FRANKFORT, Ky. (May 7, 2024) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear held a news conference at the state Capitol to ask Kentuckians to prepare for severe storms across much of the state starting today and lasting into Thursday.

According to the National Weather Service, straight line winds, large hail, flash flooding and tornadoes will be possible with today’s storms, especially in the afternoon and evening. The severe storm threat will continue into Thursday, with more rounds of storms during the day, evening and overnight Wednesday.

“Our No. 1 priority is to make sure everyone stays safe,” Gov. Beshear said. “We know severe weather can come on very quickly, and with the possibility of tornadoes and flash flooding in the forecast, we need everyone to take action now by making a plan to keep you and your family safe.”

The Governor urges all Kentuckians to stay weather aware and pay close attention to weather alerts Tuesday evening into Wednesday morning, and Wednesday evening into Thursday morning. Kentuckians can receive weather warnings by having an NOAA weather radio; listening to local TV and radio updates; connecting to wireless emergency alerts and weather apps; listening for outdoor sirens; visiting weather.gov or mobile.weather.gov or receiving notifications from family, friends and co-workers.

The Governor is also closing state office buildings beginning at 2 p.m. today, to help make sure state employees are able to make it home safely before the severe weather begins. The Governor said his office would continue to provide updates over the next several days.

“Our Kentucky Emergency Operations Center has been activated and essential partners stand ready to provide support as needed,” the Governor said. “We urge Kentuckians in need of a safe place to shelter to contact their local emergency management office or official.”

Eric Gibson, director of the Kentucky Division of Emergency Management, and Kentucky Transportation Cabinet State Highway Engineer James Ballinger joined Gov. Beshear to provide additional updates.

“During this time, if you experience damage to your home or property, please document that and report that before beginning any of the cleanup efforts. This will be vital for the recovery assistance programs that are available and for improving future preparedness,” said Director Gibson. “The safety of each citizen is our top priority. We’re here to support the citizens of the commonwealth and provide the most updated information that we have.”

“State highway crews are on high alert monitoring the weather and stand ready to help respond to storm damage that may impact travel on state-maintained routes,” Mr. Ballinger said. “Safe driving practices protect you, first responders and others on the road. Remember to never drive through flooded roads or over downed power lines, and slow down during periods of high winds.”

For additional preparedness tips, visit kyem.ky.gov.

Annex will remain open in case of severe weather

The National Weather Service in Louisville, KY, has issued a Hazardous Weather Outlook for central Kentucky, including Adair and all surrounding counties, for Tuesday through Thursday.

Multiple rounds of strong to severe storms are possible this afternoon, Tuesday, May 7, 2024, into the overnight hours. Damaging straight line wind gusts, large hail, and tornadoes are possible in severe storms.

Potential significant severe weather threat will continue on Wednesday into early Thursday morning. Damaging winds, very large hail, and tornadoes will be possible during this timeframe.

Mike Keltner, Director of Adair Co. Emergency Management sends word that the Adair County Courthouse Annex will remain unlocked until the storm threat has passed on Thursday Morning.

Today and Tonight. Multiple rounds of strong to severe storms are possible this afternoon into the overnight hours. Damaging straight line wind gusts, large hail, and tornadoes are possible in severe storms. 

Wednesday through Monday. Potential significant severe weather threat Wednesday into early Thursday morning. Damaging winds, very large hail, and tornadoes will be possible during this timeframe

Stay tuned to 92.7 the WAVE for the latest weather updates!

At approximately 10:00amET on Sunday morning, May 5, 2024 a garage exploded behind a home at 210 Hidden Crest Drive off U.S. 27 in Somerset, KY. Reportedly, fireworks were being stored inside the garage.

The blast claimed the life of 43-year-old Christopher Fineberg, who worked as a supervisor at AHF Manufacturing. Three other people were hurt and treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

A car inside the building was destroyed and there was damage to other property in the area. The debris field from the explosion was about 200 yards.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF) and Kentucky State Police are investigating the incident.
 

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (May 6, 2024) – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District announces roadway impacts are expected crossing Wolf Creek Dam on Highway 127 when the Wolf Creek Dam Spillway Gates Replacement Project gets underway in mid-June.

“The contractor, American Bridge Company, will begin mobilization activities at Wolf Creek Dam June 17, 2024. Initial activities will include the installation of fencing, Connex storage containers, and office trailers in the designated laydown area in the overflow parking area near Halcomb’s Landing,” said Project Manager Greg Bishop.

