The Columbia City Council will meet on Monday, Nov. 1, 2021 at 6:00pmCT at City Hall.

CALL TO ORDER: REGULAR CALLED MEETING OF THE COLUMBIA CITY COUNCIL, MONDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2021 AT 6:00 P.M. IN CITY HALL.
 

ROLL CALL

OPENING PRAYER

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE AMERICAN FLAG
 

1^ST ITEM:   MOTION TO APPROVE MINUTES OF OCTOBER 04, 2021 REGULAR CALLED MEETING

2^ND  ITEM:   1^st READING OF ORDINANCE NO. 920.117:  A ZONE CHANGE FROM R1 (LOW DENSITY RESIDENTIAL) TO C2 (HIGHWAY ORIENTED COMMERCIAL) FOR A LOT LOCATED AT 610 FAIRGROUND STREET  (PVA MAP NO. 000-04-06-004.00). THE PURPOSE IS TO  BUILD STORAGE UNITS. PROPERTY OWNED BY CHRIS, REBECCA AND COLE SCHMIDT.  

3^RD ITEM:  DECISION ON APPLICATION FOR TRANSFER STATION

MAYOR’S ANNOUNCEMENTS:

COUNCIL COMMENTS:

CITIZENS COMMENTS:

MOTION TO  ADJOURN REGULAR CALLED MEETING:

• Mandel Denton, 21, of Breeding - arrested by RSPD on Sunday morning for Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Methamphetamine, Trafficking in a Controlled Substance, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Possession of a Controlled Substance 3rd degree (Drug Unspecified).
• Tony Huff, 39, of Russell Springs - arrested on Friday by RCSO for Assault 4th Degree (Domestic Violence) and Failure to Appear.

• Amy Curry, 37, of Columbia - arrested by ACSO on Friday for Possession of Methamphetamine and Possession of a Controlled Substance 2nd degree (Drug Unspecified).
• Brittany Marie Brown, 29, of Columbia - arrested by CPD on Friday for Assault 4th degree (Domestic Violence), Possession of Methamphetamine, Criminal Trespassing, 2 counts of Wanton Endangerment 1st Degree, Non-Payment of Fines, Failure to Appear, and Contempt of Court.

• Adair County Marching Band - 3rd place
• Russell County Band  - 4th place 
• Taylor County Band - 6th place

COLUMBIA, Ky. -- Lindsey Wilson College men's soccer head coach Ray Wells announced today that he will retire following the 2021-22 academic year.

Wells is the only head coach in Lindsey Wilson men's soccer history, creating the program from scratch in 1990.

"Every year since 1978, I've been a part of a college season either as a player, an assistant coach, or a head coach," Wells said. "It has been part of life for much of my life so I'm going to stay involved in some capacity. My passion for the game will always be with me."

"There have been highs and lows (during his coaching career)," Wells added. "But being able to translate your passion into your career, for me, I don't see how I can be any luckier.

Following last night's 5-1 win over Campbellsville (Ky.), Wells owns a 621-148-45 career record. While at Lindsey Wilson, Wells has amassed a 548-112-35 record.

Wells is an eight-time NAIA National Coach of the Year and four-time NSCAA-NAIA National Coach of the Year. He has led Lindsey Wilson to nine national titles -- going a perfect 9-0 in national championship games.

Overall, Wells has led Lindsey Wilson to 26 NAIA National Championship Tournament postseason appearances.

"It's amazing to think about Ray Wells and all he has accomplished here at Lindsey Wilson College with our men's soccer program," Lindsey Wilson President Bill Luckey said. "Ray brought incredible athletes from all over the world to Columbia, Kentucky, all while producing multiple national championships during his lifetime of service here.

"We went from being a campus and a community with virtually no knowledge of soccer to a group of fans who now understand red cards, offsides, and direct kicks," Luckey added. "I'm so happy for Ray and his wife, Cindy, and the opportunities they will now have together.

There are few people in the history of Lindsey Wilson College who have done as much to provide an overall impact on the college. He will certainly be missed."

In addition to winning the nine national titles -- 1995, 1996, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2005, 2009, and 2011 -- Wells has guided the men's soccer program to 23 conference titles, including the 2021 crown, and 23 conference tournament championships.

During his career, Wells' teams have produced winning streaks of 33 (the second-longest in NAIA soccer history), 28, 23, 22, 20, and 13 games, and hold the fourth-longest unbeaten string in NAIA soccer history (31 games), which includes a 25-0-0 record during the 1998 championship season.

Wells' 2011 national champs match his 1998 team as the only two teams in program history to finish the season with a perfect record. The Blue Raiders finished 2011 at 23-0-0.

The Blue Raiders own an NAIA National Tournament record of 57-17-6. The 57 tournament wins are the most in NAIA men's soccer history.

"Ray is a legendary coach and his accomplishments in the sport of soccer are staggering," Lindsey Wilson athletics director and former men's soccer student-athlete Willis Pooler said. "I was blessed to play for him, work as an assistant coach under him, learn from him as a head coach and supervise him. Although the national championships and countless wins are a big part of his career, his legacy is in the thousands of students he coached.

"He changed the path of so many lives -- those that jumped at the opportunity to play for the best coach and soccer program in the NAIA," Pooler added. "Early in his career at Lindsey Wilson, he showed our institution and athletics department the work and commitment required to elevate a program to the highest standard of any program in any sport in the NAIA. His influence was monumental in helping us strive to have nationally competitive programs across the board in our department. It will be a tall task to fill his shoes. I can't thank him enough for all that he has done for our soccer program, department, institution, coaches, and especially our student-athletes.  We wish him nothing but the best with his well-deserved retirement."

Wells has been named conference coach of the year 13 times over two conferences and is a six-time regional coach of the year. He recruited and coached two NAIA National Players of the Year, 76 NAIA All-Americans, and 195 all-conference performers during his time on the sideline.

"I'm going to miss working with the guys every day and putting together a team and trying to figure things out with them," Wells said. "That's a lot of fun and that's a challenge. Working on things like the strategy, the planning, the development of the players and the team, and implementation of the daily work to make that group, which consists of different races, religions, cultures, and shoe sizes, to get everyone to work towards a common goal.

"I'm also going to really miss finding the players," Wells added. "I love recruiting and that is a key in every sport. To get good kids who are good footballers. Those are the two things I will miss the most."

During his first nine years at Lindsey Wilson, Wells served as the Lindsey Wilson athletic director, where he oversaw the development of 13 new sports programs.

Before coming to Lindsey Wilson, Wells had coaching stints at Georgia Southern University and Andrew College.

"I recently heard another coach say that had been coaching forever that one of the reasons he was leaving was because he no longer felt he was the best man for the job," Wells said. "And although I still feel like I have a lot of things I could contribute, I no longer feel like I am the best man for the job and I think it is time that someone takes it and grow it in their and the school's vision and build on what we have already done.

"One measure of a program's success while you are there is are they in a better place than when you got it," Wells concluded. "And I think it is safe to say we are. So whoever comes next, I hope they take the base we have built and continue to grow it.
 

1. Amy M. Curry, 37, of Columbia, KY - Possession of Methamphetamine and Possession of a Controlled Substance 2nd degree (Buprenorphine).
2. Jerry Dale Sneed, 72, of Columbia, KY - Possession of Methamphetamine, Wanton Endangerment 1st degree, Criminal Mischief, Possession of Drug Pharaphernalia, Resisting Arrest, DUI, Possession of Marijuana, Disoderly Conduct 2nd degree, and Possession of an Open Alcoholic Beverage Container in Motor Vehicle.
3. Robert L. Mays, 41, of Columbia, KY - Theft of Mail Matter and Theft by Unlawful Taking (under $500).
4. Carlynn Evon McIntosh, 25, of Glasgow, KY - Burglary 2nd degree, Criminal Mischief 1st degree, and Assault 4th degree.
5. Danny Lynn Tungate, 56, of Campbellsville, KY - Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, Persistent Felony Offender, and Violation of a Kentucky EPO/DVO.
6. William Colby Loy, 27, of Columbia, KY - Possession of Methamphetamine 2nd offense, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Reckless Driving.
7. Jason D. Green, 39, of Columbia, KY - Wanton Endangerment 1st degree, Public Intoxication, and Persistent Felony Offender.
8. Sammy James Hatfield, 39, of Columbia, KY - Tampering with Physical Evidence, Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument (4 counts), and Persistent Felony Offender.
9. Jevonda D. Cundiff, 51, of Louisville, KY - Possession of Methamphetamine (3rd or more offense) and Promoting Contraband.
10. Mark Brady, 56, of Columbia, KY - Intimidating a Participant in the Legal Process, Persistent Felony Offender, and Violation of a Kentucky E.P.O./D.V.O.
11. Tasha C. Smith, 48, of  Campbellsville, KY - Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument 2nd degree (4 counts), Persistent Felony Offender (8 counts), and Theft of Identity (4 counts).
12. Robert D. Crouch, 49, of Columbia, KY - Public Intoxication, Resisting Arrest, Criminal Trespassing, and Criminal Mischief 1st degree
13. Autumn Powell, 33, of Columbia, KY - Receiving Stolen Property (over $1,000).

Congratulations to the award winners and to the Chamber on another successful banquet and the entertainment by Magician Lance Burton and Illusionist Keith West was awesome!

• 2019 past president-Lindsey W. Gosser
• 2020 past president-Nick Shearer
• Hall of Fame-Dr Rick Miles
• Outstanding business-Reel Java & Creamery 
• Barbara Burdette beautification-Jamestown Methodist Church 

EARLY VOTING IS NOW UNDERWAY for the 51st District House of Representatives seat left vacant by the passing of Bam Carney.

Early voting at the Adair County Annex Building today and tomorrow 8:00-6:00, Saturday 8:00-12:00.

Election Day voting (Tuesday) 6:00-6:00

Adair Co Annex

Jim Blair Center

Breeding Fire Dept

Knifley Fire Dept

Trinity Church

Dustin Hayes, 34, of Burkesville, KY was arrested by Officer Tweedy with the Burkesville Police Department on Wednesday evening. Hayes was charged with One Headlight, Drug Paraphernalia – Buy/Possession, Receiving Stolen Property $10,000 or more and Possession of a Controlled Substance 1^st Degree (Meth)… He was lodged in the Adair County Regional Jail.

Russell County School Superintendent Michael Ford tells WAVE listeners what took place at yesterdays special called meeting... 

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Oct. 26, 2021) – Gov. Andy Beshear and Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman announced today that Kentucky has been awarded a $1 million federal grant to help expand high-speed internet across the commonwealth.

“During the pandemic, we have seen the importance of reliable high-speed internet access for education, businesses, workforce and health care,” said Gov. Beshear. “Access to the internet is no longer a luxury. To build a better Kentucky, every home and business in our state should have access to affordable, adequate and reliable internet to participate fully in our economy, schools and society.”

“We are thrilled that we have been awarded this grant to plan the expansion of high-speed internet across the commonwealth. This grant will help us strengthen the digital infrastructure in Kentucky’s urban and rural communities,” said Lt. Gov. Coleman. “We have been focused on expanding high-speed internet access to every part of our state and this grant will help us reach that important goal.”

Under the American Rescue Plan, the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) was allocated $3 billion in supplemental funding to assist communities nationwide in their efforts to build back better by accelerating the economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic and building local economies that will be resilient to future economic shocks.

All 59 states and territories have been invited to apply for a $1 million grant through EDA’s Statewide Planning program – one of six programs EDA developed to equitably distribute its $3 billion in American Rescue Plan funding.

“The Biden Administration is giving states and territories the unprecedented opportunity to bring all their communities together to develop comprehensive plans to build back better and stronger,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo. “The $1 million Statewide Planning grants will be used to lay the groundwork for President Biden’s Build Back Better agenda to build resilient economies and increase U.S. competitiveness.”

Today’s announcement is the latest step the Beshear-Coleman administration has taken to expand high-speed internet across Kentucky.

In August 2020, the administration dedicated $8 million in CARES Act funding to expand internet connectivity for elementary and secondary students and their families.

Through a bipartisan agreement signed into law by Gov. Beshear in 2021, Kentucky’s Broadband Deployment Fund will assist private sector entities and governmental agencies in the cost of constructing the “last mile” of high-speed internet access to unserved and underserved households and businesses across Kentucky.

The fund includes $300 million earmarked to address the connectivity needs of these communities, including $250 million for the construction of high-speed internet infrastructure to connect unserved and underserved areas – no more than $50 million of which may be awarded before April 1, 2022 – and $50 million for economic development opportunities.

Combined with at least 50% required matching federal investments, a minimum of $600 million will support high-speed internet expansion in Kentucky, creating more than 10,000 direct and indirect jobs.

Coupled with the broadband speed test, access mapping and the KentuckyWired project, the commonwealth has the potential to move to the forefront of broadband expansion nationwide.

T.J. Health Columbia still has appointments available for the Moderna COVID-19 Booster Vaccine Clinic this Friday, October 29th from 7:30AM to 12PM. The vaccines will be given at the V.F.W. Club located at 500 Greenhills in Columbia. You can register by calling the T.J. COVID Hotline at 270-659-1010 between the hours of 8AM and 11AM or registering anytime online at TJRegionalHealth.org/vaccine.
 

Jim Liebe was at last nights meeting for WAVE NEWS and files this report after chatting with County Judge Gayle Cowan...

