Russell Springs Mayor Eddie Thomas has details on Thursday evening's meeting...
Russell Springs Mayor Eddie Thomas has details on Thursday evening's meeting...
by Duane Bonifer
COLUMBIA, KY. (11/12/2026) Dan Antle '71 knows the value of Lindsey Wilson University. That's why he recently created an endowment to support Green County residents to attend the school.
Antle recently started the Dan and Patricia Antle Endowed Scholarship. The scholarship will support Green County residents to attend Lindsey Wilson.
"It's important to give local students a chance to get a quality education, and that's what this scholarship will help provide," said Antle.
Antle, who is the owner of Reed Brothers Insurance Agency, founded the scholarship through a combination of a direct gift to Lindsey Wilson and a gift through the Lake Area Foundation.
Lindsey Wilson has played a big part in Antle's life. He has served as a trustee at the university for nearly a decade. His late mother, Jean McLean, was a 1949 graduate, and they own the distinction of being the only mother-son duo to have received the Distinguished Service Award from the Lindsey Wilson National Alumni Association. Antle's step-father, Lynn McLean, attended Lindsey Wilson thanks to the Servicemen's Readjustment Act of 1944, commonly known as the GI Bill.
Antle's wife, Patti Sparks Antle, taught at Lindsey Wilson prior to retiring from a career in the public school system. His mother-in-law, Mildred Sparks, met her husband, Billy, while they attended Lindsey Wilson.
Antle's brother, Doug, was the first Lindsey Wilson graduate to be admitted to the University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy.
"Lindsey Wilson has played an important role in my family, and it is a tremendous asset to the community," said Antle. "The economic effect that Lindsey Wilson has on Columbia-Adair County is very important. We're a stronger community because of Lindsey Wilson."

LWU trustee Dan Antle ’71 of Columbia presents a check to Lindsey Wilson to help fund the Dan and Patricia Antle Endowed Scholarship, which will help Green County residents to attend Lindsey Wilson. Pictured, from left: Lindsey Wilson Vice President for Development Kevin Thompson, Lake Cumberland Area Development District Community Development Specialist Brenda Wooldridge, Antle and Lake Cumberland Area Development District Director of Finance Kevin Tarter.
FRANKFORT, Ky. (Nov. 12, 2026) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear provided updates on economic development, a request of the President around leadership at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, medical cannabis, Family and Community Engagement Week, Lung Cancer Awareness Month, the Kentucky Historic Dining Guide, funding for riverports and railroads, funding for Eastern and Western Kentucky, Community Development Block Grants, the Team Kentucky Food Drive and Prescription Drug Take Back Day. Following historic voter turnout in last week’s midterm elections, the Governor named Kentucky voters this week’s Team Kentucky All-Stars.
Economic Development
Since the beginning of his administration, Gov. Beshear has announced nearly 1,400 private-sector new-location and expansion projects totaling over $55 billion in announced investments and creating more than 72,000 jobs. This is the highest investment figure secured during the tenure of any governor in the commonwealth’s history and $34 billion more than the next highest total.
Under Gov. Beshear’s leadership, 47 counties have seen their largest economic development investment on record. This includes transformative investments in smaller communities, such as Allen, Barren, Henderson, Owsley and Whitley counties.
“We’re ensuring that economic opportunity reaches every corner of the commonwealth, including communities that have been overlooked for too long,” said Gov. Beshear. “What that means is hardworking Kentuckians across our commonwealth can secure these new opportunities and better provide for their families. That’s really important at any time, but especially now, as federal decisions have caused prices to rise. Despite the national headwinds, we’re staying strong here in Kentucky. And we’re going to continue to build on this progress together.”
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Today, Gov. Beshear sent a letter to President Donald Trump, urging the President to immediately remove Robert F. Kennedy “RFK” Jr. as Secretary for Health and Human Services. Under RFK Jr., the United States has experienced a series of dangerous and preventable foodborne illnesses, the worst measles outbreak in decades, an increased risk for whooping cough and the highest levels of Tetanus in nearly two decades.
“America is better than this. Our people deserve so much more. And they made that clear during the midterms when they voted for change,” said Gov. Beshear. “Kentuckians – and Americans – deserve to know their food is safe. They deserve to know the safe and effective options they have in vaccines for protecting themselves. And they deserve to have confidence in their government, that if something like the pandemic ever happens again, we will be prepared and focused on saving lives. The first step in doing that is removing this dangerous person, and I hope the President steps up and takes action.”