Bishop said the mobilization is in preparation of installing ladders on the downstream side of the dam for access to the gates’ trunnion bases. Installation is scheduled July 8 to Sept. 20, 2024. During this time the Corps of Engineers will reduce traffic to one lane. Alternating traffic lights will be positioned on both sides of the dam for directing vehicles across the dam in both directions, he explained.

Following the ladders installation, American Bridge Company will begin activities in the fall supporting the removal of the first gate, which includes the assembly of floating barge sections for use on the lake when accessing each spillway gate.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District awarded a $109,450,000 contract in September 2022 to American Bridge Company for the Wolf Creek Dam Spillway Gates Replacement Project. The project is fully funded by the Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2022.

The scope of this contract includes fabrication of 10 new spillway tainter gates; removal of existing gates and lifting machinery equipment required to operate the gates; and installation of the new gates and lifting machinery equipment.

The public can obtain project and traffic updates on the Lake Cumberland Facebook page at www.facebook.com/lakecumberland. The contractor will post signs along Highway 127 on both sides of the dam and the Nashville District will send news releases with traffic information to the media.

“Public safety is our priority on this project, so we want to communicate what we are doing with local communities and commuters,” Bishop said. “It’s our objective to minimize impacts while ensuring construction workers are protected and drivers are able to cross the dam safely.”

Wolf Creek Dam is located on the Cumberland River in Jamestown, Kentucky. The dam forms Lake Cumberland, which is located in Wayne, Russell, Pulaski, Clinton, McCreary, Laurel, and Whitley counties in Southeastern Kentucky. The reservoir is 101 miles long in length and has 1,255 miles of shoreline.

The Nashville District completed the dam for flood control operation in 1950. Three of the six hydroelectric generating units were placed in operation in 1951 and the remaining three in 1952. Operation of the lake is for the primary purposes of flood control and the production of hydroelectric power.
 

BETHELRIDGE, KY (May 6, 2024) – The Kentucky State Police (KSP) Post 15 in Columbia has conducted an investigation into an animal cruelty complaint reported in Casey County on Sunday May 5. As a result of the investigation, fourteen people have been charged for their involvement in the incident that occurred yesterday afternoon in the Bethelridge community of Casey County. 

On May 5, 2024, at approximately 12:00 P.M. EST, KSP Post 15 received a call from an individual stating there was an organized chicken-fighting event occurring at a residence located on KY 837.  Troopers responded to the residence and upon arrival made contact with several individuals that were on the property.  Troopers located a caged area with seating around it for spectators, several injured chickens, and a concessions area on the property.  Leo Harris, age 59, and Christopher Harris, age 39, both from Bethelridge, were arrested and charged with Cruelty to Animals 2^nd Degree. Both were lodged in the Casey County Detention Center. 

Twelve additional individuals were charged and cited to court for Cruelty to Animals 2^nd Degree, including:

• Steven Wesley, age 35 of Science Hill
• Tiffany Robinson, age 35 of Liberty
• Brandon Mounce, age 39 of Lancaster
• Randall Emerson, age 49 of Bethelridge
• Kaleb Chansler, age 33 of Middleburg
• Ronald Sharp, age 47 of Russell Springs
• Dormas Bullock, age 72 of Eubank
• Jeffrey Owens, age 53 of Stanford
• David Bradshaw, age 65 of Bethelridge
• Patrick Harris, age 30 of Liberty
• Dakota Ford, age 29 of Salvisa and
• Janafer Denson, age 39 of Crab Orchard

The case remains ongoing and is being investigated by Trooper Maverick Gadberry.  Trooper Gadberry was assisted at the scene by Trooper Matthew Lee and Sergeant Levi Scott.

William Galbreth, 37, of Jamestown was taken into custody by Deputy Barber with the Russell County Sheriff’s Office on Sunday night. He was charged with Public Intoxication-Controlled Substance (Excludes Alcohol) and Disorderly Conduct, 1st Degree. He was lodged in the Russell County Detention Center.

Russell Springs, KY – This past weekend, members of the Russell Springs Volunteer Fire Department attended a profoundly solemn event at the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial in Emmitsburg, Maryland. The ceremony was especially moving as one of our most revered & loved leaders, Chief H.M. Bottom, was honored.

Chief Bottom's name has been permanently inscribed among the heroes who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. His legacy of courage, dedication, and leadership continues to inspire those who knew him and those who will come to know him through his lasting contributions to the firefighting community.