On Saturday, October 23, 2021 at 3:48pmCT, the Adair County Sheriffs Office responded to a farm located approximately 3 miles west of Columbia on KY 80. The initial complaint came in as a UTV rollover after a local pilot, Chris Janes, spotted the accident as he was flying into the Columbia-Adair County Airport. The farm adjoins airport property. 

Of today’s 109 reported cases, 86 (79%) were unvaccinated and 26 of today’s cases (24%) were in individuals 18 years of age or younger. Please take the necessary precautions to protect yourself and your loved ones. Consider getting the vaccine if you are eligible and haven’t, and wear a mask when in indoor settings where there are large crowds.

Statewide Testing Positivity Rate: 5.84%.

Deaths: We are sad to report 1 new death since our last report. We have experienced a total of 662 deaths resulting in a 1.65% mortality rate (about 1 in 61) among known cases. This compares with a 1.31% mortality rate at the state level and a 1.62% mortality rate at the national level. Our hearts and prayers go out to all the families and friends who have lost loved ones.

Hospitalizations: We presently have 57 cases in the hospital. This is 20 less than what we reported in our last report. We have had a total of 1,714 hospitalizations resulting in a 4.27% hospitalization rate (about 1 in 23) among known cases. The state hospitalization rate is 4.23%. The latest data shows that 82% of Lake Cumberland’s ICU beds are filled, and 24.32% of ventilator capacity is being utilized.

Total (Cumulative) Cases: The Lake Cumberland District has experienced a total of 40,185 cases since the onset of the outbreak. This means that 19.24% of our total population has been a confirmed case. However, we do not know how many additional people may have had COVID-19 and were either asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic and never tested. Of our total cases, 1.37% are reinfections, and 5.38% contracted the virus after being fully vaccinated (breakthrough cases). In the last week, 2.54% of our new cases were breakthrough cases.

Released (Not contagious) Cases: We released 192 cases since our last report from isolation. Released cases include: Adair: 13; Casey: 6; Clinton: 13; Cumberland: 16; Green: 10; McCreary: 24; Pulaski: 57; Russell: 6; Taylor: 27; and, Wayne: 20. In all, we have released 97.6% of our total cases.

Active (Current) Cases: Taking into account deaths and releases, our active cases decreased by 84 more than the new cases we added since our last report. This leaves us with 295 active cases in our district across all 10 of our district’s 10 counties. On 09/03/2021 we were at our peak number of active cases, 1,721.

Where Did Cases Visit Prior to Isolation: The most common places cases visited prior to isolation are (in descending order): Schools, Businesses, Family, and Medical Facilities. Of our active cases, 0% can not be tied back to another known case (community-spread cases).

New Cases: We report that our total case count has increased by 109 since our last report. Our new cases (including suspect cases) are as follows: Adair: 4; Casey: 4; Clinton: 8; Cumberland: 4; Green: 2; McCreary: 10; Pulaski: 39; Russell: 5; Taylor: 14; and, Wayne: 19. Our current new case growth rate is: 1.00168. This means our total case count is projected to double every 414.06 days. The most new cases we ever added in a single day was on 09/07/2021 when we added 730 cases.

The death we report tonight was a Pulaski County resident (unvaccinated).

Again, we encourage our citizens to take the COVID-19 vaccine, which is safe and very effective. Of our 26,116 new cases since the vaccine started becoming available, almost 94.62% were unvaccinated.

Below are our area’s COVID-19 vaccination uptake rates compared to the state average (last updated 10/20/2021).

State – 62.00%
Taylor – 54.15%
Pulaski – 51.01%
Russell – 47.55%
Green – 42.77%
McCreary – 42.49%
Wayne – 42.43%
Cumberland – 41.93%
Clinton – 40.44%
Adair – 39.08%
Casey – 36.61%

For more statewide information click: statewide information.

The WAVE's Lisa Clark will be talking with Kentucky Secretary of State Michael Adams on 92.7 the WAVE on Wednesday, October 27, 2021 at 3:30pmCT ahead of the special election on Tuesday, Nov. 2nd. There are several changes to the elections that the Sec. of State would like to remind residents of Adair County of before they head to the polls to vote for a new state representative.

Presley Pickard, 21, of Russell Springs KY, was taken into custody by Officer Necessary of the Russell Springs Police Department on Monday night and charged with Possession of Marijuana and Drug Paraphernalia – Buy/Possession.

Corey Sheppard, 21, of Jamestown, KY was Arrested by Officer Parish of the Russell Springs Department around 11:30pmCT on Monday night. Sheppard was charged with Failure to Appear on charges of Possession of a Controlled Substance 1^st Degree, 1^st Offense (Meth) and Drug Paraphernalia – Buy/Possession. Both were lodged in the Russell County Detention Center.

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Oct. 25, 2021) – Today, Gov. Beshear updated Kentuckians on the state’s COVID-19 vaccination rate, as well as Kentucky’s declining test positivity rate and number of new cases.

“We are almost decreasing in cases at the speed that we increased,” said Gov. Beshear. “That is a very good sign. Our weekly case numbers are the lowest they have been in 11 weeks. Our efforts to get more and more Kentuckians vaccinated have made a huge difference.”

The Governor highlighted a report that COVID-19 vaccinations could begin by early next month for children ages 5 to 11.

Gov. Beshear recognized and thanked St. Stephen Church in Louisville, which hosted a vaccine clinic for its congregation and community.

“You need good health. If we are really concerned about our people, then we are going to do what we can to help our people stay safe and healthy,” said the Rev. Dr. Kevin Cosby, senior pastor at St. Stephen Church in Louisville. “This vaccination is so important.”

He added: “We should use the cerebral gifts that God has endowed us with to find out what are the best health practices to keep us safe during this pandemic. According to the science, which I have confidence in, vaccinations are the best things we can do.”

Gov. Beshear also shared more information from Kentucky health care leaders about COVID-19 vaccine booster shots.

“Over time, your immune response to the vaccine that you got slowly decreases. You are seeing a decrease in protection from getting COVID-19, but very little decrease in your protection from hospitalization. You are still very protected from severe COVID-19 and hospitalization,” said Dr. Rebecca Dutch, virologist at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine. “To decrease your chances of getting COVID, they are recommending that certain groups of people go ahead and get a booster. What that will do is basically give your immune system another chance to up its response level. It’s a protective mechanism.”

The Governor said if Kentuckians are over 65, have significant underlying conditions or are exposed to many people through their work, they should get a vaccination booster. The Moderna and Pfizer boosters are ready and available. Kentuckians who got the Johnson & Johnson (J&J) vaccine should talk to their doctor about whether they should get a different vaccine for their booster or get another J&J dose.

COVID-19 Case Information, Vaccinations Update
Number of people who have received at least one vaccine dose in Kentucky: 2,778,996.

As the Governor mentioned last week, he expects to receive updated vaccination numbers from the federal government after one major vaccine provider entered data in two different ways, resulting in duplications.

Oct. 23, Cases: 1,275
Oct. 23, Deaths: 30
Oct. 24, Cases: 803
Oct. 24, Deaths: 28

New Cases Today: 544
New Deaths: 23
Today’s Positivity Rate: 5.84%
Current Hospitalizations: 919
Current Intensive Care Admittances: 281
Currently on Ventilators: 157

During the week ending Oct. 24, 9,749 new COVID-19 cases were reported in Kentucky.

From March 1 to Oct. 20, 84.5% of COVID-19 cases, 91.6% of COVID-19 hospitalizations and 82.2% of COVID-19 deaths in Kentucky have been among those who are unvaccinated or partially vaccinated.

COVID-19 Funeral Assistance
Gov. Beshear said the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is providing financial assistance for COVID-19-related funeral expenses incurred after Jan. 20, 2020. FEMA’s COVID-19 funeral assistance helpline is 1-844-684-6333 (TTY: 800-462-7585), available 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. EDT Monday through Friday. For fastest service following their application, Kentuckians can begin submitting documentation online through DisasterAssistance.gov.

FEMA Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Strike Teams Update
Gov. Beshear said after eight weeks onsite in Bowling Green, Corbin, Lexington, Louisville and Somerset, five FEMA EMS strike teams – including a total of 25 ambulances and 50 staff members – received 2,191 transport requests, completed 1,957 patient transports and drove 70,915 miles with patients onboard. FEMA strike team staff members serving in Kentucky represented 14 states. The teams were demobilized Oct. 24, and today, Gov. Beshear thanked them for their selfless efforts.

“We thank FEMA and those who worked on these teams because yesterday was their last day of service,” said Gov. Beshear. “They are now headed to other places that need them more at the moment. We appreciate them.”

Kentucky Labor Market Update
The Governor said for August 2021 Kentucky had the fifth-highest hiring rate in the country.

“That means people are finding jobs, but I know we need them to find them faster,” Gov. Beshear said. “Five-point-five percent is exciting.”

The Adair County Fiscal Court will meet in regular session on Tuesday, October 26, 2021 at 4:00pmCT at the Jim Blair Center, 901 Hudson Street, Columbia, KY.

AGENDA 

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE 

PRAYER
CALL TO ORDER 

ROLL CALL

  1.  APPROVAL OF AGENDA

  2.  APPROVAL OF MINUTES

         A.)  Regular Called Meeting - 10/12/21

         B.)  Special Called Meeting - 10/18/21

  3.  DISBURSEMENTS  

  4.  BUDGET AMENDMENTS

  5.  BUDGET TRANSFERS

         A.)  LINE TO LINE TRANSFERS

         B.)  FUND TO FUND TRANSFERS

  6.  COURT ORDERS   

  7.  READING OF ROADS

  8.  ACTION ITEMS:

         A)  PERMISSION TO HAVE VENDOR FAIR

         B)  APPOINTMENT OF 911 DIRECTOR

         C)  PERMISSION FOR JAILER TO USE TECH GRANT

         D)  OPEN BIDS FOR SHERIFF’S VEHICLE LOAN AND POSSIBLE AWARD

 9.  OTHER BUSINESS

10.  PUBLIC COMMENTS

11.  ADJOURN

This meeting will be open to the public and following all guidelines for social distancing set by the Governor. There will be NO Facebook Live.

Gregory Robinson, age 52, of Jamestown, was taken into custody by Officer Necessary just after 4 this morning on charges of Possession of a Controlled Substance 1^st Degree, 1^st Offense Meth, Possession of Marijuana and Operating on a Suspended or Revoked Driver’s License. He was lodged into the Russell County Detention Center.  

Serdreck Dennis, age 18, of Columbia, was arrested by Deputy Staten with the Adair County Sheriff’s Office, just after 8:30 last evening. Dennis was charged with Assault, 1^st Degree and Wanton Endangerment – 1^st Degree. He was lodged into the Adair County Regional Jail.

The City of Russell Springs and the Russell County Fiscal Court met Friday and filled the vacancies left with the passing of H.M. Bottom.

Bobby Johnson will be the new Fire Chief for the city of Russell Springs. Johnson had severed several years as the assistant chief under Bottom. Mayor Eddie Thomas announced that Mark Barnett will be the new Assistant Chief for the Russell Springs Fire Department.

The Russell County Fiscal Court voted and Ashley Coffey will be the new Emergency Management Director and Solid Waste Coordinator for the county. Coffey has worked in the Emergency Management Office with H.M. and has been employed by the county for over 3 years.

As for the position of ABC Administrator, County Judge Gary Robertson will be taking over those duties.

Columbia Police responded to a 3-car collision with injuries on Sunday, October 24, 2021 at the intersection of North Hwy 55 and Betty’s OK Country Cooking restaurant.

The accident occurred around 12 noon CT on Sunday when Ricky Burton of Columbia, who was northbound in a 2012 Dodge Caravan, attempted a u-turn making contact with two vehicles, one southbound toward Columbia and another waiting to turn onto Hwy 55 from Betty’s OK Country Cooking. Second and third vehicles were a 2003 Ford Focus occupied by three parties and a 2021 Nissan Rogue occupied by two parties. 

All occupants of the Ford Focus were taken to TJ Health Columbia, with one 54-year-old female later transfered to the UofL hospital. Parties in the Nissan Rogue did not require medical attention. 

CPD Officer Joey Keith investigated the collision. He was assisted on scene by other CPD Officers as well as the Adair Sheriff’s Office, Adair EMS, and the Columbia/Adair Fire Department. 
 

• Cassie Adams, 34, of Columbia - arrested early Sunday morning by the ACSO for Possession of Methamphetamine, Obstructed Vision/Windshield, Non-Payment of Fines and Operating on a Suspended or Revoked License.

• Jeremy Vanfleet, 39, of Russell Springs, KY - arrested by RSPD early Sunday morning for  Improper Registration Plate, Failure of Owner to Maintain Required Insurance, Operating on a Suspended or Revoked License, Possession of License when Privileges are Revoked, Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Non-Payment of Fines.
• Jordan Wheat, 26, of Liberty, KY - arrested Saturday night by RSPD for Public Intoxication

The Russell Springs, KY boil water advisory for Pine top Road and Oliver Thomas Road has been lifted.

Kentucky State Police Post 15 in Columbia will be participating in the DEA National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day to be held on Saturday, October 23, 2021 from 8 AM to 4 PM.

The collection point will be located at Kentucky State Police Post 15, located at 1118 Jamestown Street in Columbia, KY.

All citizens that wish to participate may dispose of their current or outdated unwanted medication either in its original container or by removing the medication from its container and disposing of it directly into the disposal box. If an original container is submitted, the individual should remove any identifying information from the prescription label.

