Mountain Top Media
Amber Spradlin murder case to go to trial May 11, after judge denies delay
PIKEVILLE, Ky. — The defendants in the Amber Spradlin murder trial will go to trial in 18 days.
That is the result of a hearing in the case today.
Spradlin’s body was found June 18, 2023, at the Arkansas Creek home of Prestonsburg dentist Michael McKinney. McKinney’s son, M.K. McKinney, has been charged with her murder, while both McKinneys and family friend Josh Mullins are charged with multiple counts of evidence tampering for allegedly trying to cover up the crime.
Floyd County Commonwealth’s Attorney Brent Turner requested a continuance in the case, saying not all of the DNA evidence has come back from the state crime lab. Michael McKinney’s attorney, Terry Dean Jacobs, and Mullins’ attorney, Whitney O’Neal, both agreed with delaying the trial, but asked the court to release their clients from home incarceration and drug testing requirements.
However, one of M.K. McKinney’s attorneys, Randy O’Neal, objected to any further delay in the case.
In the end, that one objection was all it took for Special Judge Eddy Coleman to make up his mind.
“Well, since Mr. [M.K.] McKinney objected to the trial being continued, it won’t be,” Judge Coleman said. “See you all on May 11.”
Coleman then thanked the parties and left the courtroom.
In his order filed after the hearing, the judge also denied the motions to release Michael McKinney and Josh Mullins from home incarceration.
There is still time for other issues to arise that could delay the case, and several sources close to the case tell Mountain Top News that they believe there is a good chance the trial could still be delayed. But as it stands now, jury selection will begin May 11. The trial is expected to last 3-to-4 weeks.
You can watch a full livestream of the hearing on our Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/MountainTopMediaNews/.
A copy of the judge’s order follows:
The post Amber Spradlin murder case to go to trial May 11, after judge denies delay appeared first on Mountain Top Media.
Dickenson School Board remains in holding pattern on budget; discusses staff stipends, attendance
CLINTWOOD, Va. — The Dickenson County School Board moved to reward district employees and celebrate student achievement during its April monthly meeting on Wednesday April 22, unanimously approving one-time stipends for all staff and recognizing the high school’s top academic performer.
The board approved a $1,000 bonus for full-time employees and $500 for part-time staff. To be eligible, staff must have been employed by the district on or before Jan. 6, 2026. The move impacts 273 full-time and 75 part-time workers, funded through an amendment to the FY26 state budget.
The meeting began with a special recognition of LaKendra Vitatoe who serves as the student representative on the board, as the valedictorian for Ridgeview High School. Board members also extended congratulations to former student representative Koen Powers, who was named salutatorian.
Compliance Director Karen Martin reviewed the March enrollment report, which showed a slight increase of 10 students over the previous month, bringing the district’s total to 1,701.
While year-to-date attendance remains at 91.51 percent, officials noted that a late-season flu outbreak in March dropped the monthly average to 88.38 percent. Chronic absenteeism remains a point of concern, particularly at the high school level, where the raw rate rose to 29 percent. However, officials noted these figures do not yet account for students in homebound instruction or alternative credit programs.
The district’s financial outlook remains tied to state-level decisions. While the FY27 budget was adopted in March, the Virginia General Assembly has yet to pass a final state budget. A special session to address the matter is scheduled to begin on Thursday, April 23, in Richmond.
In other financial action, the board approved the 2026-27 Special Education and Career and Technical Education (Perkins) plans. The special education budget includes over $547,000 in Section 611 funding for personnel and services. The Perkins allocation of $73,450 will focus on equipment and capital outlay, with the district planning to pursue additional grants to supplement these funds.
The board granted a request from the Dickenson County Fair Committee and committee chair Billy Branham to release students early on Friday, Sept. 18, 2026, for “Kids Day.” The fair will feature the return of singer-songwriter Celeste Kellogg for a special Friday night performance, along with the return of Gospel Night on Wednesday and Carson Peters and Iron Mountain on Thursday along with new activities.
Policy updates were also a focus, with 16 revised policies approved. These include an update to weapons policy to reflect legal prohibitions while allowing limited superintendent discretion as authorized by law. There were new requirements for staff training to identify and respond to gang behavior and an early update to improve district-wide wellness initiatives.
Board member Jason Hicks highlighted the success of the district’s nursing program, noting positive feedback from the community while board member Damon Rasnick pointed to high levels of student engagement, reporting that approximately 750 students — nearly half the student body — are active in extracurricular activities.
The board concluded the meeting following a closed session to discuss personnel recommendations and legal consultations regarding school construction investments.
The next monthly meeting is scheduled for May, where the board expects to provide a finalized update on the state budget’s impact on local school funding.
The post Dickenson School Board remains in holding pattern on budget; discusses staff stipends, attendance appeared first on Mountain Top Media.
Viewing page 4 of 5|Previous Page|Next Page