Medical Cannabis
This week, Gov. Beshear, along with 15 other governors from across the United States, sent a letter to Congressional leaders urging them to advance the Secure and Fair Enforcement Banking Act, or SAFE Banking Act. This legislation would provide state-sanctioned cannabis businesses access to the regulated banking system. Currently, medical cannabis businesses are cash-based operations. Without access to regulated banking, there are difficulties with depositing tax payments, processing licensing fees and more, because cannabis proceeds are not yet legal at the federal level. The SAFE Banking Act would increase public safety, increase revenues, help Kentucky’s economy, and improve transparency.
“We’re making great progress to ensure medical cannabis is available for eligible Kentuckians in need,” said Gov. Beshear. “The SAFE Banking Act is necessary. It will keep dollars within the medical cannabis industry safe and in line with federal regulations, protecting against financial crime and more.”
Family and Community Engagement Week
The Governor recognized Nov. 16-20 as Family and Community Engagement in Education Week in Kentucky. The Governor was joined by members of the Prichard Committee, an education nonprofit organization.
“As governor and as a dad, I know that parents are our kids’ first teachers – and as they grow, Kentucky’s kids benefit from families that are active and engaged in their education,” said Gov. Beshear. “We’ve supported this by expanding Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Kentucky statewide, launching the Team Kentucky Pre-K Pilot Program, and expanding access to high-speed internet. Together, we are building a brighter future for every single Kentucky child.”
Lung Cancer Awareness Month
Gov. Beshear recognized November as Lung Cancer Awareness Month and Nov. 14 as Lung Cancer Screening Day. In 2022, the Governor signed legislation establishing a statewide lung cancer screening program. Following increased lung cancer screening, Kentucky’s early diagnosis rate has increased by 12% in five years. Lung cancer screening has been shown to reduce deaths by 20%. Find a health care facility near you that’s participating and offering free lung cancer screenings this Saturday.
Guests from the Kentucky Department for Public Health and the Kentucky Lung Cancer Screening Program Advisory Committee, including lung cancer survivor and advocate Teresa Daniels, joined the Governor.
“I believe that healthcare is a basic human right, and everyone should have access to affordable care close to home. That includes access to cancer screenings – which we know can save lives through early detection,” said Gov. Beshear. “If you can’t get screened this weekend, talk to your doctor about scheduling an appointment soon.”
Kentucky Historic Dining Guide
Gov. Beshear announced that five new restaurants have been added to the Kentucky Historic Dining Guide, a resource that helps Kentuckians and travelers explore local restaurants and historic destinations across the commonwealth.
Funding for Riverports and Railroads
Gov. Beshear announced a $15.1 million investment to enhance capacity for new business, support economic activity, and keep freight flowing safely through Kentucky’s waterways. Awards from the Kentucky Public Riverport Construction and Maintenance program will fund 15 projects, including equipment upgrades and replacement, warehouse and storage expansion, increased capacity for barge staging, safety improvements, and more.
The Governor also announced a $7.3 million investment for six projects that will improve railroads and freight movement. The grants are awarded through the Kentucky Short Line Infrastructure Preservation program and help fund upgrades like constructing new rail lines, preserving existing lines, and improving drainage to modernize and maintain the state’s railway network.
Funding for Eastern and Western Kentucky
The Governor announced that he has recommended 12 projects to the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) that would bring over $18 million to Eastern Kentucky. These recommendations will be reviewed at the federal level. Team Kentucky has a nearly 100% approval rate with the ARC. Last fiscal year, Kentucky received record funding from the federal-state partnership, totaling almost $80 million.
Gov. Beshear provided an update on the single largest housing announcement in Kentucky’s history, over $223 million to build more than 900 rental units throughout Western Kentucky. The Governor announced that all 11 developments are under construction. Team Kentucky expects each of them to be leasing units by spring of next year. At one of the developments, Commonwealth Court in Mayfield, two of three buildings are complete and the third is expected to be finished by the end of November. This will be a 66-unit development providing affordable housing.