All solid dosage pharmaceutical products and liquids in consumer containers may be accepted. Liquid products, such as cough syrup, should remain sealed in their original container. The depositor should ensure that the cap is tightly sealed to prevent leakage.

Intravenous solutions, injectable medications, and syringes will not be accepted due to the potential hazard posed by blood borne pathogens.

Illicit substances such as marijuana or methamphetamine are not a part of this initiative and should not be placed in collection containers.

At the conclusion of the event, the Kentucky State Police will seal the drug disposal boxes in accordance with agency policy and procedure and store them until turned over to the DEA.

On October 15, 2021 Gov. Andy Beshear and the Kentucky State Police announced that 16 telecommunicators representing 11 posts located throughout the commonwealth have graduated KSP’s in-house telecommunications academy.

Present-day emergency services communication centers require several qualities and characteristics that are imperative, including the ability to handle high stress, challenging conditions; flexible work schedules; empathy toward others and the ability to learn and adapt, especially in areas of technology.

The graduates of Class 18 received 196 hours of instruction over five weeks. Major training areas include legal liability, limits of telecommunicator authority, telecommunicator's role in public safety, interpersonal communications, customer service, combating stress, ethics and confidentiality, responder safety, essential fire dispatch, state emergency operations plans, criminal justice information systems, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, first aid training, emergency medical dispatch and special needs callers.

During the academy, graduates were required to successfully process scripted calls for service and demonstrate proficiency in obtaining pertinent information, dispatching responders, providing emergency medical dispatch if needed and correctly documenting information from the call for assistance. The training concluded with a computer simulation system that simulates a real-life work environment in the radio room.

"Across the state, KSP telecommunicators provide a lifeline to both citizens in need and responders in the field," says Jason Long, KSP Telecommunications Training Instructor. "They serve as an unseen but vital link in keeping law enforcement officers, responder, and the public safe at all times, day or night.”

The Post 15 graduates of the 18th KSP Telecommunications Academy included:
 

• Abigale Morgan, of Pulaski County. Morgan is a graduate of Pulaski County High School. She is the daughter of Donna Condon and Mike Morgan.
• Sydney Perkins, of Russell County. Perkins is a graduate of Southwestern High School. She is married to her husband Markus Perkins.
• Shawna Hannie, of Adair County. Hannie is a graduate of North Laurel High School and Lidsey Wilson College. She is married to Quinton Hannie and is the daughter of Judy and James Ulrich.

At the conclusion of each class, the 'Charlotte Tanner Valedictorian' Award is presented to the graduate who earned the highest class GPA and demonstrated extraordinary effort during the KSP Telecommunications Academy. The award is named in honor of the founder of the KSP telecommunications program, Charlotte Tanner who served the commonwealth for more than 50 years as a telecommunicator, radio room supervisor and instructor.

This year’s Charlotte Tanner Valedictorian Award has been awarded to Shawna Hannie and Abigale Morgan, who will share the honor of valedictorian with grade point averages of 98.25%.

To apply for a telecommunicator position with KSP, contact the KSP post nearest you for more information.

The mission of KSP is to promote public safety through service, integrity and professionalism using partnerships to prevent, reduce and deter crime and the fear of crime, enhance highway safety through education and enforcement, and safeguard property and protect individual rights.

KSP’s focus this year is to maintain and strengthen its essential workforce in order to better provide public safety, maintain critical services and better reflect the diverse communities that KSP serves.

• Fleeing  and Evading Police 1st degree (in a vehicle) 
• Fleeing and Evading Police 2nd degree (on foot) 
• Operating a Motor Vehicle Under the Influence of Alcohol/Drugs - 4th or more offense 
• Operating on a DUI Suspended License and
• Reckless Driving 

On Tuesday, October 19, 2021 at 7:37pmCT, the Adair County Sheriffs Office was dispatched to a collision 8 miles east of Columbia. The caller advised dispatch that a truck hit him head-on and the driver exited the vehicle and took off on foot. Chief Deputy Brandon Hitch was able to locate the suspect in the area and take him into custody without incident.
    

Billy Collins, 43, of Columbia, KY was taken into custody by KSP Trooper Matingly last evening. Collins was charged with Operating on a Suspended or Revoked Operators License, No Tail Lamps, Careless Driving, C.D.L. (Not Licensed) and C.D.L. (Operating Vehicles while suspended). He was lodged in the Adair County Regional Jail.

Supt. Dr. Pamela Stephens spoke with Jim Lieb with WAVE NEWS following last nights school board meeting ... 

Jamestown Mayor Nick Shearer spoke with WAVE NEWS following last nights City Council meeting...

• Masks are still mandatory on all busses
• Masks are mandatory for all students attending Vocational classesin Russell County
• Masks are mandatory for all Welding and Health Science classes at Adair County High School

Of today’s 101 reported cases, 84 (83%) were unvaccinated and 18 of today’s cases (18%) were in individuals 18 years of age or younger. Please take the necessary precautions to protect yourself and your loved ones. Consider getting the vaccine if you are eligible and haven’t, and wear a mask when in indoor settings where there are large crowds.

Statewide Testing Positivity Rate: 6.83%.

Deaths: We are pleased to report no new deaths since our last report. We have experienced a total of 656 deaths resulting in a 1.64% mortality rate (about 1 in 61) among known cases. This compares with a 1.3% mortality rate at the state level and a 1.61% mortality rate at the national level.

Hospitalizations: We presently have 76 cases in the hospital. This is equal to what we reported in our last report. We have had a total of 1,707 hospitalizations resulting in a 4.28% hospitalization rate (about 1 in 23) among known cases. The state hospitalization rate is 4.22%. The latest data shows that 92% of Lake Cumberland’s ICU beds are filled, and 25% of ventilator capacity is being utilized.

Total (Cumulative) Cases: The Lake Cumberland District has experienced a total of 39,926 cases since the onset of the outbreak. This means that 19.11% of our total population has been a confirmed case. However, we do not know how many additional people may have had COVID-19 and were either asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic and never tested. Of our total cases, 1.36% are reinfections, and 5.41% contracted the virus after being fully vaccinated (breakthrough cases). In the last week, 4.57% of our new cases were breakthrough cases.

Released (Not contagious) Cases: We released 85 cases since our last report from isolation. Released cases include: Adair: 6; Casey: 4; Clinton: 3; Cumberland: 2; Green: 5; McCreary: 8; Pulaski: 25; Russell: 5; Taylor: 18; and, Wayne: 9. In all, we have released 97.3% of our total cases.

Active (Current) Cases: Since our last report, we added 16 more cases than we had deceased and/or released cases. This leaves us with 419 active cases in our district across all 10 of our district’s 10 counties. On 09/03/2021 we were at our peak number of active cases, 1,717.

Where Did Cases Visit Prior to Isolation: The most common places cases visited prior to isolation are (in descending order): Family, Schools, Businesses, and Medical Facilities. Of our active cases, 0% can not be tied back to another known case (community-spread cases).

New Cases: We report that our total case count has increased by 101 since our last report. Our new cases (including suspect cases) are as follows: Adair: 3; Casey: 9; Clinton: 4; Cumberland: 3; Green: 5; McCreary: 11; Pulaski: 35; Russell: 6; Taylor: 15; and, Wayne: 10. Our current new case growth rate is: 1.00261. This means our total case count is projected to double every 265.77 days. The most new cases we ever added in a single day was on 09/07/2021 when we added 730 cases.

Again, we encourage our citizens to take the COVID-19 vaccine, which is safe and very effective. Of our 25,857 new cases since the vaccine started becoming available, almost 94.59% were unvaccinated.

Below are our area’s COVID-19 vaccination uptake rates compared to the state average (last updated 10/20/2021).

State – 62.00%
Taylor – 54.15%
Pulaski – 51.01%
Russell – 47.55%
Green – 42.77%
McCreary – 42.49%
Wayne – 42.43%
Cumberland – 41.93%
Clinton – 40.44%
Adair – 39.08%
Casey – 36.61%

For more statewide information click: statewide information.

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Oct. 21, 2021) – On Thursday during his weekly Team Kentucky update, Gov. Andy Beshear welcomed four Hardin County leaders who were instrumental in helping secure a historic $5.8 billion investment from Ford Motor Co. and SK Innovation. He also recognized them as this week’s Team Kentucky All-Stars.

“It took a lot of work to get here. It took a lot of work on the state-level, and I’ve got to tell you, a lot of critical work on relationship-building on the local level,” said Gov. Beshear. “This is the commonwealth’s largest ever investment – $5.8 billion. It is so big, it’s hard to process. We’ve gotten new calls from potential suppliers to this facility as recent as this morning. These 5,000 jobs and $5.8 billion are just the start.”

“I’m pleased to be a part of this. Over the last 20 years, we have worked diligently to make the Glendale site attractive to a project like this,” said Hardin County Judge/Executive Harry Berry. “We’ve done all of the work to bring water and sewer and the utilities to that site, all of the environmental studies that needed to be done. We’re very excited in Hardin County about this project.”

“We’re excited as can be in Elizabethtown, and we appreciate the leadership in the Governor’s Office and Secretary Larry Hayes and his leadership from his staff,” said Elizabethtown Mayor Jeff Gregory. “From the top to the bottom, everybody has worked well together with the opportunity we have in Hardin County and Elizabethtown with the Ford and SK Innovation plant coming down there. They have bet on the people of Hardin County, the people of Elizabethtown, and we’re going to do everything we can to not let them down.”

Ed Poppe, Elizabethtown city administrator, and Rick Games, Elizabethtown/Hardin County Industrial Foundation president and chief operating officer, also joined Gov. Beshear at today’s Team Kentucky update.

Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman announced she will step down as Secretary of the Education and Workforce Development Cabinet (EWDC) to focus exclusively on her role as Lieutenant Governor, with the priority of further expanding job opportunities for Kentuckians as the commonwealth’s economy gains even more momentum.

“With all this opportunity, I’m telling you, in many ways, we need more than one Governor,” said Gov. Beshear. “Fortunately, we have a Lieutenant Governor who can help in this day-to-day process of making sure we grasp every one of these economic development opportunities.”

“It has been the honor of a lifetime to be the first Lieutenant Governor in Kentucky’s history to simultaneously serve as the Secretary of Education and Workforce Development,” said Lt. Gov. Coleman. “With that said, there is so much work to be done in the education and workforce development arena to support an economy that is on fire, and I know that seeing these commitments through requires a laser-like focus. So, today I am saying farewell to my position as cabinet secretary because I know it is in good hands.”

Deputy Secretary Mary Pat Regan will assume the role of acting secretary of the EWDC.

Lt. Gov. Coleman added: “My focus as Lieutenant Governor and my commitment to the Beshear-Coleman administration remains the same: seizing this moment as our economy booms to build a better Kentucky for all of our families.”

Lt. Gov. Coleman said through some of the darkest days of the pandemic, the EWDC was able to move forward with its mission to build a cradle-to-career education and job training system in Kentucky.

Some of the cabinet’s accomplishments under Lt. Gov. Coleman’s leadership include:
 

• Launching the state’s Free GED program, which waived the $125 GED testing fee, the greatest barrier for the 300,000 Kentuckians who do not have their high school diploma or GED equivalent;
• Prioritizing broadband as a critical component of Kentucky’s infrastructure: EWDC led the way in helping the Beshear-Coleman administration close the digital divide from 15% of households with school aged children to below 2%;
• Establishing the Commonwealth Education Continuum to close the gaps along the cradle-to-career pipeline and investing $1 million from EWDC’s workforce funds to relaunch the Kentucky Academy for Equity in Teaching; and
• Traveling across Kentucky hosting a series of 10 regional student mental health action summits. During the next legislative session, the involved students and Lt. Gov. Coleman will make policy recommendations to lawmakers.

Kentucky-Based KCC Manufacturing Breaks Ground on 700-Job Simpsonville Operation
Last week, Kentuckiana Curb Co. Inc., a manufacturer of commercial HVAC products doing business as KCC Manufacturing, broke ground on the company’s new $60 million operation in Simpsonville, a project creating 700 well-paying jobs for Kentuckians. To learn more, see the full release.

“We have been Kentucky proud since 1977. Just a guy with a truck and some equipment, and a dream of making people’s lives better, Al Fiorini moved from Charlotte, North Carolina and founded KCC in Kentucky,” said Joel Strieter, president of employee-owned KCC Cos., who the Governor also recognized as a Team Kentucky All-Star. “Our products improve the indoor air quality of commercial buildings, which given the events of the COVID-19 pandemic are crucial to people’s well-being. We are changing the world in a small way from right here in Kentucky, and our rate of growth means that new positions are opening nearly every day.”

Gov. Beshear, Local Officials Welcome Horse Soldier Bourbon to Kentucky
This week, Gov. Beshear joined leaders from the Somerset community in congratulating Horse Soldier Bourbon on the official groundbreaking of a new $200 million tourism development project that will bring new jobs, bourbon and tourism dollars to Pulaski County. On Sept. 11, 2001, the Horse Soldier team was training on the Cumberland River when the call came to defend our nation in its darkest hour. Now, 20 years later, they are coming home and bringing their award-winning, ultra-premium bourbon to Kentucky. To learn more, see the full release.