"Chief Bottom was not just our leader; he was our mentor and friend. His words of wisdom and steadfast commitment to both the safety of our community and the well-being of his firefighters are permanently etched in our hearts," said a spokesperson for the department.

The ceremony in Emmitsburg served as a touching tribute to Chief Bottom and his family, reminding everyone of the bravery and sacrifices of firefighters nationwide.
 

The Russell Springs Volunteer Fire Department extends its deepest gratitude to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation for recognizing Chief Bottom's impactful service and to everyone who continues to support the legacy of those we have lost.

Kentucky State Police (KSP) Post 15 in Columbia is investigating a deadly shooting that occurred Friday evening in Russell County that left two people dead and a third in critical condition. The Pulaski County Sheriffs Office is investigating another shooting that took place near the Pulaski/Russell County line on Friday, prior to the Russell County shootings, that left a former Russell County game warden dead.

On Friday, May 3, 2024, 56-year-old Angela Gosser shot and killed her husband, 73-year-old Larry Gosser, at approx. 6pmCT just inside Pulaski County, then traveled to Russell County where she shot and killed her sister, and then shot her brother, 58-year-old Darryl Wilson of Russell County, who is in critical condition at the UK Hospital in Lexington.

At approximately 7pmCT on Friday evening, KSP Post 15 in Columbia received a call from Pulaski County 911 requesting assistance locating a Ford F150 believed to be operated by Angela Gosser. Troopers responded to Russell County to attempt to locate the vehicle. At approximately 7:24pmCT, Russell County 911 contacted KSP Post 15 and requested investigative assistance with a deadly shooting incident that had occurred at a residence on South KY 619 in Russell County.

The preliminary investigation revealed that Angela Gosser had arrived at a residence on South KY 619 belonging to her brother, Darryl Wilson of Jamestown. Once at the residence, Ms. Gosser armed herself with a firearm and forced entry into the residence. Upon entering the home, there was an apparent exchange of gunfire between Ms. Gosser and Mr. Wilson with both individuals receiving gunshot wounds. Mr. Wilson was transported to the University of Kentucky Hospital for treatment of life-threatening injuries. Ms. Gosser's injuries were fatal and she was pronounced deceased by the Russell County Coroner.

While at the scene on South KY 619, KSP received a request for a welfare check on Angela Gosser’s sister, Jennifer Wilson, age 57 of Russell Springs. Family members of Ms. Wilson reported they had been unable to make contact with her, causing them to become concerned for her safety. KSP Troopers and Russell County Sheriff's Deputies responded to Hammond Road in Russell County. Troopers and Deputies located a Toyota Camry partially off the roadway when they arrived on Hammond Road. Upon contact with the vehicle, a lone occupant, Jennifer Wilson, was located in the driver’s seat with apparent fatal gunshot wounds to the head. The preliminary investigation revealed that before the incident at her brother’s residence on South KY 619, Ms. Gosser encountered Ms. Wilson on Hammond Road. Ms. Gosser armed herself with a firearm and fired multiple rounds into the passenger area of the vehicle, fatally striking Ms. Wilson. Ms. Wilson was pronounced deceased by the Russell County Coroner. 
 

KSP was assisted at the scene by the Russell County Sheriff’s Office, Jamestown Police Department, Russell County EMS, and the Russell County Coroner’s Office. The investigation is ongoing by Detective James Ford.

Activity Report April 2024

Calls for service 780
Citations 114
Motorist assists 22
Escorts 18
Accidents investigated 27
Injury accidents 6
Incident reports 18
Criminal cases opened 14

KSP have confirmed two people are dead following a shooting incident.

Pulaski County Officials are investigating a shooting on Brown Ridge Road. Reports are that there is one victim at that location 

Kentucky State Police are on scene and investigating a shooting that according to reports may be related in Russell County, on Lawless Cemetery Road.

This is a developing story, Wave News will have more details as they're made avaliable by KSP.

On Wednesday, May 1, 2024 at 11:00amCT, Adair County Deputy Sheriff Gary Roy was dispatched to Oak Grove Road, approximately 6 miles east of Columbia. The accident occurred when 84-year-old Morgan Reece of Columbia lost control of his 1991 Chevy truck, ran off the right side of the roadway and struck a tree.

Mr. Reece was treated on scene by Adair EMS and transported by Air Evac helicopter to the University of Kentucky Hospital in Lexington, KY.

Deputy Roy is continuing the investigation.

In honor of National Small Business Week, April 28 through May 4, 2024, a proclamation was signed by Columbia Mayor Pam Hoots and Adair County Judge Executive Larry Russell Bryant, declaring Small Business Week in Adair County.

