Big Dawg local news with Larry Smith - Monday, November 9, 2026…

A Casey County Circuit Court jury has found Phillip Bruce Hadley of Columbia guilty of second-degree manslaughter in the shooting death of his son, Jordan Hadley.

After approximately four and a half hours of deliberations on Friday evening, jurors returned the guilty verdict and recommended a 5-year prison sentence.

The shooting happened on January 13, 2026 at a residence in Adair County on S Hwy 55. Investigators said Hadley told police he shot his adult son with a .40-caliber handgun following confrontations and arguments earlier that day. Jordan Hadley later died at T.J. Sampson Hospital.

Bruce Hadley claimed self-defense during the trial, which was moved to Casey County because of a shortage of qualified jurors in Adair County.

Formal sentencing is scheduled for December 15, 2026 at 9 a.m. before Circuit Judge Judy Vance Murphy.
 

LEBANON, Ky. (November 6, 2026) – Kentucky State Police (KSP) Post 15 Troopers and Detectives have arrested two individuals following an investigation into allegations of human trafficking and sexual offenses involving a juvenile in Marion County. 

While working on a separate, unrelated investigation earlier this year, Detective Dexter Colvin discovered evidence of human trafficking involving a juvenile in Marion County.  Following an extensive investigation, the case was presented to the Marion County Grand Jury on October 22, 2026.  The Grand Jury returned indictments for the following individuals: 

James Greg Boswell, 59, of Lebanon, was charged with Human Trafficking - Commercial Sexual Activity (Victim Under 18), Human Trafficking - Commercial Sexual Activity, Promote Use of a Minor in Sexual Activity, Unlawful Transaction with a Minor Under 18 1st Degree - Illegal Controlled Substance, and Persistent Felony Offender.   

Amanda Sweazy, 43, of Lebanon, was charged with Promoting Human Trafficking (Victim Under 18), Promoting Human Trafficking, Unlawful Transaction with a Minor Under 18 1st Degree - Illegal Controlled Substance, and Persistent Felony Offender.  

In addition, when Troopers arrived at Mr. Boswell’s residence in Marion County to serve the indictment warrant on him, they detected a strong odor of marijuana emanating from within the residence.  Troopers obtained a search warrant for the residence and located controlled substances and drug paraphernalia.  Mr. Boswell was also charged with Trafficking Controlled Substances 3rd Degree - 2nd or Greater Offense, Trafficking Marijuana 2nd or Greater Offense, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Trooper Austin Blakeman arrested both James Greg Boswell and Amanda Sweazy yesterday and lodged them in the Marion County Detention Center.  Mr. Boswell is being held on a $100,000 bond, while Ms. Sweazy bond is set at $50,000.

The investigation remains ongoing and is being led by Detective Dexter Colvin. 

Big Dawg local news with Larry Smith - Friday, November 6, 2026...

BOWLING GREEN, KY – A Taylor County, Kentucky man was sentenced to 15 years in prison for methamphetamine trafficking and firearm offenses.

U.S. Attorney Kyle G. Bumgarner of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge John Nokes of the ATF Louisville Field Division, and Commissioner Phillip Burnett, Jr. of the Kentucky State Police, made the announcement.

Brad L. Smith, 63, was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for trafficking in over 2 kilograms of methamphetamine and possessing a handgun as a convicted felon. Smith was prohibited from possessing a firearm because he had previously been convicted of the following felony offenses.

On May 19, 2020, in Taylor Circuit Court, Smith was convicted of first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance, second offense, involving less than 2 grams of methamphetamine.
        
On September 5, 2009, in Perry Circuit Court, Smith was convicted of first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.

On September 8, 2009, in Perry Circuit Court, Smith was convicted of first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance (two counts), and second-degree trafficking in a controlled substance.

In total, Smith had previously been convicted of 11 prior felony offenses and was considered an “armed career criminal” by statute.

United States Attorney Kyle Bumgarner stated, “Brad Smith’s career as a drug trafficker is over. He will be in prison until his 80’s. Smith wasted his life committing felony offenses and harming his community as a drug dealer. I sincerely hope that others see Smith’s sentence 15-year sentence and decide to stop their destructive behavior.”    

ATF Special Agent in Charge John Nokes stated, “This sentence underscores the serious threat posed by repeat drug traffickers who combine the distribution of dangerous narcotics with illegal firearm possession. ATF will continue working alongside our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to hold violent offenders accountable, disrupt drug trafficking operations, and protect our communities.”

“Through strong partnerships and shared resources, the commonwealth was able to bring this individual to justice,” KSP Commissioner Phillip Burnett, Jr. said. “These partnerships send a clear message that those who bring illegal drugs into our communities will be held accountable.” 