New Horse Racing Facility to Bring Jobs, Entertainment to Southeast Kentucky
This week, Gov. Beshear joined community leaders to celebrate the official groundbreaking of a new horse racing facility that is projected to create 213 full-time jobs for the Corbin-Williamsburg community. Expanding the commonwealth’s iconic horse racing industry to Southeastern Kentucky, the joint venture between Keeneland and Kentucky Downs – ECL Corbin LLC – unveiled plans for the new project, Cumberland Mint, a $90 million investment. To learn more, see the full release.

Summit Packaging Solutions to Locate in Northern Kentucky, Create 254 Jobs
This week, Gov. Beshear announced manufacturing packaging company Summit Packaging Solutions LLC will locate its first Kentucky facility in unincorporated Boone County with a more than $18.3 million investment that will create 69 direct full-time jobs and 185 contracted positions. Summit’s new 276,000-square-foot Operations Center of Excellence will improve the company’s ability to serve the Midwest market in support of new and existing customers in the region. Company leaders expect the facility to be operational by November. To learn more, see the full release.

Consensus Forecasting Group Issues Preliminary Revenue Forecasts
The Consensus Forecasting Group issued its preliminary revenue forecasts for the current year and the next biennium.

The current year, fiscal year 2022, General Fund revenue estimate of $13.56 billion, is $1.7 billion higher than the budgeted estimate, with a growth rate of 5.7%. The General Fund estimates for FY 23 and 24 are $13.722 billion and $14.19 billion, with growth rates of 1.2% and 3.4%, respectively.

The current year, FY 2022, Road Fund revenue estimate is $80.5 million higher than the budgeted estimate, with a growth rate of 2.9%.

In July, the state budget office reported that the commonwealth ended the 2021 fiscal year with a general fund surplus of over $1.1 billion – the highest ever in the commonwealth – and a 10.9% increase in general fund receipts to $12.8 billion.

New Low-Interest Loan Program Supports Rural Hospitals Across Commonwealth
Today, Gov. Beshear announced the Kentucky Rural Hospital Loan Program is making $20 million in low-interest loans available to assist rural hospitals across the commonwealth. The funds administered will directly impact the 1.8 million Kentuckians living in rural areas by maintaining or upgrading hospital facilities, retaining or increasing the current staff of the rural hospital and providing health care services not currently available to citizens. To learn more, see the full release.

Gov. Beshear Reminds Kentuckians to Enroll in kynect Starting Nov. 1
Gov. Beshear reminded Kentuckians they can now preview and compare 2022 commercial health care plans on kynect, the state’s new health care marketplace. They can enroll in plans Nov. 1 to Jan. 15, 2022. Kentuckians can change their Medicaid plan for 2022 from Nov. 1 to Dec. 1. To learn more, see the full release.

COVID-19 Update
The Governor said the state’s positivity rate has continued to decrease, and averaged at 7.52% the week ending Oct. 17. The state’s weekly case count also decreased again, to 12,265 new cases the week ending Oct. 17.

By Oct. 20, COVID-19 hospitalizations had decreased to 1,115; COVID-19 ICU admittances had decreased to 321; and the number of COVID-19 patients on a ventilator had decreased to 207.

From March 1 to Oct. 20, 2021, 84.5% of COVID-19 cases, 91.6% of COVID-19 hospitalizations and 82.2% of COVID-19 deaths have been among partially vaccinated or unvaccinated Kentuckians.

The Governor also provided an update on vaccine data and demographics.

“We are in direct conversations with the federal government over some concerns over some of the numbers that lead to things like 105% of a certain age demographic, in a certain county being vaccinated. We thought that part of that would fix itself when we used the new numbers coming out from the census – and it hasn’t,” Gov. Beshear said. “So next week we hope to have some final answers from the federal government. We will be transparent and answer every question we can.”

Of today’s 110 reported cases, 98 (89%) were unvaccinated and 19 of today’s cases (17%) were in individuals 18 years of age or younger. Please take the necessary precautions to protect yourself and your loved ones. Consider getting the vaccine if you are eligible and haven’t, and wear a mask when in indoor settings where there are large crowds.

Statewide Testing Positivity Rate: 7.17%.

Deaths: We regret we must report 7 new deaths since our last report. We have experienced a total of 656 deaths resulting in a 1.65% mortality rate (about 1 in 61) among known cases. This compares with a 1.29% mortality rate at the state level and a 1.61% mortality rate at the national level. Our hearts and prayers go out to all the families and friends who have lost loved ones.

Hospitalizations: We presently have 76 cases in the hospital. This is 1 less than what we reported in our last report. We have had a total of 1,706 hospitalizations resulting in a 4.28% hospitalization rate (about 1 in 23) among known cases. The state hospitalization rate is 4.22%. The latest data shows that 91.53% of Lake Cumberland’s ICU beds are filled, and 9.21% of ventilator capacity is being utilized.

Total (Cumulative) Cases: The Lake Cumberland District has experienced a total of 39,825 cases since the onset of the outbreak. This means that 19.07% of our total population has been a confirmed case. However, we do not know how many additional people may have had COVID-19 and were either asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic and never tested. Of our total cases, 1.36% are reinfections, and 5.44% contracted the virus after being fully vaccinated (breakthrough cases). In the last week, 5.19% of our new cases were breakthrough cases.

Released (Not contagious) Cases: We released 100 cases since our last report from isolation. Released cases include: Adair: 7; Casey: 4; Clinton: 6; Cumberland: 10; Green: 7; McCreary: 4; Pulaski: 36; Russell: 12; Taylor: 12; and, Wayne: 2. In all, we have released 97.3% of our total cases.

Active (Current) Cases: Since our last report, we added 3 more cases than we had deceased and/or released cases. This leaves us with 403 active cases in our district across all 10 of our district’s 10 counties. On 09/03/2021 we were at our peak number of active cases, 1,723.

Where Did Cases Visit Prior to Isolation: The most common places cases visited prior to isolation are (in descending order): Schools, Family, Businesses, and Medical Facilities. Of our active cases, 0% can not be tied back to another known case (community-spread cases).

New Cases: We report that our total case count has increased by 110 since our last report. Our new cases (including suspect cases) are as follows: Adair: 10; Casey: 7; Clinton: 11; Cumberland: 6; Green: 9; McCreary: 8; Pulaski: 23; Russell: 13; Taylor: 17; and, Wayne: 6. Our current new case growth rate is: 1.00294. This means our total case count is projected to double every 235.91 days. The most new cases we ever added in a single day was on 09/07/2021 when we added 730 cases.

The deaths we report today include 2 Adair County residents (one unvaccinated and one vaccination status unknown), a Clinton County resident (unvaccinated), a Green County resident (unvaccinated), a McCreary County resident (unvaccinated), 2 Pulaski County residents (unvaccinated) and a Russell County resident (vaccinated).

There was one previously reported death (Pulaski County) that was removed today after further review. This is reflected in the numbers.

Again, we encourage our citizens to take the COVID-19 vaccine, which is safe and very effective. Of our 25,756 new cases since the vaccine started becoming available, almost 94.56% were unvaccinated.

Below are our area’s COVID-19 vaccination uptake rates compared to the state average (last updated 10/13/2021).

State – 62.00%
Taylor – 53.86%
Pulaski – 50.71%
Russell – 47.29%
Green – 42.45%
McCreary – 42.26%
Wayne – 42.11%
Cumberland – 41.79%
Clinton – 40.14%
Adair – 38.81%
Casey – 36.33%

For more statewide information click: statewide information.

Zachary Janes, 28, of Columbia, KY was arrested by Deputy Hitch of the Adair County Sheriff’s Office. Janes was charged with Driving DUI Suspended License – 3^rd Offense, Operating Motor Vehicle under the Influence Substance – 3^rd (Aggravated Circumstances), Wanton Endangerment 2^nd Degree and Leaving the Scene of an Accident. He was lodged in the Adair County Regional Jail.

Of today’s 196 reported cases, 180 (92%) were unvaccinated and 44 of today’s cases (22%) were in individuals 18 years of age or younger. Please take the necessary precautions to protect yourself and your loved ones. Consider getting the vaccine if you are eligible and haven’t, and wear a mask when in indoor settings where there are large crowds.

Statewide Testing Positivity Rate: 7.36%.

Deaths: We regret we must report 4 new deaths since our last report. We have experienced a total of 649 deaths resulting in a 1.63% mortality rate (about 1 in 61) among known cases. This compares with a 1.29% mortality rate at the state level and a 1.61% mortality rate at the national level. Our hearts and prayers go out to all the families and friends who have lost loved ones.

Hospitalizations: We presently have 77 cases in the hospital. This is 8 less than what we reported in our last report. We have had a total of 1,699 hospitalizations resulting in a 4.28% hospitalization rate (about 1 in 23) among known cases. The state hospitalization rate is 4.21%. The latest data shows that 94.74% of Lake Cumberland’s ICU beds are filled, and 28.38% of ventilator capacity is being utilized.

Total (Cumulative) Cases: The Lake Cumberland District has experienced a total of 39,715 cases since the onset of the outbreak. This means that 19.01% of our total population has been a confirmed case. However, we do not know how many additional people may have had COVID-19 and were either asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic and never tested. Of our total cases, 1.35% are reinfections, and 5.44% contracted the virus after being fully vaccinated (breakthrough cases). In the last week, 5.16% of our new cases were breakthrough cases.

Released (Not contagious) Cases: We released 379 cases since our last report from isolation. Released cases include: Adair: 20; Casey: 11; Clinton: 31; Cumberland: 19; Green: 17; McCreary: 38; Pulaski: 110; Russell: 42; Taylor: 58; and, Wayne: 33. In all, we have released 97.4% of our total cases.

Active (Current) Cases: Taking into account deaths and releases, our active cases decreased by 187 more than the new cases we added since our last report. This leaves us with 400 active cases in our district across all 10 of our district’s 10 counties. On 09/03/2021 we were at our peak number of active cases, 1,727.

Where Did Cases Visit Prior to Isolation: The most common places cases visited prior to isolation are (in descending order): Schools, Family, Businesses, and Medical Facilities. Of our active cases, 0% can not be tied back to another known case (community-spread cases).

New Cases: We report that our total case count has increased by 196 since our last report. Our new cases (including suspect cases) are as follows: Adair: 8; Casey: 4; Clinton: 6; Cumberland: 9; Green: 13; McCreary: 20; Pulaski: 79; Russell: 10; Taylor: 34; and, Wayne: 13. Our current new case growth rate is: 1.00329. This means our total case count is projected to double every 210.81 days. The most new cases we ever added in a single day was on 09/07/2021 when we added 730 cases.

The deaths we report today include a Casey County resident (unvaccinated), a Green County resident (unvaccinated), a McCreary County resident (unvaccinated) and a Wayne County resident (unvaccinated).

We also removed two duplicate cases from our files – one from Green County and one from Pulaski County.

Again, we encourage our citizens to take the COVID-19 vaccine, which is safe and very effective. Of our 25,646 new cases since the vaccine started becoming available, almost 94.56% were unvaccinated.

Below are our area’s COVID-19 vaccination uptake rates compared to the state average (last updated 10/13/2021).

State – 62.00%
Taylor – 53.86%
Pulaski – 50.71%
Russell – 47.29%
Green – 42.45%
McCreary – 42.26%
Wayne – 42.11%
Cumberland – 41.79%
Clinton – 40.14%
Adair – 38.81%
Casey – 36.33%

For more statewide information click: statewide information.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - The Drug Enforcement Administration will host its 21^st National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, October 23 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This event offers free and anonymous disposal of unneeded medications at more than 4,000 local drop-off locations nationwide.

According to a report published by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), a majority of people who misused a prescription medication obtained the medicine from a family member or friend. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that last year, more than 93,000 people died of drug overdoses in the United States, marking the largest number of drug-related deaths ever recorded in a year. Opioid-related deaths accounted for 75 percent of all overdose deaths in 2020.

For more than a decade, DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day has helped Americans easily rid their homes of unneeded medications - those that are old, unwanted, or no longer needed - that too often become a gateway to addiction. Working in close partnership with local law enforcement, Take Back Day has removed more than 7,000 tons of medication from circulation since its inception. These efforts are directly in line with DEA’s priority to combat the rise of overdoses plaguing the United States.

“The United States is in the midst of an opioid epidemic - drug overdoses are up 30% over the last year alone and taking more than 250 lives every day,” stated DEA Administrator Anne Milgram. “The majority of opioid addictions in America start with prescription pills found in medicine cabinets at home. What’s worse, criminal drug networks are exploiting the opioid crisis by making and falsely marketing deadly, fake pills as legitimate prescriptions, which are now flooding U.S. communities. One thing is clear: prevention starts at home. I urge Americans to do their part to prevent prescription pill misuse: simply take your unneeded medications to a local collection site. It’s simple, free, anonymous, and it can save a life.”

“With more Americans dying from drug overdoses than ever before, DEA’s Drug Take-Back Day is one way that folks can help make their communities safer, simply by disposing of their unneeded or expired medications,” said Special Agent in Charge Todd Scott, who heads the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s Louisville Division.  “We’re providing a safe and convenient way to help keep potentially harmful medications out of the wrong hands.”

DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is more important than ever before. Last month, DEA issued a Public Safety Alert and launched the One Pill Can Kill public awareness campaign to warn Americans of a surge in deadly, fake prescription pills driven by drug traffickers seeking to exploit the U.S. opioid epidemic and prescription pill misuse. Criminal drug networks are shipping chemicals from China to Mexico where they are converted to dangerous substances like fentanyl and methamphetamine and then pressed into pills. The end result—deadly, fake prescription pills—are what these criminal drug networks make and market to prey on Americans for profit. These fake, deadly pills are widely available and deadlier than ever. Fake pills are designed to appear nearly identical to legitimate prescriptions such as Oxycontin®, Percocet®, Vicodin®, Adderall®, Xanax® and other medicines. Criminal drug networks are selling these pills through social media, e-commerce, the dark web and existing distribution networks.