Judge Bryant and Mayor Hoots met with a number of small business owners, with an emphasis on women-owned busineses, at the Courthouse Annex Basement on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, for the signing cermemony.

Those in attentance included Dr. Lynda Wilkerson from The Support Agency, Netty Grider from Blessed Billing, Credentialing, and Consulting, Tia White from TECE Title Services, Cecelia Bunch and Ashley Hardwick from Serenity Counseling Services, Tiffany Priddy from Breath of Grace Wellness, Tammy Stotts from Southern Nest Realty, Crystal Stapleton and Shelby Smith from The Coffee Hut, and Susan Loy from Barger Insurance Agency.

The Russell County Board of Education met yesterday afternoon in Special Session. 

Superintendent Michael Ford tells WAVE NEWS what took place... 

Jamestown Mayor Regena Hinton tells us more about the grant, and Movie Night in Jamestown... 

The following 2024 election reminders are from Lisa Greer, Adair County Clerk...

Kentucky is a closed primary state. The voter must vote the party they are registered at the May Primary Election. 

CHECK VOTER INFORMATION AND/OR LOCATION
Not sure of your party, address on your voter information, or where to vote?  Visit govote.ky.gov (review voter registration) OR call the clerk’s office at 270-384-2801.

ABSENTEE MAIL-IN BALLOT

• An absentee mail-in ballot can be requested through Wednesday, May 7, 2024 at the close of business. These can be requested at: Govote.ky.gov (request absentee ballot) OR by calling the Adair County Clerk’s Office: 270-384-2801.
• You must have one of the designated reasons to request an absentee Mail-In Ballot. You must request every election if you qualify and want a ballot mailed. Be prepared to provide required information.
• Ballots can be returned by mail OR the ballot drop-off box located in the Adair County Clerk’s Office during normal business hours.
• All ballots, regardless of mail or drop-off, must be returned by Election Day, Tuesday, May 21st, 2024 by 6:00pmCT. 

(EXCUSED) IN-PERSON ABSENTEE
Qualified voters may vote in person during this time frame.  
Dates:  May 8th, 9th, 10th (Wednesday- Friday) and May 13th, 14th, and 15th (Monday- Wednesday). No voting on Saturday, May 11th.
Time:  8:00am-4:00pmCT
Location:  Adair County Clerks Office, 424 Public Square, Suite 3  
Must bring proof of ID!

IN PERSON - NO EXCUSE EARLY VOTING
Voters may vote during this time regardless of their precinct location.
Dates:  Thursday, May 16, Friday, May 17, and Saturday, May 18, 2024 
Time:  8:00am-4:00pmCT
Location:  Adair County Annex Basement, 424 Public Square, Columbia, KY - When you come in the front doors, go straight ahead and take the elevator or steps to the basement
Reminder:  Bring proof of ID!

There is no voting on Monday, May 20th.

ELECTION DAY

Date:  Tuesday, May 21, 2024   
Time:  6:00am-6:00pmCT
If you have not voted by this day, you have to vote at your precinct of record.

FILING DEADLINE FOR NON-PARTISAN CANDIDATES WHO'LL BE ON GENERAL BALLOT
The last date to file is Tuesday, June 4, 2024 by 4:00pmCT 

RACES:

• Columbia City Council
• Adair County School Board: SD2, SD4 and SD5 - (Remember, this requires additional paperwork)
• Soil Conservation

Packets can be picked up at the Adair County Clerk’s Office during normal business hours OR online at https://www.govote.ky.gov (candidate filings). Regardless if you pick up in the clerk's office or print from online, papers must be filed with the Adair County Clerk's Office by the close of business on June 4th, 2024.

QUESTIONS
Call the Adair County Clerk’s Office at 270-384-2801 OR email Lisa Greer at: lisa.greer@ky.gov OR Nadalie Inscho at: nadalie.inscho@ky.gov.

The Russell Springs Police Dept. is looking for information on a pickup truck (pic below) that was involved in a hit & run accident on Wednesday, May 1, 2024. If anyone knows driver or tag information, please contact the RSPD on Main Street in Russell Springs or by calling 270-866-3636.

FRANKFORT, Ky. (May 2, 2024) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear provided updates on economic development; Small Business Week; the groundbreaking for a new recycling center in Paris; and Mental Health Awareness Month. He also named everyone involved in making the 150th Kentucky Derby possible as this week’s Team Kentucky All-Stars.