“A few months ago, we marked four years since historic flooding in the east, and next month, we’ll mark five years since devastating tornadoes in the west,” said Gov. Beshear. “From water improvements to healthcare, economic investments and housing, we are keeping our promise of rebuilding every structure, every home and every life. And we’re not just building back; we’re building back stronger.”
Community Development Block Grants
The Governor announced five projects totaling $4.3 million through the Community Development Block Grant program that will deliver clean water, protect against flooding, and make improvements to affordable housing for seniors.
Team Kentucky Food Drive
The Governor reminded Kentuckians that the second annual Team Kentucky Food Drive is accepting public donations on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, now through Nov. 18. Donations of non-perishable food items will be distributed through Feeding Kentucky, which serves all 120 counties through 900 partner food pantries, as well as the Christian Appalachian Project and the Capital City Activity Center.
Prescription Drug Take Back Day
The Governor provided an update on National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, a nationwide initiative encouraging Americans to take their old prescription drugs to a location near them to have them properly disposed of. Through the two take back days the commonwealth hosted in 2026 – in April and October – Kentuckians disposed of 31,674 pounds of prescription drugs. This is the most Kentucky has collected in a year since the commonwealth started the Drug Take Back Day Initiative in 2011.
“To everyone who participated, thank you for doing your part,” said Gov. Beshear. “This effort helps make sure that old prescription drugs don’t fall into the hands of a child or someone struggling with addiction. You’re helping us fight addiction and make our communities safer. Efforts like this one have helped Team Kentucky decrease the number of overdose deaths in our state for four straight years.”
Team Kentucky All-Stars
Following historic voter turnout in last week’s midterm elections, the Governor named Kentucky voters this week’s Team Kentucky All-Stars. A total of 1,447,030 Kentuckians cast ballots in the 2026 general election, an increase from the 2022 midterms.
“This is incredible progress we plan to build on, and I want to thank everyone who made it possible,” said Gov. Beshear. “The real folks we need to celebrate are Kentucky voters, and this week, I’m recognizing them as our Team Kentucky All-Stars.”
Community members are being asked to help brighten the holidays for local youth, as approximately 100 children in the area are currently in need of a Christmas sponsor.
Joy Ministries have issued an urgent call for individuals, families, businesses, or civic groups willing to step forward and sponsor a child for the upcoming holiday season.
Those interested in participating or learning more about how to sponsor a child can call 270-380-1808 to speak directly with a case manager. Organizers are also encouraging residents to share the information to help ensure every child on the list is matched with a sponsor before the holidays.
Federal officials are reminding residents ahead of next week's scheduled nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS).
On Tuesday, November 17, 2026, at approximately 2:20 p.m. ET (1:20 p.m. CT), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will conduct the test across the country.
According to FEMA, the test message will be broadcast strictly on television and radio stations. Unlike some previous alerts, this test will not be sent to mobile phones, and no action is required from the public.
Under federal law, FEMA is required to conduct a nationwide EAS test at least once every three years. Officials note that these routine tests are essential to ensure the nation's public alert infrastructure remains operational and ready to deliver critical, life-saving information during actual emergencies.
Following Tuesday's broadcast, FEMA and its partner agencies will evaluate the test data to identify any technical gaps and strengthen future alerting capabilities.
More information about the Emergency Alert System is available on FEMA’s website at fema.gov.
The Russell County Ambulance Service has announced it is currently accepting applications for the role of Director.
According to a public notice from the agency, the search is underway for a candidate to lead the local emergency medical services department.
Qualified individuals interested in applying for the leadership position can find additional details, job requirements, and application instructions online through the agency’s job listing on Indeed: View the Russell County Ambulance Service Director listing.
Russell County Sheriff Derek Polston is reminding local residents to remain vigilant and report any suspected criminal or drug-related behavior in their neighborhoods.
In a public reminder issued to the community, Sheriff Polston urged citizens to utilize the Russell County Sheriff’s Office Drug Tip Line if they observe suspicious activity. Community tips remain a vital tool for local law enforcement in identifying and addressing illegal drug operations across the county.
Residents with information regarding suspicious or drug-related activity are encouraged to call the tip line directly at 270-343-8116.
Sheriff Polston emphasized that all callers will remain anonymous.
Preparations are underway for the 2026 City Drive-Through Christmas at Joe Johnson Little League Park, with display spots now officially assigned for participating local businesses, churches, and community groups.