Along with the alert came a warning that the only safe medications are ones prescribed by a trusted medical professional and dispensed by a licensed pharmacist. Any pills that do not meet this standard are unsafe and potentially deadly. DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day reflects DEA’s commitment to Americans’ safety and health, encouraging the public to remove unneeded medications from their homes as a measure of preventing medication misuse and opioid addiction from ever starting.

On Saturday, Oct. 23, 2021 DEA and its partners will collect tablets, capsules, patches, and other solid forms of prescription drugs. Liquids (including intravenous solutions), syringes and other sharps, and illicit drugs will not be accepted. DEA will also continue to accept vaping devices and cartridges provided lithium batteries are removed.

A location finder and partner toolbox are available at www.DEATakeBack.com for easy reference to nearby collection sites. Beyond DEA’s Take Back Day, there are also opportunities to regularly and safely dispose of unneeded medications at more than 13,000 pharmacies, hospitals, police departments, and businesses working to help clean out medicine cabinets throughout the year.

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Oct. 18, 2021) – Following meetings of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advisory committee, Gov. Andy Beshear and Dr. Steven Stack, commissioner of the Kentucky Department for Public Health (DPH), provided updates today on booster shots for the one-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine, the Moderna vaccine series and the Pfizer vaccine series for children ages 5 to 11.

Gov. Beshear also said Kentucky’s COVID-19 data is trending in the right direction as Kentuckians continue to get vaccinated.

“In today’s report, what we see is just about everything is moving in the right direction and actually at a speed – the decrease in cases and in hospitalizations, ventilator use and ICUs – that is significant,” said Gov. Beshear. “It is a real trend, a positive trend. It has not plateaued. It is moving downward, which is reason for optimism. But our deaths, which trail cases and hospitalizations, ICUs and ventilators, remain too high.”

Dr. Stack provided updates about an antiviral drug being tested by Merck and the latest on booster shots. He said the drug, Molnupiravir, is an oral antiviral that could be used to treat COVID-19 patients soon after they test positive and start displaying symptoms.

“The preliminary data that Merck provided showed, in a sample size of a little over 700 people, about a 50% reduction in those who had mild to moderate COVID from progressing to severe COVID,” Dr. Stack said. “This was an early finding in the research, but it was so compelling and statistically reliable that they decided to go forward and ask the FDA to review it for approval. That meeting will happen on Nov. 30, and the treatment could potentially be available after that. This is not a replacement for vaccination.”

If approved, availability will be limited starting in December, he noted.

Dr. Stack also said available data supports the safety and effectiveness for a booster dose of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine at least six months after completion of the initial series in the following populations:

• Ages 65 and older;
• Ages 18 to 64 at high-risk for severe COVID-19; or
• Ages 18 to 64 with heightened job and institutional COVID-19 exposure risk.

The FDA advisory committee also discussed a vaccine booster for people who took the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Dr. Stack said available data supports the safety and effectiveness of a Johnson & Johnson booster for people 18 and older at least two months after their initial vaccination.

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) will meet Oct. 20-21 to make recommendations regarding booster doses for both Moderna and Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines.

“Evidence shows that all persons should all be eligible for a booster dose of the J&J two months or more after your initial dose. If you have received J&J, and once the CDC makes its review and the FDA and CDC make their outlines, next week it is anticipated that you are likely to have access to a booster,” Dr. Stack said. “If you received J&J, I would encourage you to go out and get a booster.”

Following guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the FDA, on Sept. 27, the Governor recommended Kentuckians who received the Pfizer vaccine series get a booster if they at high-risk of severe COVID-19 or work in high-risk settings.

Dr. Stack also said the FDA’s Vaccines and Related Biological Advisory Committee is set to meet Oct. 26 and the CDC’s ACIP is scheduled to meet Nov. 2-3 to discuss Pfizer vaccinations for children ages 5 to 11. The committees are considering 10 microgram doses for children, which is significantly smaller than the 30 microgram doses used for people 12 and older. Dr. Stack said DPH is working with pharmacies and pediatric providers to ensure they are ready to vaccinate children in this age group quickly if it is approved. Kentucky’s population of those ages 5 to 11 is estimated at 388,896.

COVID-19 Case Information, Vaccinations Update

Number of people who have received at least one vaccine dose in Kentucky: 2,763,745

Oct. 16, Cases: 1,751
Oct. 16, Deaths: 50
Oct. 17, Cases: 827
Oct. 17, Deaths: 22

New Cases Today: 678
New Deaths: 31
Today’s Positivity Rate: 7.36%
Current Hospitalizations: 1,193
Current Intensive Care Admittances: 337
Currently on Ventilators: 219

From March 1 to Oct. 12, 84.9% of COVID-19 cases, 91.4% of COVID-19 hospitalizations and 82.8% of COVID-19 deaths in Kentucky have been among those who are unvaccinated or partially vaccinated.

Update on K-12 Schools Testing Program
The Governor said more than 1,140 public, independent and private/parochial schools in 86 counties are participating in the K-12 COVID-19 testing program. He said more than 114,000 tests have been conducted through the program, which resulted in detecting 4,042 positive tests from students and staff.

Healthy at Home Eviction Relief Fund
On Monday, the Governor said that as of Oct. 15, the Healthy at Home Eviction Relief Fund has paid out more than $68 million to landlords and utility companies to pay for rent and utility bills for 13,335 households. Last week alone, $3.9 million in assistance was paid – the second-highest week since the assistance fund launched in March. The fund has paid $60.7 million in rent assistance and $7.8 million in utility assistance. With the total assistance paid so far, and the $38 million sub-granted to Louisville and Lexington, the fund still has $139 million available to help Kentuckians. Kentuckians seeking relief are urged to go online and apply at teamkentuckyhherf.ky.gov.

The regular monthly meeting for the Russell County School Board was held on Monday evening. Superintendent Michael Ford tells WAVE NEWS what took place... 

Paul Bricker, age 36, of Burkesville, KY was arrested by Deputy Daniels with the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office around 8:30pmCT on Monday. Bricker was charged with 2 counts of Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, Assault, 4^th Degree (Domestic Violence) with Minor Injuries and Wanton Endangerment – 1^st Degree. He was lodged in the Adair County Regional Jail. 

Brian Warriner, age 42, of Russell Springs, KY was arrested by Deputy Pierce of the Russell County Sheriff’s Office on Monday evening. Warriner was charged with Disorderly Conduct, 2^nd Degree, Resisting Arrest, Menacing and Possession of Marijuana. He was lodged in the Russell County Detention Center.

Laramy Conover, age 40, of Columbia was arrested by Deputy Derek Padgett with the Adair County Sheriff’s Office on Sunday. Conover was charged with Driving on a DUI Suspended License 3^rd Offense, Wanton Endagerment-1^st Degree, Failure to appear and Non-Payment of Court Costs, Fees or Fines. He was lodged in the Adair County Regional Jail.

Longtime Russell Springs Fire Chief and Emergency Management Director H.M. Bottom passed away over the weekend.

Bottom also served as the ABC and Waste Management Coordinator for Russell County. 

City and County Leaders released statements on social media about Bottoms service to our community. County Judge Executive Gary Robertson said "Russell County lost a legend today. H M Bottom was always a phone call away from assisting many people in their time of need. The past 11 years he has been there any time that I needed him while I have served as County Judge Executive. He will be greatly missed by all the people of Russell County. Russell Springs Mayor and the city of Russell Springs stated on their Facebook page that Bottom "Today, Russell County lost a beloved father, brother, friend, and mentor. HM Bottom spent the better part of his life in service to our community. He was present for so many of our most trying times. Whether fire, flood, or car accident, HM was there when we were hurting, frightened, or devastated by loss. His humor and warmth endeared him to many and his selflessness has set for us an example of what it is to be our brother’s keeper." and Jamestown Mayor Nick Sheared honored Bottom by saying “The purpose of life is to be happy, to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate. To have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well. HM Bottom lived well.”

WAVE NEWS offers condolences to Bottoms Family and many friends... a complete obituary is listed on the website. 

• Sabrin Barnes, 42, of Russell Springs - arrested on Saturday night by RCSO for DUI.

• Corey Giles, 40, of Elkhorn - arrested early Sunday by ACSO for Prescription Controlled Substance Not in Proper Container, Possession of Marijuana, and 2 counts of Failure to Appear.
• Jeffrey Lee Gilbert, 28, of Columbia - arrested by the ACSO early Sunday morning for Reckless Driving, Failure to Signal, Operating on a Suspended or Revoked Operators License, Failure to Produce Insurance Card, DUI, Menacing, and Resisting Arrest.
• Lewis Whitt, 35, of Liberty - arrested on Saturday afternoon by KSP for No OPerators License, Failure to Produce Insurance Card, No Registration Receipt, and Failure to Appear.
• Brandy Roberson, 42, of Columbia -  arrested on Friday evening by CPD and charged with Public Intoxication of a Controlled Substance (Excluding Alcohol).

For the next few days we will be cleaning up our data to make it as accurate as possible. As such, some of our numbers may fluctuate while this is going on. We have had some key staff out of pocket for a few days and have identified a few areas to review, so we can make certain our data is as accurate as possible. Please bear with us.  Our numbers are continuing to trend down and we are very happy to see this progress!

Of today’s 180 reported cases, 160 (89%) were unvaccinated and 41 of today’s cases (23%) were in individuals 18 years of age or younger. Please take the necessary precautions to protect yourself and your loved ones. Consider getting the vaccine if you are eligible and haven’t, and wear a mask when in indoor settings where there are large crowds.

Statewide Testing Positivity Rate: 8%.

Deaths: We are sad to report 1 new death since our last report. We have experienced a total of 645 deaths resulting in a 1.63% mortality rate (about 1 in 61) among known cases. This compares with a 1.28% mortality rate at the state level and a 1.61% mortality rate at the national level. Our hearts and prayers go out to all the families and friends who have lost loved ones.

Hospitalizations: We presently have 85 cases in the hospital. This is equal to what we reported in our last report. We have had a total of 1,693 hospitalizations resulting in a 4.28% hospitalization rate (about 1 in 23) among known cases. The state hospitalization rate is 4.21%. The latest data shows that 96.55% of Lake Cumberland’s ICU beds are filled, and 34.21% of ventilator capacity is being utilized.

Total (Cumulative) Cases: The Lake Cumberland District has experienced a total of 39,519 cases since the onset of the outbreak. This means that 18.92% of our total population has been a confirmed case. However, we do not know how many additional people may have had COVID-19 and were either asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic and never tested. Of our total cases, 1.35% are reinfections, and 5.45% contracted the virus after being fully vaccinated (breakthrough cases). In the last week, 4.93% of our new cases were breakthrough cases.

Released (Not contagious) Cases: We released 188 cases since our last report from isolation. Released cases include: Adair: 13; Casey: 5; Clinton: 12; Cumberland: 10; Green: 15; McCreary: 22; Pulaski: 65; Russell: 9; Taylor: 26; and, Wayne: 11. In all, we have released 96.9% of our total cases.

Active (Current) Cases: Taking into account deaths and releases, our active cases decreased by 10 more than the new cases we added since our last report. This leaves us with 587 active cases in our district across all 10 of our district’s 10 counties. On 09/03/2021 we were at our peak number of active cases, 1,759.

Where Did Cases Visit Prior to Isolation: The most common places cases visited prior to isolation are (in descending order): Schools, Businesses, Family, and Medical Facilities. Of our active cases, 2% can not be tied back to another known case (community-spread cases).

New Cases: We report that our total case count has increased by 179 since our last report. Our new cases (including suspect cases) are as follows: Adair: 8; Casey: 4; Clinton: 6; Cumberland: 7; Green: 4; McCreary: 15; Pulaski: 95; Russell: 9; Taylor: 20; and, Wayne: 11. Our current new case growth rate is: 1.00312. This means our total case count is projected to double every 222.55 days. The most new cases we ever added in a single day was on 09/07/2021 when we added 730 cases.

Today, we report one death – a Taylor County resident (vaccinated). We also removed one erroneously reported case from Casey County.

Again, we encourage our citizens to take the COVID-19 vaccine, which is safe and very effective. Of our 25,450 new cases since the vaccine started becoming available, almost 94.55% were unvaccinated.

Below are our area’s COVID-19 vaccination uptake rates compared to the state average (last updated 10/13/2021).

State – 62.00%
Taylor – 53.86%
Pulaski – 50.71%
Russell – 47.29%
Green – 42.45%
McCreary – 42.26%
Wayne – 42.11%
Cumberland – 41.79%
Clinton – 40.14%
Adair – 38.81%
Casey – 36.33%

For more statewide information click: statewide information.

On Thursday,  October 14, 2021 Columbia Police executed a search warrant at Carrie Bolin Apartments. After entry and contact was made, Officers made multiple arrests after seizing narcotics, marijuana, paraphernalia and cash. 

Yolanda Sanchez, Larry Taylor, Brittany Stone, Eron Davis, and John Thompson all of Columbia, KY were charged with trafficking in a controlled substance (methamphetamine) over 2 grams. Sanchez and Taylor were additionally charged with trafficking in marijuana. 

