Kentucky

Kentucky shatters its fatal overdose record; fentanyl blamed

Published

2 years ago

June 13, 2022

Kentucky shatters its fatal overdose record; fentanyl blamed

FRANKFORT, Ky. — Deadly drug overdoses rose almost 15% in Kentucky final 12 months, surpassing 2,000 deaths because the elevated use of fentanyl — a strong artificial opioid — resulted in a document demise toll within the state, in accordance with a report launched Monday.

The report confirmed that 2,250 Kentuckians died from drug overdoses in 2021 — an ongoing scourge plaguing rural counties and the state’s largest cities alike. It was the primary time the Bluegrass State surpassed 2,000 drug overdose deaths in a single 12 months, stated Van Ingram, govt director of the state Workplace of Drug Management Coverage.

The state’s rising demise rely mirrored the nation’s escalating overdose epidemic. Final 12 months, for the primary time, greater than 100,000 Individuals died of drug overdoses over a 12-month interval, in accordance with the U.S. Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention, with about two-thirds of these deaths linked to fentanyl and different artificial medication.

In Kentucky, fentanyl was recognized in almost 73% of overdose deaths final 12 months, Monday’s report stated.

“We’ve by no means seen one drug this prevalent within the toxicology studies of overdose fatalities,” Ingram stated in a telephone interview.

Overdose deaths are sometimes attributed to multiple drug. Some folks take a number of medication and fentanyl is more and more minimize into different medication, typically with out the patrons’ information, officers say.

“I talked to a drug process power director final week who stated, ‘We’re discovering fentanyl in all the pieces,’” Ingram stated.

U.S. Senate Republican chief Mitch McConnell, who has steered massive sums of federal cash to his dwelling state of Kentucky over time to fight its drug-abuse woes, stated in a current column that fentanyl has “flooded” throughout the nation’s southern border.

“Regulation enforcement leaders throughout the commonwealth inform me that, to curb overdose deaths, our primary precedence must be to cease fentanyl from illegally getting into our nation by way of Mexico,” McConnell stated.

State officers additionally pointed to the supply of potent, cheap methamphetamine as one other think about Kentucky’s newest rise in drug overdose deaths.

The very best variety of drug overdose deaths in 2021 occurred amongst Kentuckians aged 35-44, the report stated. There have been 672 deaths in that age group final 12 months, up 17.5% from the prior 12 months.

The overdose fatality report was launched by the Kentucky Justice and Public Security Cupboard and the Workplace of Drug Management Coverage.

Kentucky has lengthy been stricken by excessive charges of habit to opioid painkillers.

In 2020, greater than 1,960 Kentuckians died from drug overdoses, up almost 50% from the pre-pandemic demise rely of 1,316 in 2019. Many individuals discontinued their drug therapy efforts out of concern of contracting COVID-19. That, together with the sense of isolation brought on by the virus, contributed to the 2020 surge in overdose deaths, state officers stated then.

Now, therapy and restoration packages are once more ramping up throughout Kentucky.

“Every single day we should work collectively to fund restoration packages and therapy choices in order that we are able to proceed to handle this scourge and get our folks the assistance they want,” Gov. Andy Beshear stated Monday in a information launch.

The governor stated the overdose demise toll was “devastating and intensely heartbreaking.”

Forward of Monday’s report, Beshear introduced one other step towards reaching a statewide coverage objective of providing no-cost companies near dwelling to assist Kentuckians overcome drug habit.

The state is working to ascertain cities and counties as “Restoration Prepared Communities” — geared toward offering high-quality restoration packages throughout Kentucky, Beshear’s administration stated.

“This drug epidemic on this nation goes to be solved one neighborhood at a time,” Ingram stated later Monday in touting this system.

Kentucky’s Workplace of Drug Management Coverage is partnering with Volunteers of America to launch the Restoration Prepared Neighborhood Certification Program. Cities and counties can apply for certification upon providing transportation, help teams and employment companies without charge for folks searching for therapy for drug or alcohol habit. A measure enacted final 12 months by Kentucky lawmakers created an advisory council assigned to create the restoration prepared certification.

Kentucky state Rep. Adam Bowling, the measure’s lead sponsor, stated Monday that this system will “empower cities and counties to supply a strong lifeline to assist Kentuckians construct a life free from habit.”

“Make no mistake, substance abuse is a crippling, harmful illness that may be prevented and handled efficiently,” Bowling stated in a press release. “Nonetheless, those that face it will need to have neighborhood help and entry to therapy and assets, no matter the place they dwell or how a lot cash is of their checking account.”