According to city officials, dozens of organizations have already signed on to set up displays for the holiday event, and additional spots remain available.
Anyone who needs to check their assigned location or would like to sign up for one of the remaining spots is asked to contact Columbia City Hall at 270-384-2501.
Organizations Currently Participating:
Shawn’s Quick Lube
Udell’s Fruit Market
Taylor County RECC
Walmart
Black Stallion & Happy Cow Cafe & BYO
Agape House
Joy Ministries
Jefferie’s Hardware
Adair County Tourism / Columbia-Adair County Chamber
Kentucky Utilities
Mid-State Concrete
Circor
Summit Manor
Milltown Church
Adair County PVA’s Office
Victory Church
Knight Pressure Washing
McQueary’s Backyard Finds
Luxe Lemon
Through the Fire Church
Landon Edwards
Representative Amy Neighbors
Columbia-Adair County Fire Department
Hot Prints
Columbia Baptist Church
TJ Health Columbia
Priceless
Abell Family
Hoots Family
Mayor Hoots & Jakky
The Russell Springs City Council will consider establishing a new recreation director position when members gather for their regular monthly meeting Thursday evening.
Council members will hear first reading of an ordinance that would formally create the recreation director role.
The Council is scheduled to vote on two resolutions: one to adopt the Lake Cumberland Area Development District’s multi-jurisdictional, multi-hazard mitigation plan for Russell County, and another concerning city surplus property.
The agenda also features special recognitions and financial reviews, including a retirement award presentation and a formal audit presentation. Council members will hear departmental updates from the police department, economic development, and the mayor’s office, and will review routine business such as previous meeting minutes, cash disbursements, and financial statements.
The meeting begins at 6:00 p.m. at Russell Springs City Hall and is open to the public.
Quick work by local fire crews prevented an outbuilding fire from spreading to nearby structures on Gabe Road Wednesday night.
Units from the Summersville Fire Department, with mutual aid assistance from Green County firefighters, responded to the blaze. Upon arrival, crews worked quickly to knock down the flames, successfully containing the fire to the building of origin.
Firefighters remained on the scene for approximately one hour to overhaul the area and ensure all contents inside the structure were completely extinguished.
No injuries were reported, and the cause of the fire was not immediately released.
Motorists who rely on U.S. Highway 127 to cross Wolf Creek Dam will need to plan for alternate routes next week as ongoing spillway gate rehabilitation forces a full-day closure of the roadway.
Both lanes of U.S. 127 across the dam will be closed to regular traffic on Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2026 from 8am-4pmCT.
According to project officials, digital message boards will be stationed at predetermined locations along the corridor ahead of time to alert drivers and provide additional detour details.
PWhile general through-traffic will be restricted during the eight-hour window, crews will make accommodations to ensure emergency vehicles and school traffic can pass through as required.
Additionally, if work finishes ahead of schedule and the roadway can safely reopen before 4pmCT, contractor American Bridge will turn off the message boards immediately to notify drlivers that normal traffic has resumed.
The temporary closure is part of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District’s multi-year project with American Bridge Company to systematically replace and rehabilitate the massive spillway gates at Wolf Creek Dam. Drivers traveling between Russell and Clinton counties during daytime hours on Nov. 17 are encouraged to allow extra travel time.
As of 5:10 pm on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, the boil water advisory for customers on Brockman Keltner Rd, Dick Grant Rd and Becam Rogers Rd has been lifted by the Division of Water. This means your water is safe for human consumption. You no longer have to boil your water.
Also, as of 5:10pmCT on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, the boil water advisory for Otha Bryant Rd, Powell Rd, White Oak Church Rd down to Coffey Hole Rd, Freedom Church Rd, Edwin Bryant Rd, and D. Upchurch Rd has been lifted. You no longer have to boil your water.
The Adair County Sheriff’s Office announced that Deputy Josh Brockman has officially been sworn in as a member of the United States Marshals Fugitive Task Force.
Accompanied by his wife, Amy, Deputy Brockman took his oath on Tuesday, November 10, at the William H. Natcher Federal Courthouse in Bowling Green, Ky.
Under his U.S. Marshals Special Deputation Appointment, Brockman will serve on a part-time basis assisting Federal Deputy Marshals in tracking down and apprehending violent offenders and fugitives throughout the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Brockman—who previously served as Sheriff of Adair County—brings extensive law enforcement experience to the federal task force.