After being brought to Adair Regional for booking Davis and Sanchez were both additionally charged with promoting contraband for attempting to conceal narcotics on their person once being brought into the jail. 
On scene Officers seized over 7 ounces of suspected methamphetamine and $2,600 in cash. 

Sgt Evan Burton was the investigating Officer. He was assisted by multiple members of The Columbia Police Department.

For the next few days we will be cleaning up our data to make it as accurate as possible. As such, some of our numbers may fluctuate while this is going on. We have had some key staff out of pocket for a few days and have identified a few areas to review, so we can make certain our data is as accurate as possible. Please bear with us.  Our numbers are continuing to trend down and we are very happy to see this progress!

Of today’s 140 reported cases, 120 (86%) were unvaccinated and 29 of today’s cases (21%) were in individuals 18 years of age or younger. Please take the necessary precautions to protect yourself and your loved ones. Consider getting the vaccine if you are eligible and haven’t, and wear a mask when in indoor settings where there are large crowds.

Statewide Testing Positivity Rate: 7.91%.

Deaths: We are happy to report no new deaths since our last report. We have experienced a total of 644 deaths resulting in a 1.64% mortality rate (about 1 in 61) among known cases. This compares with a 1.28% mortality rate at the state level and a 1.61% mortality rate at the national level.

Hospitalizations: We presently have 85 cases in the hospital. This is 1 more than what we reported in our last report. We have had a total of 1,690 hospitalizations resulting in a 4.3% hospitalization rate (about 1 in 23) among known cases. The state hospitalization rate is 4.21%. The latest data shows that 96.55% of Lake Cumberland’s ICU beds are filled, and 31.58% of ventilator capacity is being utilized.

Total (Cumulative) Cases: The Lake Cumberland District has experienced a total of 39,340 cases since the onset of the outbreak. This means that 18.83% of our total population has been a confirmed case. However, we do not know how many additional people may have had COVID-19 and were either asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic and never tested. Of our total cases, 1.35% are reinfections, and 5.48% contracted the virus after being fully vaccinated (breakthrough cases). In the last week, 4.99% of our new cases were breakthrough cases.

Released (Not contagious) Cases: We released 229 cases since our last report from isolation. Released cases include: Adair: 14; Casey: 15; Clinton: 18; Cumberland: 8; Green: 11; McCreary: 25; Pulaski: 54; Russell: 30; Taylor: 34; and, Wayne: 20. In all, we have released 96.8% of our total cases.

Active (Current) Cases: Taking into account deaths and releases, our active cases decreased by 91 more than the new cases we added since our last report. This leaves us with 597 active cases in our district across all 10 of our district’s 10 counties. On 09/03/2021 we were at our peak number of active cases, 1,770.

Where Did Cases Visit Prior to Isolation: The most common places cases visited prior to isolation are (in descending order): Schools, Businesses, Family, and Medical Facilities. Of our active cases, 3% can not be tied back to another known case (community-spread cases).

New Cases: We report that our total case count has increased by 138 since our last report. Our new cases (including suspect cases) are as follows: Adair: 4; Casey: 7; Clinton: 4; Cumberland: 4; Green: 13; McCreary: 9; Pulaski: 48; Russell: 27; Taylor: 13; and, Wayne: 9. Our current new case growth rate is: 1.00297. This means our total case count is projected to double every 234 days. The most new cases we ever added in a single day was on 09/07/2021 when we added 730 cases.

Today we deleted one duplicate case for Pulaski County. We also removed one case for Adair County that had been reported in error.

Again, we encourage our citizens to take the COVID-19 vaccine, which is safe and very effective. Of our 25,271 new cases since the vaccine started becoming available, almost 94.52% were unvaccinated.

Below are our area’s COVID-19 vaccination uptake rates compared to the state average (last updated 10/13/2021).

State – 62.00%
Taylor – 53.86%
Pulaski – 50.71%
Russell – 47.29%
Green – 42.45%
McCreary – 42.26%
Wayne – 42.11%
Cumberland – 41.79%
Clinton – 40.14%
Adair – 38.81%
Casey – 36.33%

For more statewide information click: statewide information.

Greensburg, KY (October 15, 2021) On Wednesday, October 6, 2021 following a 6-month investigation by KSP Post 15, James David Burnham, 34, of Greensburg, KY was indicted for 7 counts of Rape first degree, 8 counts of Promoting Human Trafficking (victim under 18), and several other charges with allegations dating back 10 years.

Burnham was located and arrested on Thursday, October 14, 2021 by the Cache County Sheriff's Office in Logan, Utah and will be extradited back to Kentucky.

This investigation was conducted by Trooper James Ford. He was assisted by Silverleaf Trauma Recovery Services, Green County Victims Advocate, KY Attorney Generals Office, KY Homeland Security, KSP Post 15 Victims Advocate, KY Department for Community Based Services, Greensburg Police and the Commonwealth Attorney.

According to Russell Springs Police Chief Tim Pierce, Officer Hayden Phillips conducted a traffic stop for speeding early Friday morning. Upon contact, the male driver seemed extremely nervous. K-9 Joli indicated a positive alert on the vehicle which led to the discovery of methamphetamine, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia.

44-year-old Jesse M. Kane was charged with Speeding 18 MPH over the limit, Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Marijuana and Drug Paraphernalia. Kane was lodged in the Russell County Detention Center.

Officer Phillips was assisted on scene by RSPD Sgt. Parrish, Deputy Pierce, and KSP Trooper Begley. 

Tompkinsville, KY (October 15, 2021) On Thursday, October 14, 2021 at approximately 4:24pmCT, Troopers from Kentucky State Police Post 15 responded to a single vehicle fatal collision involving a juvenile on an ATV.
 

Preliminary investigations indicate that a male juvenile was operating a 2004 Honda ATV on White Street when he lost control and ran off the roadway. After leaving the roadway the ATV struck a tree, and came to final rest when it struck a residence. The juvenile was not wearing a helmet and was transported by EMS to the Monroe County Medical Center where he was pronounced deceased.
 

This collision remains under investigation by Trooper Jonathan Paull. Tpr. Paull was assisted at the scene by other KSP personnel, Tompkinsville P.D. and Monroe County EMS. 

On Thursday, October 14, 2021 at 1:31amCT, Deputy Kenny Perkins arrested 22-year-old Trayton Coe of Adair County on charges of Trafficking in a Controlled Substance 1st degree (Methamphetamine), Possession of a Controlled Substance 1st degree (Drug Unspecified), Trafficking in Marijuana, and being a Fugitive from Justice. Coe also had outstanding warrants for his arrest from Missouri, with full extradition.

The Adair County Sheriffs office is continuing the investigation.

There were several arrests this morning in Adair County on Meth Charges…

Eron Davis, age 32, of Columbia, was taken into custody by Officer Burton with the Columbia Police Department just after 1:30 this morning, on charges of Trafficking in a Controlled Substance 1^st Degree, 1^st Offense (Meth), Drug Paraphernalia – Buy/Possession and Promoting Contraband – 1^st Degree.

Larry Taylor, age 41, of Columbia was arrested by Officer Burton just after 1 this morning for Trafficking in a Controlled Substance, 1^st Degree, 1^st Offense (Meth).

John Thompson, age 41, of Columbia, was arrested early this morning by Officer Burton for Trafficking in a Controlled Substance, 1^st Degree, 1^st Offense (Meth).

Brittany Stone, age 36, of Columbia was arrested by Officer Evans of the Columbia Police Department just after midnight for Trafficking in a Controlled Substance, 1^st Degree, 1^st Offense (Meth)

And Yolanda Sanchez, age 45 of Columbia was arrested by Officer Burton just after Midnight on charges of Trafficking in a Controlled Substance, 1^st Degree, 1^st Offense (Meth), Drug Paraphernalia – Buy/Possession, Trafficking in Marijuana (less than 8oz) 1^st Offense and Promoting Contraband – 1^st Degree.

All were lodged in the Adair County Regional Jail.

It was a busy night for the Russell Springs City Council on Thursday evening at their regular monthly meeting. Here's Mayor Eddie Thomas... 

IMPORTANT – Due to the continued increase in positive cases it may be several days before you are contacted by the health department. If you’ve tested positive for COVID19 please isolate yourself immediately, do NOT wait on a call from the health department. Please notify anyone you may have been in contact with so they can begin quarantine. Visit www.lcdhd.org for more specific COVID-19 guidance.

For the next few days we will be cleaning up our data to make it as accurate as possible. As such, some of our numbers may fluctuate while this is going on. We have had some key staff out of pocket for a few days and have identified a few areas to review, so we can make certain our data is as accurate as possible. Please bear with us.  Our numbers are continuing to trend down and we are very happy to see this progress!

Of today’s 192 reported cases, 161 (84%) were unvaccinated and 50 of today’s cases (26%) were in individuals 18 years of age or younger. Please take the necessary precautions to protect yourself and your loved ones. Consider getting the vaccine if you are eligible and haven’t, and wear a mask when in indoor settings where there are large crowds.

Statewide Testing Positivity Rate: 8%.

Deaths: We are sad to report 1 new death since our last report. We have experienced a total of 644 deaths resulting in a 1.64% mortality rate (about 1 in 61) among known cases. This compares with a 1.28% mortality rate at the state level and a 1.61% mortality rate at the national level. Our hearts and prayers go out to all the families and friends who have lost loved ones.

Hospitalizations: We presently have 84 cases in the hospital. This is 5 less than what we reported in our last report. We have had a total of 1,686 hospitalizations resulting in a 4.3% hospitalization rate (about 1 in 23) among known cases. The state hospitalization rate is 4.21%. The latest data shows that 94.83% of Lake Cumberland’s ICU beds are filled, and 30.26% of ventilator capacity is being utilized.

Total (Cumulative) Cases: The Lake Cumberland District has experienced a total of 39,202 cases since the onset of the outbreak. This means that 18.77% of our total population has been a confirmed case. However, we do not know how many additional people may have had COVID-19 and were either asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic and never tested. Of our total cases, 1.35% are reinfections, and 5.47% contracted the virus after being fully vaccinated (breakthrough cases). In the last week, 5.37% of our new cases were breakthrough cases.

Released (Not contagious) Cases: We released 153 cases since our last report from isolation. Released cases include: Adair: 19; Casey: 7; Clinton: 9; Cumberland: 9; Green: 6; McCreary: 13; Pulaski: 50; Russell: 12; Taylor: 18; and, Wayne: 10. In all, we have released 96.6% of our total cases.

Active (Current) Cases: Since our last report, we added 38 more cases than we had deceased and/or released cases. This leaves us with 688 active cases in our district across all 10 of our district’s 10 counties. On 09/03/2021 we were at our peak number of active cases, 1,770.

Where Did Cases Visit Prior to Isolation: The most common places cases visited prior to isolation are (in descending order): Schools, Businesses, Family, and Medical Facilities. Of our active cases, 10% can not be tied back to another known case (community-spread cases).

New Cases: We report that our total case count has increased by 192 since our last report. Our new cases (including suspect cases) are as follows: Adair: 21; Casey: 7; Clinton: 19; Cumberland: 15; Green: 8; McCreary: 17; Pulaski: 49; Russell: 15; Taylor: 28; and, Wayne: 13. Our current new case growth rate is: 1.00316. This means our total case count is projected to double every 219.67 days. The most new cases we ever added in a single day was on 09/07/2021 when we added 730 cases.

The death included in tonight’s (Wednesday) report was a Taylor County resident (unvaccinated). We are so very sorry for this family’s loss.

Again, we encourage our citizens to take the COVID-19 vaccine, which is safe and very effective. Of our 25,133 new cases since the vaccine started becoming available, almost 94.53% were unvaccinated.

Below are our area’s COVID-19 vaccination uptake rates compared to the state average (last updated 10/13/2021).

State – 62.00%
Taylor – 53.86%
Pulaski – 50.71%
Russell – 47.29%
Green – 42.45%
McCreary – 42.26%
Wayne – 42.11%
Cumberland – 41.79%
Clinton – 40.14%
Adair – 38.81%
Casey – 36.33%

For more statewide information click: statewide information.

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) advises motorists that on Monday, Oct. 18, contractors are scheduled to shift traffic on U.S. 127 in Russell County from the current driving lanes onto the newly constructed realigned portion of roadway. 

Traffic traveling U.S. 127 will be shifted onto the new driving lanes between Holt Road (mile point 7.8) located just south of KY 55, and Story Lane (mile point 10.5).

In addition, crews will temporarily close KY 55 to through traffic starting Monday between the intersection of U.S. 127 (mile point 0) and KY 2284 (mile point 0.5) as work takes places to realign KY 55 as it intersects with the new U.S. 127 alignment. A signed detour route will be posted via KY 2284. Work is expected to be complete and the KY 55 intersection reopened in 2 - 3 weeks. 

The speed limit will remain reduced to 45 mph as additional phases of work continue.

Motorist are advised to slow down and pay close attention to signage as they travel through the work zone. The dates may be adjusted for inclement weather or other unforeseeable delays. 

Motorists can access travel and traffic conditions at http://goky.ky.gov or contribute their own reports at www.waze.com or via the Waze mobile application.

Tray Coe, age 22, Bowling Green, was taken into custody by Deputy Perkins with the Adair County Sheriff’s Office just before 2:30 this morning. Coe was charged with Trafficking in a Controlled Substance, 1^st Degree, 1^st Offense (D.U. Drug Unspecified), Possession of Controlled Substance 1^st Degree, 1^st Offense (Drug Unspecified), Trafficking in Marijuana (over 5 lbs) 1^st Offense and Operating a Motor Vehicle Under the Influence Alcohol/Substance 2^nd.