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Folks can name the KY Assist Name Heart at 833-8KY-HELP (833-859-4357) to talk one-on-one with a specialist who can join Kentuckians to therapy.

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Kentucky

Kentucky at Texas odds: Early point spread released, How to Watch

Published

2 hours ago

November 17, 2024

Press Room

Kentucky at Texas odds: Early point spread released, How to Watch

The penultimate week of the regular season also marks Texas’ final home game. Kentucky will make its way to Austin as the Longhorns look to make a run at an SEC title, and the early point spread has been released.

Texas opened as a 20.5-point favorite over Kentucky, according to FanDuel. The over-under also opened at 46.5.

Fresh off a big win over Florida, Texas renewed an old Southwest Conference rivalry in Week 12. The Longhorns headed to Arkansas, and it looked like it was going to be close in the second half. However, Texas got a big score and a timely turnover to defeat the Razorbacks and stay atop the SEC standings heading into Week 13.

As for Kentucky, the Wildcats took a break from conference play and welcomed Murray State to Kroger Field. UK was firing on all cylinders en route to the resounding victory to improve to 4-6 entering the matchup against Texas.

Kentucky and Texas will square off Nov. 23 at 3:30 p.m. ET. Here’s how to watch the Week 13 matchup as the regular season winds down.

CLICK HERE to get in your Last Minute Bets with FanDuel!

How to watch Kentucky at Texas

Time: Nov. 23, 3:30 p.m. ET
Channel: ABC, FuboTV (streaming)
Location: DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium, Austin, Texas

Texas was in control through the first half against Arkansas, but the Razorbacks responded well. They got a touchdown from Ja’Quinden Jackson and a field goal to cut the Longhorns’ lead to 13-10 as they searched for an upset.

But Texas put together an efficient touchdown drive to regain control and eventually come away with the victory. It was the type of game Steve Sarkisian expected, and he praised his team’s performance to fight off the second-half charge.

“It was just one of those days they were going to make us earn it,” Sarkisian told ABC’s Katie George after the 20-10 victory. “We weren’t going to get many chunk plays, so we had to be really efficient. I thought that was a really efficient drive on the ground, hitting a couple passes. Great catch by Golden for the touchdown.”

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Kentucky

Search for wanted Kentucky man leads to three arrests in Indiana: state police

Published

10 hours ago

November 16, 2024

Press Room

Search for wanted Kentucky man leads to three arrests in Indiana: state police

JASPER, Ind. – A search for a Kentucky man wanted on multiple felony warrants led to the arrest of three people in Indiana, including the man, Indiana State Police said.

On Wednesday, Nov. 13, an Indiana state trooper received a tip that Kevin Henning, 41, wanted on multiple felony warrants in Kentucky, was living in Grandview, Ind., with Letisha Cook, 31.

Police spotted Cook’s vehicle in a Walmart parking lot the following day.

Officers spoke with the driver, 29-year-old Michael Bickett, of Kentucky. Henning and Cook were not at the scene.

While speaking with Bickett, police said they searched the vehicle after recognizing “signs of criminal activity” and found 72 grams of methamphetamine and 61 grams of suspected marijuana.

Bickett was arrested and taken to the Dubois County Jail, where he remains held on bond.

Hours later, the Spencer County Sheriff’s Office saw Henning leave Cook’s home and get into a vehicle.

Officers stopped the vehicle on State Road 66 in Grandview, where both Henning and Cook were arrested without incident.

Police said they found suspected methamphetamine during a search of the vehicle. Both are being held on bond at the Spencer County Jail.

(From left) Letisha Cook, Kevin Henning, and Michael Bickett. (Indiana State Police)

The following charges were filed against Bickett, Henning and Cook:

Michael BickettDealing methamphetamine, a Level 2 felonyPossession of methamphetamine, a Level 3 felonyDealing marijuana, a Level 6 felonyMaintaining a common nuisancePossession of marijuana, a Class A misdemeanorPossession of paraphernalia, a Class C misdemeanor
Dealing methamphetamine, a Level 2 felony
Possession of methamphetamine, a Level 3 felony
Dealing marijuana, a Level 6 felony
Maintaining a common nuisance
Possession of marijuana, a Class A misdemeanor
Possession of paraphernalia, a Class C misdemeanor
Kevin HenningParole and Kentucky warrants – feloniesPossession of methamphetamine, a Level 6 felonyPossession of marijuana, a Class B misdemeanorPosssession of paraphernalia, a Class C misdemeanor
Parole and Kentucky warrants – felonies
Possession of methamphetamine, a Level 6 felony
Possession of marijuana, a Class B misdemeanor
Posssession of paraphernalia, a Class C misdemeanor
Letisha CookPossession of methamphetamine, a Level 6 felonyPossession of marijuana, a Class B misdemeanorPossession of paraphernalia, a Class C msdemeanor
Possession of methamphetamine, a Level 6 felony
Possession of marijuana, a Class B misdemeanor
Possession of paraphernalia, a Class C msdemeanor

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Kentucky

Kentucky vs Murray State score: Live updates, highlights for college football Week 12 game

Published

17 hours ago

November 16, 2024

Press Room

Kentucky vs Murray State score: Live updates, highlights for college football Week 12 game

LEXINGTON — Jody Wright has worked as an assistant at Alabama. And in the NFL.

But his first season as a head coach hasn’t been one for the record books. His Murray State squad is 1-9 this fall entering today’s game at Kentucky.

“I know he’s not having the year that he wants,” UK coach Mark Stoops said. “It’s his first year there. He has work to do, but he’s been in player personnel at some of the best places in the country. He’s coached with some great coaches. He knows what he’s doing.

“He’s a good football coach, and he will build that program the right way.”

Watch Kentucky football vs Murray State live on SEC Network+ (subscribe today)

While Wright continues plugging away, one thing is certain: The Wildcats should be able to name their score today against a foe that ranks near the bottom of the FCS in numerous offensive and defensive categories.

So whether Brock Vandagriff is healthy enough to start at quarterback — or Kentucky turns to backup Gavin Wimsatt or true freshman Cutter Boley — today should not be much more than a glorified scrimmage for the hosts.

We’ll see if the game plays out as expected this afternoon, when the Wildcats welcome the Racers to Kroger Field.

Date: Saturday, Nov. 16
Time: 1:30 p.m.
Location: Kroger Field; Lexington

TV channel: N/A
Streaming: SEC Network+ (subscribe today)
Radio: UK Sports Network (840 AM in Louisville; 630 AM and 98.1 FM in Lexington)

Kentucky vs. Murray State will be streamed live on SEC Network+. Richard Cross and Charles Arbuckle will call the game from the booth at Kroger Field. Streaming options for the game include ESPN+, which requires a subscription.

Kentucky 56, Murray State 0: Even so little going right for Kentucky, Murray State doesn’t have the caliber of player, offensively or defensively, to make the hosts sweat an upset in this one. The Wildcats snap a four-game losing streak in dominant fashion as they try to close the regular season with three straight wins and ensure a bowl berth is awaiting them for the ninth consecutive year.

Game lines and odds from BetMGM as of today:

Spread: Kentucky is a 16 ½-point road underdog
Over/under: 45 ½
Moneyline: Kentucky, +550; Tennessee, -800

Thirteen Kentucky players sat out the team’s most recent game, a 28-18 loss at Tennessee on Nov. 2.

That baker’s dozen of injured players included:

The high is 59 degrees with partly cloudy skies and no chance of rain in the forecast.

Record: 3-6

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Aug. 29: Missouri ∣ SCORE: Missouri 51, Murray State 0
Sept. 7: Butler ∣ SCORE: Butler 19, Murray State 17
Sept. 14: Mississippi Valley State ∣ SCORE: Murray State 59, Mississippi Valley State 8
Sept. 28: at North Dakota ∣ SCORE: North Dakota 72, Murray State 35
Oct. 5: South Dakota ∣ SCORE: South Dakota 59, Murray State 0
Oct. 12: at Indiana State ∣ SCORE: Indiana State 31, Murray State 27
Oct. 19: Illinois State ∣ SCORE: Illinois State 40, Murray State 32
Oct. 26: North Dakota State ∣ SCORE: North Dakota State 59, Murray State 6
Nov. 2: South Dakota State ∣ SCORE: South Dakota State 52, Murray State 6
Nov. 9: Missouri State ∣ SCORE: Missouri State 59, Murray State 31
Nov. 16: at Kentucky ∣ 1:30 p.m.
Nov. 23: at Southern Illinois ∣ 1 p.m.

Record: 1-9

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Reach Kentucky men’s basketball and football reporter Ryan Black at rblack@gannett.com and follow him on X at @RyanABlack.

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