The part-time appointment comes at no cost to local taxpayers, as the U.S. Marshals Service will reimburse the county for all hours Brockman spends working on federal task force operations.
Brockman will maintain his primary duties with the Adair County Sheriff’s Office, where he serves full-time as a School Resource Officer dedicated to student safety.
"We are proud to have a deputy selected to serve on the nation's oldest and most respected law enforcement agency," the Adair County Sheriff's Office said in a statement. "The Adair County Sheriff's Office will continue to build relationships with local, state, and federal agencies to bring a safer Adair County and a safer Commonwealth."
You're invited to the Ribbon Cutting on Friday, Nov. 13th at 12:00pmCT...

FRANKFORT, KY (Nov. 10, 2026) — Modern gun deer hunting season opens Saturday, Nov. 14, 2026, and runs through Sunday, Nov. 29. Deer hunters have been afield since September with the opening of archery and crossbow seasons, but these 16 days comprise Kentucky’s biggest hunting season annually.
Boasting strong deer populations across the state, Kentucky offers many hunting opportunities for new and experienced hunters to provide a sustainable source of lean protein for the table or for food banks. Hunters reported harvesting more than 145,000 deer last year, down slightly from nearly 150,000 in 2024-2025, with modern gun season accounting for the most deer harvested annually.
“The opening weekend of modern firearms deer season is one of the most anticipated times of the year for many hunters across Kentucky,” said Ben Robinson, director of the Wildlife Division for the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. “The 2026 calendar has the season opening later than normal but we still anticipate a strong harvest statewide.”
Kentucky Fish and Wildlife offers a wealth of resources to assist new and experienced hunters alike. Learn about public lands available for hunting, season dates, licenses needed and more by going online to fw.ky.gov and searching under the keywords, “Deer Hunting.” View the 2026-2027 Fall Hunting and Trapping Guide online and download or print the guide as a resource to use in the field.
Following are tips for making the most of a trip afield:
LICENSES AND PERMITS
Hunting licenses and permits may be purchased online at Kentucky Fish and Wildlife’s website (fw.ky.gov) and at authorized license agents throughout the state. Licenses are available for residents and non-residents, youth and senior/disabled. A statewide or youth deer permit is also required for all license types. For season dates, detailed license requirements and other hunting regulations, visit the Deer Hunting section of the department’s website or view and download the 2026-2027 Fall Hunting and Trapping Guide.
HARVEST LIMITS
Kentucky is divided into four deer zones, based predominantly on the deer density of the counties in each region. Each zone has different method of take restrictions and harvest limits for antlerless deer, however a hunter may take only one buck a year in the state, regardless of zone. Consult the hunting guide for more information on the zone being hunted.
HARVEST MORE DOES
Hunters are encouraged to harvest more does this season, particularly in Zone 1 and 2 counties, to help improve overall herd health. A hunter may harvest an unlimited number of antlerless deer in Zone 1 using the statewide permit and additional deer permits. A hunter may harvest up to four antlerless deer in Zone 2.
Adequate doe harvests are critical for maintaining balanced, healthy deer populations. A balanced buck-to-doe ratio means a more intense rut chasing bucks that are more likely to reach their potential. Fawns are born in a more concentrated window improving recruitment. A balanced deer population helps reduce over-browsing, agricultural issues, and keeps roadways safer.
HARVEST REPORTING
Immediately upon recovery of a harvested deer, a hunter must fill out a harvest log consisting of game species, sex, county and date on the back of the hunting license or elsewhere and kept in their possession. Before midnight, each harvest must be reported to Kentucky Fish and Wildlife, even if the hunter is license exempt. Hunters can report their harvest by calling the department’s telecheck number at 1-800-245-4263, or by using the online My Profile portal at fw.ky.gov.
CHRONIC WASTING DISEASE (CWD)
Special restrictions apply to deer harvested in the CWD Surveillance Zone. Ballard, Breckinridge, Calloway, Carlisle, Casey, Fulton, Graves, Hardin, Henderson, Hickman, Laurel, Lincoln, Marshall, McCracken, McCreary, Meade, Pulaski, Rockcastle, Russell, Union, Wayne, Webster and Whitley counties are under carcass transportation and baiting restrictions in an effort to monitor and contain CWD. Hunters in Henderson, McCreary, Pulaski and Wayne counties also must take their harvested deer to a staffed check station or use a CWD Sample Drop-Off Site the first three days of modern gun season, Nov. 14-16.