He was lodged into the Adair County Regional Jail.

SOMERSET, Ky. (Oct. 13, 2021) – The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) District 8 Office advises motorists that the Louie B. Nunn Cumberland Expressway at the Nancy interchange (Exit 78) in Pulaski County will be temporarily reduced to one lane starting tomorrow, Oct. 14, as crews perform routine bridge maintenance.

Lane closures will be in place 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day. Crews will be performing work both east and west bound having only one direction reduced to a signal lane at a time.

In addition, the speed limit will be reduced to 55 mph through the work zone.

All work is expected to be complete in approximately 4 weeks.

The dates and duration of the lane closures may be adjusted for inclement weather or other unforeseeable delays. Drivers should expect delays and are encouraged to allow extra time in reaching their destination.

For Kentucky’s latest traffic and travel information, visit goky.ky.gov or navigate traffic by downloading the free Waze app at www.waze.com. Motorists can also access traffic information for the District 8 counties at www.facebook.com/KYTCDistrict8 and at www.twitter.com/KYTCDistrict8.  

Cumberland Expressway will be reduced to one lane starting tomorrow at the Nancy interchange for routine bridge maintenance. Lane closures will be in place 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day. Speed limit will be reduced to 55 mph through the work zone. Closures expected to last 4 weeks. https://t.co/spJWIic6Sr

• James Tudder, 50, of Russell Springs, KY was taken into custody by Trooper Begley of the Kentucky State Police on Tuesday afternoon for Drug Paraphernalia Buy/Possession, Possession of Methamphetamine, and Tampering with Physical Evidence. He was lodged in the Russell County Detention Center.

• Timothy Wray, 22, of Breeding, KY was arrested by Officer Cary with the Burkesville Police Department early Wednesday morning. Wray was charged with Criminal Mischief, 2^nd Degree.
• William Riggins, 27, was taken into custody just before midnight by Deputy Perkins with the Adair County Sheriff’s Office. Riggins was charged with Criminal Mischief 3^rd Degree and Criminal Trespassing – 3^rd Degree.
• Brandy Roberson, 33, of Columbia, KY was arrested by Deputy Hitch with the Adair County Sheriff’s Office on Tuesday night for Criminal Trespassing 3^rd Degree and Public Intoxication of a Controlled Substance (Excludes Alcohol).
• Cindy G. Smith, 47, of Columbia, KY was arrested on Wednesday by CPD for Promoting Contraband

All 4 were lodged in the Adair County Regional Jail.

IMPORTANT – Due to the continued increase in positive cases it may be several days before you are contacted by the health department. If you’ve tested positive for COVID19 please isolate yourself immediately, do NOT wait on a call from the health department. Please notify anyone you may have been in contact with so they can begin quarantine. Visit www.lcdhd.org for more specific COVID-19 guidance.

For the next few days we will be cleaning up our data to make it as accurate as possible. As such, some of our numbers may fluctuate while this is going on. We have had some key staff out of pocket for a few days and have identified a few areas to review, so we can make certain our data is as accurate as possible. Please bear with us.  Our numbers are continuing to trend down and we are very happy to see this progress!

Of today’s 145 reported cases, 128 (90%) were unvaccinated and 35 of today’s cases (24%) were in individuals 18 years of age or younger. Please take the necessary precautions to protect yourself and your loved ones. Consider getting the vaccine if you are eligible and haven’t, and wear a mask when in indoor settings where there are large crowds.

Statewide Testing Positivity Rate: 8.26%.

Deaths: We are sad to report 3 new deaths since our last report. The deaths include a Pulaski County resident (unvaccinated), a McCreary County resident (unvaccinated) and a Russell County resident (unvaccinated). We have experienced a total of 636 deaths resulting in a 1.64% mortality rate (about 1 in 61) among known cases. This compares with a 1.28% mortality rate at the state level and a 1.61% mortality rate at the national level. 

Hospitalizations: We presently have 87 cases in the hospital. This is 6 more than what we reported in our last report. We have had a total of 1,674 hospitalizations resulting in a 4.31% hospitalization rate (about 1 in 23) among known cases. The state hospitalization rate is 4.21%. The latest data shows that 89.19% of Lake Cumberland’s ICU beds are filled, and 28.77% of ventilator capacity is being utilized.

Total (Cumulative) Cases: The Lake Cumberland District has experienced a total of 38,807 cases since the onset of the outbreak. This means that 18.58% of our total population has been a confirmed case. However, we do not know how many additional people may have had COVID-19 and were either asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic and never tested. Of our total cases, 1.35% are reinfections, and 5.45% contracted the virus after being fully vaccinated (breakthrough cases). In the last week, 4.38% of our new cases were breakthrough cases.

Released (Not contagious) Cases: We released 582 cases since our last report from isolation. Released cases include: Adair: 48; Casey: 44; Clinton: 29; Cumberland: 23; Green: 45; McCreary: 77; Pulaski: 158; Russell: 35; Taylor: 77; and, Wayne: 46. In all, we have released 96.7% of our total cases.

Active (Current) Cases: Taking into account deaths and releases, our active cases decreased by 442 more than the new cases we added since our last report. This leaves us with 627 active cases in our district across all 10 of our district’s 10 counties. On 09/03/2021 we were at our peak number of active cases, 1,800.

Where Did Cases Visit Prior to Isolation: The most common places cases visited prior to isolation are (in descending order): Businesses, Schools, Family, and Medical Facilities. Of our active cases, 20% can not be tied back to another known case (community-spread cases).

New Cases: We report that our total case count has increased by 143 since our last report. Our new cases (including suspect cases) are as follows: Adair: 9; Casey: 7; Clinton: 14; Cumberland: 4; Green: 7; McCreary: 20; Pulaski: 43; Russell: 11; Taylor: 17; and, Wayne: 11. Our current new case growth rate is: 1.00341. This means our total case count is projected to double every 203.36 days. The most new cases we ever added in a single day was on 09/07/2021 when we added 730 cases.

Again, we encourage our citizens to take the COVID-19 vaccine, which is safe and very effective. Of our 24,738 new cases since the vaccine started becoming available, almost 94.55% were unvaccinated.

Below are our area’s COVID-19 vaccination uptake rates compared to the state average (last updated 10/6/2021).

State – 61.00%
Taylor – 53.53%
Pulaski – 50.13%
Russell – 47.08%
Green – 42.15%
McCreary – 41.86%
Wayne – 41.78%
Cumberland – 41.58%
Clinton – 39.80%
Adair – 38.60%
Casey – 36.08%

For more statewide information click: statewide information.

On Saturday, October 9, 2021 Adair County Deputy Tracy McCarol was dispatched to a single vehicle collision 4 miles east of Columbia on KY 80. The preliminary investigation shows that the operator, 19-year-old Kenneth Montgomery of Jamestown, KY was operating a 2007 Ford passenger car traveling west, when he dropped off the shoulder of the roadway. Montgomery lost control of the auto and overcorrected with the vehicle rolling over multiple times.

Montgomery and two passengers: 17-year-old Alex Gaskins and 17-year-old Justin Cox, were transported to TJ Health Columbia by Adair EMS for treatment of their injuries. 

The Adair County Sheriffs Office is continuing the investigation. 

Cody Gaines, age 22, was arrested by officer Necessary just after 12 noon on Monday. Gaines was charged with Criminal Tresspassing-3^rd Degree, Fleeing or Evading Police, 2^nd Degree (on foot), Resisting Arrest and Disorderly Conduct, 2^nd Degree. He was lodged into the Russell County Detention Center.

Michael Groce, age 57, of Burkesville, was taken into custody by Officer Williams with the Burkesville Police Department, just after 9 last evening. Groce was charged with Disregarding a Stop Sign, Failure to Improper Signal, No Registration Plates, No Registration Receipt, Possession of a Controlled Substance 1^st Degree, 1^st Offense (Meth, Possession of Marijuana and Drug Paraphernalia – Buy/Possession. He was lodged into the Adair County Regional Jail.  

On Monday, October 11, 2021 Columbia Police attempted to initiate a traffic stop on a motorcycle on Wright Drive, however the driver would not stop and attempted to elude Officers. The operator made his way from Wright Drive through multiple side streets as well as turning onto Jamestown Street traveling at a high rate of speed and passing other motorists. 

Columbia Police Officers and the Adair County Sheriffs Office maintained visual of the motorcycle until the subject wrecked on Knifley Road (Highway 551).

Adair EMS responded to the scene and checked the operator out on site before he was taken into custody. 

James Haselwood, 38, of Columbia is facing multiple charges including fleeing and evading police, wanton endangerment 1st degree, possession of drug paraphernalia, and numerous traffic violations. 

The Russell County Fiscal Court met tonight for their regular monthly meeting

Judge Gary Robertson tells WAVE NEWS what took place... 

The Adair County Fiscal Court will meet in regular session on Tuesday, October 12, 2021 at 6:00pmCT at the Jim Blair Center located at 901 Hudson Street, Columbia, KY. The public is invited to attend. There will be NO Facebook Live.

AGENDA

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

PRAYER

CALL TO ORDER

ROLL CALL 
   

1.  APPROVAL OF AGENDA
2.  APPROVAL OF MINUTES

• Special Called Meeting – September 27, 2021
   

3.  DISBURSEMENTS

4.  REPORTS

• SHERIFF’S REPORT
• ROAD DEPARTMENT REPORT
• G.R.A.S. REPORT
• COMMITTEE REPORTS
• JAIL REPORT

5.  TREASURER'S REPORT

6.  BUDGET AMENDMENTS
 

7.  BUDGET TRANSFERS

• LINE TO LINE TRANSFERS
• FUND TO FUND TRANSFERS
• QUARTER REPORT                       

8.  COURT ORDERS

9.  READING OF ROADS
 

10.   ACTION ITEMS: 

• ANIMAL ORDINANCE-2^ND READING
• ANIMAL SHELTER AIR CONDITIONER/HEAT
• SHERIFF OFFICE-PERMISSION TO REMOVE A WALL
• EXTENSION BOARD APPOINTMENTS
• AMEND PROCUREMENT POLICY-2^ND READING
• SHERIFF VEHICLE BIDS AND POSSIBLE AWARD
• QUOTES FROM FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS FOR SHERIFF’S VEHICLES
• BIDS FOR OUTFITTING SHERIFF VEHICLES AND POSSIBLE AWARD
• LIBRARY BOARD APPOINTMENTS
• 911 FULL-TIME HIRES
• WATERLINE EASEMENT ON ANDERSON RD.-2^ND READING
• PERMISSION TO APPLY FOR THE 2022 LITTER ABATEMENT GRANT 
• DUO COUNTY BROADBAND PROJECT
• SHERIFF VEHICLE PAYOFF AMOUNT

11.   OTHER BUSINESS

12.  PUBLIC COMMENTS

13.   ADJOURN  

As of 1:55 p.m. on Sunday, October 10, 2021 the boil water advisory for customers from 1662 Highway 55 South to 2850 Highway 55 South, Creekbend Drive, Morrison Road, Marvin Jones Road, State Park Road, Cox Road and Conover Lane has been lifted by the Division of Water Columbia office. This means your water is safe for human consumption. You no longer have to boil your water.

Joey Murphy, age 40, of Columbia was arrested by Trooper Ford of the Kentucky State Police just after 9:30 last evening. Murphy was charged with Theft by Unlawful Taking or Disposition (all others) over $10,000 dollars and lodged in the Russell County Detention Center.

Norma Brown, age 41, of Columbia, was taken into custody by Trooper Poole with the Kentucky State Police on Sunday evening. Brown was charged with Possession of Marijuana, Possession of a Controlled Substance, 1^st Degree, 1^st Offense (Meth), Drug Paraphernalia – Buy/Possession and Contempt of Court Libel/Slander Resistance to Order. Brown was lodged in the Adair County Regional Jail.

From Superintendent Michael Ford...

Russell County School District...

Teachers only on Monday; students return to school on Tuesday. 

• Melanie Anne Graham, 36, of Louisville, KY - arrested Sunday morning by CPD and charged with Manslaughter 2nd degree.
• Bradley Graham, 36, of Louisville, KY - arrested Sunday morning by CPD for Reckless Homicide and 2 counts of Contempt of Court.
• Tyler Scott Grooms, 30, of Columbia, KY - arrested on Friday night by ACSO for Operating on a Suspended or Revoked Operators License and Unauthorized Use of Motor Vehicle.
• Charles Dallas Neal, 36, of Columbia, KY - arrested on Friday night by ACSO for Public Intoxication of a Controlled Substance (Excluding Alcohol).

• Nicklas Allen Kelsay, 21, of RS - arrested on Sunday morning by RCSO for Public Intoxication, Resisting Arrest, Disorderly Conduct, Menacing, Terroristic Threatening 3rd degree, and Criminal Mischief 3rd degree.

IMPORTANT – Due to the continued increase in positive cases it may be several days before you are contacted by the health department. If you’ve tested positive for COVID19 please isolate yourself immediately, do NOT wait on a call from the health department. Please notify anyone you may have been in contact with so they can begin quarantine. Visit www.lcdhd.org for more specific COVID-19 guidance.