There is no parole in the federal system.

This case was investigated by the ATF Bowling Green Field Office and the Kentucky State Police.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark J. Yurchisin II of the U.S. Attorney’s Bowling Green Branch Office prosecuted the case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

Big Dawg local news with Larry Smith - Tuesday, November 3, 2026…

A fight broke out on Friday night at the Green County/East Jessamine County football game in Greensburg, KY resulting in the arrest of an East Jessamine assistant coach.

The Big Dawg cannot determine what caused the issue but during the altercation a Green County Deputy was knocked to the ground and charges of disorderly conduct and menacing were placed against East Jessamine High School Assistant Football Coach Michael Morton of Lexington, KY.

Another individual, Derek Harrison of Nicholasville, KY was charged with disorderly conduct, assault 4th degree on a police officer, and menacing. 

Both men were taken to the Taylor County Detention Center.

The Green County Dragons went on to win the football game.

A Taylor County Grand Jury has returned indictments against several people. Indictments are legal accusations and do not determine guilt or innocence.

CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. (October 31, 2026) – Kentucky State Police (KSP) Post 15 Troopers have arrested a female following an investigation into a report of theft from a local business. 
 

In August 2026, KSP Post 15 received a report of an employee stealing funds from Phoenix Way in Taylor County. Master Trooper Nick Davis responded to the business and launched an investigation into the incident. Trooper Davis learned that Amanda Michelle Atwood, 38, of Campbellsville, KY was employed by Phoenix Way and responsible for the company’s payroll. Trooper Davis uncovered that Ms. Atwood had been issuing fraudulent checks to herself from the company’s bank accounts since December 2025. It was determined that, in total, Ms. Atwood had stolen over $160,000 from Phoenix Way.

In October 2026, the investigation was presented to the Taylor County Grand Jury, which returned an indictment on Amanda Atwood, charging her with 96 counts of Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument - 2nd Degree, 34 counts of Forgery - 2nd Degree, 1 count of Theft by Unlawful Taking - $10,000 to $1,000,000, and 1 count of Theft of Identity.  

On October 28, 2026, Trooper Davis served the indictment on Amanda Atwood.  She was subsequently arrested, lodged in the Taylor County Detention Center, and is being held on a $25,000 bond.

The investigation remains ongoing and is being led by Master Trooper Nick Davis.
 

Big Dawg local news - Friday, October 30, 2026...

Big Dawg local news with Larry Smith - Wednesday, October 28, 2026...

Big Dawg local news - Tuesday, October 27, 2026...

Unemployment rates fell in 54 counties between September 2025 and September 2026, rose in 47 counties and stayed the same in 19 counties, according to the Kentucky Center for Statistics (KYSTATS), an agency within the Kentucky Education and Labor Cabinet. 

Woodford County recorded the lowest jobless rate in the commonwealth at 3.4%. It was followed by Cumberland County, 3.6%; Todd County, 3.7%; Campbell and Fayette counties, 3.8% each; Boone, Franklin, Jessamine, Kenton and Scott counties, 3.9% each.

Magoffin and Martin counties recorded the state’s highest unemployment rate at 7.7% each. It was followed by Wolfe County, 7.4%; Lewis County, 7.3%; Elliott County, 7.1%; Jackson County, 7%; Lawrence County, 6.6%; Harlan County, 6.5%; and Carter and Knott counties, 6.3% each.

Kentucky’s county unemployment rates and employment levels are not seasonally adjusted because of small sample sizes. Employment statistics undergo sharp fluctuations due to seasonal events such as weather changes, harvests, holidays, and school openings and closings. Seasonal adjustments eliminate these influences and make it easier to observe statistical trends.

Kentucky’s seasonally adjusted September 2026 state unemployment rate was released on Oct. 15, 2026, and can be viewed here.

In that release, Kentucky’s statewide unemployment rate and employment levels are adjusted to observe statistical trends by removing seasonal influences such as weather changes, harvests, holidays, and school openings and closings. For more information regarding seasonal fluctuations, visit the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics here.

Unemployment statistics are based on estimates and are compiled to measure trends rather than actually to count people working. Civilian labor force statistics include non-military workers and unemployed Kentuckians who are actively seeking work. They do not include unemployed Kentuckians who have not looked for employment within the past four weeks. The data should only be compared to the same month in previous years.                      

Learn more about Kentucky labor market information here.

Big Dawg local news - Thursday, October 22, 2026...

Big Dawg local news - Monday October 19, 2026...

GREENSBURG, Ky. (October 19, 2026) – Troopers with Kentucky State Police (KSP) Post 15 have arrested a Green County man in an ongoing child sexual abuse material investigation in Green County. 