Deer hunters outside the CWD Surveillance Zone can aid Kentucky Fish and Wildlife’s monitoring efforts by donating the heads of legally harvested and telechecked deer for free testing and aging through the voluntary CWD Sample Drop-Off Sites or CWD Sample Mail-In Kits.
HUNTER EDUCATION
Valid proof of hunter education certification is required for hunters born in 1975 or later. For new hunters without hunter education certification, a free one-year exemption permit is available. This permit allows a person to hunt as long as they are accompanied in the field by an adult who is hunter education-certified or born before 1975. Learn more on the department’s Hunter Education webpage.
KENTUCKY DEER & ELK APP
Introduced to Kentucky’s deer and elk hunters last year, the Kentucky Deer & Elk App allows users to see public land property boundaries, locate local processors and taxidermists, keep a digital copy of their license and get more information about the county they are hunting. This app is available for free download from the Apple App and Google Play stores.
SHOOT FOR SAMPLES
Until Jan. 18, 2027, every hunter who submits samples for CWD testing through a CWD Sample Drop-off Site or through a CWD Sample Mail-in Kit will be entered into the Shoot for Samples Giveaway. Hunters can enter the giveaway as many times as the bag limits allow. Prizes range from gift cards to gear thanks to the following sponsors – Copperhead Guns and Range, FirstChoice Firearms, and the Kentucky Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers.
VENISON DONATION SERVICES
Kentucky Hunters for the Hungry and Boone Brothers are excellent options for hunters who want to contribute to conservation and harvest additional does, but don’t need the meat themselves. Both organizations process and distribute venison to people in need in the communities where the deer were harvested.
FIGHT POACHING
Suspected illegal activity may be anonymously reported to Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Law Enforcement by using the “KFWLaw” smartphone app available for free download from the Apple App and Google Play stores. Tips can also be submitted by texting the keyword “KFWLaw” along with a message to 847411 (tip 411) or by calling 800-25-ALERT.
More information on any of these subjects may be found by visiting the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife website (fw.ky.gov). For questions, contact the department’s Information Center at 800-858-1549, or at info.center@ky.gov, weekdays 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (ET), except holidays.
Another boil water advisory from Columbia/Adair Utilities District...

The Russell County Board of Education has called a special meeting for Friday, Nov. 13, 2026, to address key academic planning items and recognize an outstanding local teacher.
The meeting will take place at 8:00 a.m. CT in Room 114 (Door 10 entrance) at the Russell County Schools Auditorium/Natatorium Complex, located at 2167 US-127 in Russell Springs.
A highlight of the agenda will be the formal recognition of Mr. Jason Davidson, a teacher at Russell County Middle School who recently received the Lilly and Mark Kurtz Educator Award.
Board members are also scheduled to conduct a comprehensive review of the 2025–2026 end-of-year assessment results, discuss ongoing school and district improvement planning, and receive an overview of Kentucky's new accountability system.
The meeting agenda includes two designated opportunities for public comments, along with standard opening procedures including the Pledge of Allegiance, a prayer, roll call, and agenda adoption.
Date Issued: 11/10/2026
Time Issued: 3:30pm
A BOIL WATER ADVISORY is in effect for all consumers on Short Street, Adair Avenue, and Spring Drive. The advisory has been issued due to a main line break.
Following such an event, the potential exists for bacteriological contamination of the water supply therefore this Boil Water Advisory has been issued as a precautionary measure.
Until further notice, boil all water used for drinking and cooking, bringing the water to a rolling boil for three minutes before using.
This advisory will remain in effect until the situation has been corrected and test results have shown the water to be of an acceptable quality.
For more information concerning the Boil Water Advisory, contact Bradley Miller at Columbia Adair Utilities District, 270-384-2181.
The Columbia Adair Chamber of Commerce has officially announced the details for the upcoming Christmas Home Tour 2026. Scheduled for Sunday, December 6, 2026, the festive event will invite community members to tour four distinct local homes across Columbia and Adair County from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM CST. Attendees are welcome to begin the tour at any of the featured locations.
