://bit.ly/OutdoorBurning.

Send a message to learn more

09/29/2025

***Wanted Person***

Owingsville Police are actively seeking information on the whereabouts of Ritchie Callahan from Jeffersonville KY. Callahan is wanted for an active Felony Indictment Warrant out of Bath County.

Callahan is also wanted out of Montgomery County for a Felony Warrant. His last known location was in Jeffersonville KY. If you have information or see Callahan please contact your local authorities immediately.

If you have information on Callahan and would like to remain 100% anonymous, download or P3 Tip app and submit your information from there. Callahan is considered armed and dangerous, do not approach him if seen. PLEASE SHARE!!!

09/27/2025

Karson Tolle was crowned Homecoming Queen this evening at the Bath County - Lewis County game. From left, 1st Runner-Up, Katie Pruitt, Homecoming Queen, Karson Tolle; and William H. Reed Spirit Award Winner, Allison Manley.

09/26/2025

09/26/2025

Tomorrow in Salt Lick.

Send a message to learn more