Economic Development
Gov. Beshear recapped his recent travel to Germany and Switzerland to meet with leaders at existing Kentucky companies and businesses considering future investment in the United States. During his trip, the Governor talked with leaders from more than 100 companies that employ more than 15,000 Kentuckians across 80 facilities in the commonwealth. Gov. Beshear also visited more than 25 companies that employ tens of thousands of Kentuckians. Germany is one of the largest European investors in Kentucky, with over 90 companies operating in the state. He met with leaders from Mubea, Freudenberg Filtration Technologies, Henkel, Eberspächer Group and BFW Envirotec. Of the companies visited, 10 have their North American headquarters in Kentucky.

“Not only is it important to say thank you to these companies for employing Kentuckians, but I also want to thank the German and Swiss governments and people for being wonderful hosts during this trip,” said Gov. Beshear. “The commonwealth’s ties are strong, and I look forward to even more exciting economic and jobs investments in the years ahead.”

The Governor congratulated a vital Kentucky automotive manufacturer, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky (TMMK), on the company receiving a 2024 Corporate Investment & Community Impact (CiCi) Award from Trade & Industry Development magazine.

Gov. Beshear announced continued momentum within the state’s manufacturing sector as leaders at EPC-Columbia Inc., an industry-leading plastic injection molding company, will be expanding the company’s manufacturing operation in Lebanon with a $3.6 million investment creating 21 full-time, Kentucky jobs.

The Governor congratulated Epic Flight Academy on cutting the ribbon for its new FAA Part 147 aircraft mechanic school at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG).

Gov. Beshear highlighted new growth in Kentucky’s booming manufacturing sector as KOI Superior Walls announced plans to locate a new manufacturing facility in Boone County, a project that is creating 73 new full-time jobs.

The Governor announced further site and building development across the state as three Kentucky Product Development Initiative projects were approved for nearly $2.6 million in state funding.

Since the beginning the Beshear administration, more than 1,000 private-sector new-location projects have been announced, totaling over $30.6 billion and creating more than 52,700 jobs for Kentuckians.

Small Business Week
For National Small Business Week, Gov. Beshear emphasized the importance of small businesses in the commonwealth. Kentucky is home to more than 363,000 small businesses which employ over 700,000 Kentuckians.

“This week, we are recognizing all of the small businesses across our state, which are truly the backbone of our economy,” said Gov. Beshear. “We simply could not have achieved the incredible record of economic success we’ve had over the past few years without the support of these companies.”

The Governor highlighted several programs that support these businesses, including the Kentucky Small Business Tax Credit, the State Trade Expansion Program and the Kentucky Small Business Credit Initiative. To learn more about how Team Kentucky can help your small business, visit kyinnovation.com.

Paris Recycling Center Groundbreaking
The Governor joined community members in Paris Monday to break ground on a new recycling convenience center. The new recycling center will replace the current waste transfer station located in the West Side neighborhood. The new center will be away from residential areas. The project received $2 million in funding from Kentucky’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. Gov. Beshear and the General Assembly approved an additional $1.5 million for the project.

Mental Health Awareness Month
For Mental Health Awareness Month, the Governor highlighted the steps Team Kentucky is making to ensure Kentuckians can get the help they need and deserve. Since its launch in July 2022, the 988 lifeline, connecting those facing a risk of suicide, mental health distress or an addiction crisis to counselors who can help, has received more than 67,500 calls, 18,500 text messages and 13,000 online chats from Kentuckians. Calls are currently being answered within an average of 24 seconds, which is 8 seconds faster than the national average.

“In Kentucky, we recognize that it’s okay to not be okay,” said Gov. Beshear. “Thankfully, now we have more tools to help people when they need it. It is our job, based on our faith and values, to do everything we can to help our fellow human beings, and that’s exactly what the people who are answering the 988 hotline, and so many more, are doing.”

Team Kentucky All-Stars
Gov. Beshear recapped events that have been held leading up to the 150th running of the Kentucky Derby. Yesterday, the Governor joined leaders of Churchill Downs and the Ed Brown Society to sign a proclamation naming April 29–May 3 Ansel Williamson Week in the commonwealth and recognized the contributions of Black horsemen to Thoroughbred racing ahead of the Kentucky Derby.

Gov. Beshear also named everyone involved in making the Derby possible as this week’s Team Kentucky All-Stars.