This year's featured properties and homeowners include:
Tickets are $10 per person (aged 13 & older) and can be purchased either in advance or at the door. Advance tickets are available by scanning the QR code provided on event materials, though sales tax and processing fees will apply.
Participants will have the opportunity to get their tickets punched at each home to enter a grand prize drawing, as well as register at individual locations for additional door prizes. Additionally, complimentary refreshments will be provided courtesy of Southern Nest Realty.
Local residents seeking help with home heating and cooling costs can access relief through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), administered across the region by the Lake Cumberland Community Action Agency (LCCAA).
The program features two main avenues of support: a Subsidy Component, which provides direct payments toward electric, gas, or bulk fuel bills during specific enrollment windows, and a Crisis Component, which offers emergency relief for households facing disconnect notices, critically low fuel levels, or extreme weather conditions.
Applications are handled locally through outreach offices in each county:
Adair County: (270) 384-2147
Casey County: (606) 787-9209
Clinton County: (606) 387-5880
Cumberland County: (270) 864-4386
Green County: (270) 932-7324
McCreary County: (606) 376-2608
Pulaski County: (606) 679-6203
Russell County: (270) 343-4565 or (270) 866-4565
Taylor County: (270) 465-6554
Wayne County: (606) 348-8481
For general inquiries, the LCCAA Central Administrative Office in Jamestown can be reached at (270) 343-4600 or online at lc-caa.org. Residents may also call the statewide Kentucky LIHEAP hotline at 1-800-456-3452 or the Community Action Referral Line at 1-800-244-2275.
The Kentucky State Police Foundation and Don Franklin Family have announced the successful conclusion of the Operation 369 Memorial Fund, raising $40,930 to honor the memory of Trooper Hayden Phillips and support his young family.
The fundraising initiative was launched with a specific, heartfelt mission: helping Trooper Phillips’ sons keep their father’s truck. Thanks to overwhelming community support and a generous $20,000 matching contribution from the Don Franklin Family, the fund surpassed its original financial target.
"Goal Exceeded. Mission Accomplished," the Kentucky State Police Foundation shared in a thank-you message to the public.
The funds raised will directly benefit Trooper Phillips' children and family, providing meaningful support in the wake of his service to the Commonwealth.

Russell County Public Library has been selected as one of the inaugural recipients of the Kentucky Public Library Association (KPLA) Mini-Grant Program. The library was chosen for its proposed project, "The Makery Refresh," which aims to update and improve the library's existing makerspace.
The KPLA Mini-Grant Program is a new initiative designed to reinvest association resources directly into member libraries, supporting projects that strengthen library services and benefit local communities. Russell County Public Library is one of 16 libraries across Kentucky to receive funding in this first round of grants, which totals $45,000 statewide.
"We are incredibly grateful to KPLA for selecting our proposal," said the Library Director. "The Makery Refresh project will allow us to modernize our makerspace, making it even more accessible and valuable to our community. This grant will help us better support the creativity and learning of our patrons."
The funding will be used to procure new equipment, update technology, and reorganize the makerspace to better accommodate the needs of diverse users. The goal of "The Makery Refresh" is to make the space a vibrant, cutting-edge hub for innovation, creation, and learning for people of all ages in Russell County.
For more information about Russell County Public Library and "The Makery Refresh" project, please visit the library's website or follow them on social media.

Adair County Athletics has officially ushered in a new era for its football program with the appointment of Aaron Peck as Head Coach.
Known for his hard work, dedication, and deep ties to the local community, Coach Peck takes the helm with a strong vision for the team's future. Program leaders highlighted his passion for the game and commitment to developing student-athletes both on and off the field.
With deep roots in the program, Peck steps into the role ready to build on the school's gridiron tradition and push the Tribe toward new success.
"A new era begins today," the athletic department announced. #RollTribe
Russell County Judge Executive Randy Marcum shared his thoughts on data centers locating in the county following Monday's fiscal court meeting...
Judge Marcum says there has been some interest shown in locating in the county
The Columbia Planning & Zoning Commission will meet on Thursday, November 12, 2026 at 6:00 PM at City Hall.
AGENDA
CITIZENS COMMENTS: LIMIT 3 MINUTES PER CITIZEN OR ORGANIZATION.
MOTION TO ADJOURN
Archives:
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