Local News

Pat Holmquist had driven past the Free Lunch sign outside of 11 S. Main St. in Dry Ridge about 12 times before she decided to come in.

She was not sure what to expect when she walked into the diner with UK Wildcat blue carpet, an inspirational verse on its menu board and home-cooked food ready to be eaten.

“I had tears in my eyes,” Holmquist said. “I had never seen anything like this. I had to write to (Larry Spears) and tell him. It was just wonderful. I just thank the Lord for Mr. Spears.”

Local law enforcement are on high alert as a manhunt is on for three fugitives who escaped an Indiana prison on Friday, March 20.

Authorities believe there is a possibility the escapees could be headed toward Grant County because one of the men, 59-year-old Jerry Sargent, is from Williamstown.

Sargent, who has family in the area, was serving a 50-year sentence at Branchville Correctional Facility near Tell City, Ind., for robbery and criminal confinement.

Sargent’s earliest possible release date was Jan. 7, 2023.

An Indiana prison break has led authorities into Kentucky, where three Carroll County men were beaten and tied up Monday, March 23, in a home on State Hwy. 36 East, just south of Interstate 71.

Their attackers are believed to be the three men who escaped Friday morning from Branchville Correctional Facility in Tell City, Ind.

A Grant County deputy jailer found himself behind bars.

Eric Bay Ashcraft, 23, of Dry Ridge, was charged on March 10 with accepting a bribe from an inmate and allowing contraband into the jail.

Ashcraft had been employed at the jail since June 2008. He resigned before his arrest.

Ashcraft also was the Grant County High School girls’ soccer coach for the 2008 season. “He has completed his contract and met his duties for this year,” said Grant County Superintendent Michael Hibbett.