The investigation began on October 5, 2026, when Trooper Sean Sweat received a report that Joseph Matthews, 42, of Greensburg, allegedly had child sexual abuse material in his possession.  As a result of the investigation, Trooper Sweat arrested Mr. Matthews, charging him with Procuring or Promoting the Use of a Minor by Electronic Means (9 counts), Unlawful Transaction with a Minor 1st Degree - Illegal Sex Act - Victim Under 18 (9 counts), and Using Minor to Distribute Obscene Matter 1st Degree (9 Counts).

Mr. Matthews was lodged in the Taylor County Detention Center and is being held on a $50,000 cash bond.  Trooper Sweat is continuing the investigation.  Additional charges against Mr. Matthews are potentially forthcoming upon presentation to the Grand Jury.

Area high school marching bands turned in impressive performances over the weekend, earning championship honors, top finishes and special awards at competitions across Kentucky.

The Taylor County, Campbellsville and Green County marching bands all had plenty to celebrate following their performances.

Taylor County Marching Band Claims Grand Champion Honors

The Taylor County Marching Band delivered an outstanding performance at the Derby City Marching Invitational, held at Pleasure Ridge Park High School.

The band earned the ensemble Grand Champion title in the competition finals, along with awards for Best Overall Music, Best Overall Visual and Best General Effect.

The honors highlighted a strong showing by the Taylor County musicians and performers, who impressed judges with their musical performance, visual presentation and overall effect.

Campbellsville Takes Class A Championship

The Campbellsville High School Marching Band also celebrated a major victory, winning the Class A championship at the Twin Lakes Invitational.

The championship adds to a successful weekend for area marching band programs and recognizes the hard work and preparation of Campbellsville’s student musicians and staff.

Green County Earns Second Place and Best Guard

The Green County High School Marching Dragons competed at the Derby City Classic at Pleasure Ridge Park High School, finishing second in Class 1A out of six bands.

In addition to the runner-up finish, Green County earned the Best Guard award in Class 1A, recognizing the band’s color guard performers.

The results capped a successful competition for the Marching Dragons and provided another reason for the Green County school community to celebrate.

With a grand championship, a class championship and a second-place finish accompanied by a special award, area marching bands demonstrated the talent, dedication and teamwork of student performers throughout the region.

Big Dawg Local news - Thursday, October 15, 2026...

Big Dawg local news with Larry Smith - Wednesday, October 14, 2026...

Big Dawg local news with Larry Smith - Tuesday, October 13, 2026...

The 2-vehicle crash in Marion County on Friday morning, October 9, 2026 claimed the life of a Campbellsville man and left another hospitalized with serious injuries.  

According to Kentucky State Police, the fatal accident occurred at approximately 7:30 a.m. along the Campbellsville Highway near Highway 289. Authorities reported that 36-year-old Christopher Brian Black of Campbellsville was operating a 2011 Ford Focus when his vehicle collided with a 2016 Nissan driven by Mitchell Ginter, 61, also of Campbellsville. 

Black was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency personnel. Ginter sustained severe injuries in the impact. He was initially transported to Spring View Hospital in Lebanon before being airlifted via STAT Flight to the University of Kentucky Hospital in Lexington for emergency treatment.

Kentucky State Police Trooper Dean Lunz is leading the investigation.

Story courtesy of Hal Goode with G & G Productions

Commercial Fire Situation

1700 Old Lebanon Road (TRH)

10-11-2026

Campbellsville Fire Rescue was dispatched to a report of a working fire with the MRI machine at Taylor Regional Hospital at 4:01amET on Sunday morning. Upon arrival, firefighters found no fire conditions but mild smoke conditions isolated to the MRI electrical room. Fire Chief Chris Taylor told 99.9 The Big Dawg News that firefighters using thermal imaging devices found an overheated MRI chiller motor that overheated with no exposure to the facility.

This was related to intermittent power issues related to ongoing storm conditions. Once the issue was isolated, crews ventilated the structure with positive pressure ventilation. No civilian or firefighter's injuries were reported. No hospital evacuations had to occur and the situation was mitigated quickly. 

MRI fires can be particularly dangerous situation but thankfully TRH and CFD train annually on MRI emergencies just for this situation!  

Firefighters Responding: 14

Responding Apparatus: Engine 4, Engine 1,  Truck 1, Rescue 1 and Chief Taylor

Assisting Agencies:

Campbellsville Taylor County 911

Campbellsville Taylor County EMS

Campbellsville Police Dept

Taylor County Fire Department &

Kentucky Utilities

On standby in their station:

Greensburg Fire Department

Big Dawg local news with Larry Smith - Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026...