“As record crowds come to Churchill on this historic event, I want to thank everyone across Kentucky for helping to make Derby so special,” said Gov. Beshear. “To everyone who is in any part of the hospitality that is the Kentucky Derby, from anybody taking bets at Churchill Downs to anybody trying to keep it clean to those working our hotels that are welcoming so many people to the servers in our restaurant workers: Thank you. Thank you for making this one of the most sought-after destinations and events in the world and helping us do it year after year.”

Adair County Fire Department was dispatched to a structure fire at 1:07amCT on Thursday morning, May 2, 2024 to 390 Dwight Curry Road, Columbia, KY.

Upon arrival, firefighters found a shed type structure fully engulfed in flames. Firefighters quickly extinguished the blaze; however, the structure was deemed a total loss. The fire was started from a controlled burn that the homeowner had started earlier in the evening.

There were 14 firefighters on the scene for approximately an hour and a half. No injuries occurred as a result of the fire. 

Assisting Agencies: Adair County E911 Center & the Adair County Ambulance Service

Bridget Compton, Adair Co. Deputy Judge Executive, and Pam Hoots, Mayor of Columbia, signed an official proclamation on Monday, April 29, 2024 at the Adair County Regional Jail, officially declaring May 5, 2024 through May 11, 2024 as National Correctional Officer's Week in Columbia and Adair County, Kentucky.

Bridget Compton says, "We value and appreciate the correctional officers who serve Adair County. Please remember Correctional Officer Eric Antle, who recently passed, for serving Adair County for over 17 years!"
 

Proclamation:

Whereas:  In 1984, President Ronald Reagan signed Proclamation 5187 creating "National Correctional Officers" Week to be held the first full week in May.

Whereas:  Correctional Officers have the difficult and often dangerous assignment of ensuring the custody, safety and well-being over inmates in our Nation's prisons and jails. Their position is essential to the day-to-day operations of these institutions; without them it would be impossible to achieve the foremost institutional goals of security and control.

Whereas:  Historically, Correctional Officers have been viewed as "guards," occupying isolated and misunderstood positions in prisons and jails. In recent years, the duties of these officers have become increasingly complex and demanding. They are called upon to fill, simultaneously, custodial, supervisory and counseling roles. The professionalism, dedication and courage exhibited by these officers throughout the performance of these demanding and often conflicting roles deserve our utmost respect. The important work of Correctional Officers often does not receive the recognition from the public it deserves. It is appropriate that we honor the many contributions and accomplishments of these men and women who are a vital component of the field of corrections.

Therefore: I, Bridget Compton, Deputy Judge Executive of Adair County, along with Pamela Hoots, Mayor of the City of Columbia, in recognition of this event do hereby proclaim the week of May 5, 2024 through May 11, 2024 National Correctional Officer's Week.

Signed:  Bridget Compton, Adair Co. Deputy Judge Executive
Signed:  Pam Hoots, Mayor of Columbia

Commissioner of Agriculture Jonathan Shell has named five individuals to serve on the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure (RFSI) Program Review Panel, including Russell County Judge Executive Randy Marcum.

"This panel will be responsible for finding the best suited applicants for expanding and strengthening our food systems to improve our overall agricultural output," Commissioner Shell said. "This exciting grant opportunity for our producers throughout Kentucky will allow us as a state to find better and more reliant ways to protect our food systems. I'm excited for this panel to get to work and for our producers to benefit from this opportunity."

The Kentucky Department of Agriculture was awarded $8.6 million to strengthen local and regional food systems through the RFSI Program. The money was part of an overall $420 million awarded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The Program is aiming to build resilience in the middle of the food supply chain, to provide more and better markets to small farms and food businesses, to support the development of value-added products for consumers, and to provide fair prices, fair wages, and new and safe job opportunities.

The Kentucky Department of Agriculture has received 138 applicants requesting more than $32 million for infrastructure projects and more than $7 million for equipment-only projects. The RFSI Program Review Panel will help determine the projects best suited for the interests of promoting agricultural efficiency and diversification between Kentucky farms and marketing channels.

The program review panel members are:

Tyler Ferguson, Farmer and a State Director with the Kentucky Farm Bureau ; Mike Jackson, Founder of Kentucky Greens Co. and Market Manager for Farm + House Louisville; Randy Marcum, Russell County Judge Executive; Dr. Tim Woods, Extension Professor, University of Kentucky; and Ashton Potter Wright, Executive Director of the Food Connection at the University of Kentucky.

The review panel will begin scoring the applications soon. Recipients will be notified of awarded projects. To find more information about the RFSI program, visit: https://www.kyagr.com/marketing/rfsi.html.