Of today’s 135 reported cases, 116 (86%) were unvaccinated and 27 of today’s cases (20%) were in individuals 18 years of age or younger. Please take the necessary precautions to protect yourself and your loved ones. Consider getting the vaccine if you are eligible and haven’t, and wear a mask when in indoor settings where there are large crowds.

Statewide Testing Positivity Rate: 8.49%.

Deaths: We are pleased to report no new deaths since our last report. We have experienced a total of 633 deaths resulting in a 1.64% mortality rate (about 1 in 61) among known cases. This compares with a 1.27% mortality rate at the state level and a 1.61% mortality rate at the national level.

Hospitalizations: We presently have 81 cases in the hospital. This is equal to what we reported in our last report. We have had a total of 1,665 hospitalizations resulting in a 4.31% hospitalization rate (about 1 in 23) among known cases. The state hospitalization rate is 4.2%. The latest data shows that 56.9% of Lake Cumberland’s ICU beds are filled, and 93.88% of ventilator capacity is being utilized.

Total (Cumulative) Cases: The Lake Cumberland District has experienced a total of 38,664 cases since the onset of the outbreak. This means that 18.51% of our total population has been a confirmed case. However, we do not know how many additional people may have had COVID-19 and were either asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic and never tested. Of our total cases, 1.34% are reinfections, and 5.45% contracted the virus after being fully vaccinated (breakthrough cases). In the last week, 4.84% of our new cases were breakthrough cases.

Released (Not contagious) Cases: We released 24 cases since our last report from isolation. Released cases include: Adair: 8; Clinton: -11; Cumberland: -1; Green: 7; McCreary: 3; Pulaski: -16; Russell: 14; Taylor: 24; and, Wayne: -4. In all, we have released 95.6% of our total cases.

Active (Current) Cases: Since our last report, we added 111 more cases than we had deceased and/or released cases. This leaves us with 1,069 active cases in our district across all 10 of our district’s 10 counties. On 09/03/2021 we were at our peak number of active cases, 1,800.

Where Did Cases Visit Prior to Isolation: The most common places cases visited prior to isolation are (in descending order): Businesses, Schools, Family, and Long-term Care/Residential Facilities. Of our active cases, 20% can not be tied back to another known case (community-spread cases).

New Cases: We report that our total case count has increased by 135 since our last report. Our new cases (including suspect cases) are as follows: Adair: 23; Casey: 9; Clinton: 11; Cumberland: 6; Green: 10; McCreary: 16; Pulaski: 24; Russell: 21; Taylor: 9; and, Wayne: 6. Our current new case growth rate is: 1.00413. This means our total case count is projected to double every 168.31 days. The most new cases we ever added in a single day was on 09/07/2021 when we added 730 cases.

Again, we encourage our citizens to take the COVID-19 vaccine, which is safe and very effective. Of our 24,595 new cases since the vaccine started becoming available, almost 94.55% were unvaccinated.

Below are our area’s COVID-19 vaccination uptake rates compared to the state average (last updated 10/6/2021).

State – 61.00%
Taylor – 53.53%
Pulaski – 50.13%
Russell – 47.08%
Green – 42.15%
McCreary – 41.86%
Wayne – 41.78%
Cumberland – 41.58%
Clinton – 39.80%
Adair – 38.60%
Casey – 36.08%

For more statewide information click: statewide information.

Of today’s 188 reported cases, 167 (89%) were unvaccinated and 31 of today’s cases (16%) were in individuals 18 years of age or younger. Please take the necessary precautions to protect yourself and your loved ones. Consider getting the vaccine if you are eligible and haven’t, and wear a mask when in indoor settings where there are large crowds.

Statewide Testing Positivity Rate: 8.67%.

Deaths: We are happy to report no new deaths since our last report. We have experienced a total of 633 deaths resulting in a 1.64% mortality rate (about 1 in 61) among known cases. This compares with a 1.27% mortality rate at the state level and a 1.61% mortality rate at the national level.

Hospitalizations: We presently have 81 cases in the hospital. This is 1 more than what we reported in our last report. We have had a total of 1,664 hospitalizations resulting in a 4.32% hospitalization rate (about 1 in 23) among known cases. The state hospitalization rate is 4.21%. The latest data shows that 96.3% of Lake Cumberland’s ICU beds are filled, and 30.67% of ventilator capacity is being utilized.

Total (Cumulative) Cases: The Lake Cumberland District has experienced a total of 38,529 cases since the onset of the outbreak. This means that 18.44% of our total population has been a confirmed case. However, we do not know how many additional people may have had COVID-19 and were either asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic and never tested. Of our total cases, 1.33% are reinfections, and 5.47% contracted the virus after being fully vaccinated (breakthrough cases). In the last week, 5.64% of our new cases were breakthrough cases.

Released (Not contagious) Cases: We released 231 cases since our last report from isolation. Released cases include: Adair: 14; Casey: 19; Clinton: 17; Cumberland: 9; Green: 13; McCreary: 16; Pulaski: 86; Russell: 13; Taylor: 22; and, Wayne: 22. In all, we have released 95.9% of our total cases.

Active (Current) Cases: Taking into account deaths and releases, our active cases decreased by 43 more than the new cases we added since our last report. This leaves us with 958 active cases in our district across all 10 of our district’s 10 counties. On 09/03/2021 we were at our peak number of active cases, 1,804.

Where Did Cases Visit Prior to Isolation: The most common places cases visited prior to isolation are (in descending order): Businesses, Schools, Family, and Medical Facilities. Of our active cases, 16% can not be tied back to another known case (community-spread cases).

New Cases: We report that our total case count has increased by 188 since our last report. Our new cases (including suspect cases) are as follows: Adair: 22; Casey: 8; Clinton: 12; Cumberland: 4; Green: 10; McCreary: 26; Pulaski: 45; Russell: 12; Taylor: 35; and, Wayne: 14. Our current new case growth rate is: 1.00473. This means our total case count is projected to double every 146.94 days. The most new cases we ever added in a single day was on 09/07/2021 when we added 730 cases.

Again, we encourage our citizens to take the COVID-19 vaccine, which is safe and very effective. Of our 24,460 new cases since the vaccine started becoming available, almost 94.53% were unvaccinated.

Below are our area’s COVID-19 vaccination uptake rates compared to the state average (last updated 10/6/2021).

State – 61.00%
Taylor – 53.53%
Pulaski – 50.13%
Russell – 47.08%
Green – 42.15%
McCreary – 41.86%
Wayne – 41.78%
Cumberland – 41.58%
Clinton – 39.80%
Adair – 38.60%
Casey – 36.08%

For more statewide information click: statewide information.

Area Arrest 10-8-21

William Riggins, age 27, of Russell Springs, was taken into custody by Deputy Staten of the Adair County Sheriff’s Office just after 10 last night. Riggins was charged with Criminal Trespass-1^st Degree and Criminal Mischief 3^rd Degree.  

Dallas Hayes, age 30, of Burkesville was taken into custody just after 8 last evening by Officer Groce with the Burkesville Police Department. Hayes was charged with Criminal Trespass-1^st Degree.

Joshua Vibbert, age 38, of Burkesville was arrested by Trooper Lunz of the Kentucky State Police just before 6:30 last evening. Vibbert was charged with Wanton Endangerment-1^st Degree.

All were lodged into the Adair County Regional Jail…

• WELCOME, PLEDGE & OPENING PRAYER 
• MINUTES 
• PAY BILLS 
• DETENTION CENTER REPORT 
• SHERIFF’S REPORT 
• TREASURER’S MONTHLY & QUARTERLY SETTLEMENT REPORTS & PRE-APPROVED AE TRANSFERS 
• TRANSFER $1,276.21 FROM DISPATCH FUND TO AMBULANCE SERVICE – ENHANCED MEDICAID 
• JANETTE MARSON – 2020 TOURISM ECONOMIC IMPACT 
• JEFF DICK – KY TRANSPORTATION CABINET DISTRICT 8 
• LAKE CUMBERLAND AREA DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT/DUO COUNTY – BROADBAND GRANT 
• HALLOWEEN HOURS 
• OTHER BUSINESS 
• ADJOURN 

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IMPORTANT – Due to the continued increase in positive cases it may be several days before you are contacted by the health department. If you’ve tested positive for COVID19 please isolate yourself immediately, do NOT wait on a call from the health department. Please notify anyone you may have been in contact with so they can begin quarantine. Visit www.lcdhd.org for more specific COVID-19 guidance.

Of today’s 220 reported cases, 191 (87%) were unvaccinated and 42 of today’s cases (19%) were in individuals 18 years of age or younger. Please take the necessary precautions to protect yourself and your loved ones. Consider getting the vaccine if you are eligible and haven’t, and wear a mask when in indoor settings where there are large crowds.

Statewide Testing Positivity Rate: 9.11%.

Deaths: We are sad to report 5 new deaths since our last report. We have experienced a total of 633 deaths resulting in a 1.65% mortality rate (about 1 in 61) among known cases. This compares with a 1.27% mortality rate at the state level and a 1.61% mortality rate at the national level. Our hearts and prayers go out to all the families and friends who have lost loved ones.

Hospitalizations: We presently have 80 cases in the hospital. This is 2 more than what we reported in our last report. We have had a total of 1,663 hospitalizations resulting in a 4.34% hospitalization rate (about 1 in 23) among known cases. The state hospitalization rate is 4.2%. The latest data shows that 98% of Lake Cumberland’s ICU beds are filled, and 35.14% of ventilator capacity is being utilized.

Total (Cumulative) Cases: The Lake Cumberland District has experienced a total of 38,341 cases since the onset of the outbreak. This means that 18.35% of our total population has been a confirmed case. However, we do not know how many additional people may have had COVID-19 and were either asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic and never tested. Of our total cases, 1.33% are reinfections, and 5.5% contracted the virus after being fully vaccinated (breakthrough cases). In the last week, 6.23% of our new cases were breakthrough cases.

Released (Not contagious) Cases: We released 147 cases since our last report from isolation. Released cases include: Adair: 10; Casey: 17; Clinton: 11; Cumberland: 1; Green: 17; McCreary: 12; Pulaski: 29; Russell: 22; Taylor: 13; and, Wayne: 15. In all, we have released 95.7% of our total cases.

Active (Current) Cases: Since our last report, we added 67 more cases than we had deceased and/or released cases. This leaves us with 1,001 active cases in our district across all 10 of our district’s 10 counties. On 09/03/2021 we were at our peak number of active cases, 1,805.

Where Did Cases Visit Prior to Isolation: The most common places cases visited prior to isolation are (in descending order): Schools, Businesses, Family, and Long-term Care/Residential Facilities. Of our active cases, 12% can not be tied back to another known case (community-spread cases).

New Cases: We report that our total case count has increased by 219 since our last report. Our new cases (including suspect cases) are as follows: Adair: 8; Casey: 30; Clinton: 9; Cumberland: 4; Green: 16; McCreary: 26; Pulaski: 67; Russell: 12; Taylor: 29; and, Wayne: 18. Our current new case growth rate is: 1.00514. This means our total case count is projected to double every 135.15 days. The most new cases we ever added in a single day was on 09/07/2021 when we added 730 cases.

A duplicate case for McCreary County was deleted today.

The 5 deaths reported today include two Adair County residents (one vaccinated and one unvaccinated), one Casey County resident (vaccinated), one Russell County resident (unvaccinated), and one Taylor County resident (unvaccinated). We are so very sorry for these losses.

Again, we encourage our citizens to take the COVID-19 vaccine, which is safe and very effective. Of our 24,272 new cases since the vaccine started becoming available, almost 94.50% were unvaccinated.

Below are our area’s COVID-19 vaccination uptake rates compared to the state average.

State – 61.00%
Taylor – 53.53%
Pulaski – 50.13%
Russell – 47.08%
Green – 42.15%
McCreary – 41.86%
Wayne – 41.78%
Cumberland – 41.58%
Clinton – 39.80%
Adair – 38.60%
Casey – 36.08%

For more statewide information click: statewide information.

Call 1-855-598-2246, or visit vaccine.ky.gov to find out if you are eligible and where you can receive the vaccine.

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Oct. 7, 2021) – On Thursday during his weekly Team Kentucky update, Gov. Andy Beshear said due to increased vaccinations and more Kentuckians wearing masks indoors, the commonwealth continues to see a decline in COVID-19 cases, test positivity rate, hospitalizations, ICU admittances and ventilator use, while the state’s economy thrives.

“Building on last week’s monumental economic development news, companies continue to invest in our state and create quality job opportunities,” said Gov. Beshear. “We know that our future is right now.”

QSR Automations Opens New Global Headquarters, Tech Campus in Louisville
Today, Gov. Beshear congratulated leaders at QSR Automations Inc., a technology developer for the restaurant and hospitality industries, on the opening of the company’s new global headquarters and tech campus, an approximately $10 million investment that will create 30 new jobs and relocate 130 employees previously based across multiple facilities. To learn more, see the full release.

Small Business Program Helps Create 211 Jobs Across Commonwealth
Gov. Beshear announced 64 small businesses leveraged the Kentucky Small Business Tax Credit, or KSBTC, program to create 211 full-time jobs and reinvest $2.1 million into their operations year-to-date. To learn more, see the full release.

Manufacturing Month Spotlights Rapidly Growing Sector
Kentucky’s economy is growing at a record-breaking pace, and the state’s manufacturing sector stands at the center of that success. This week, Gov. Beshear issued a proclamation designating October as Manufacturing Month in the commonwealth, recognizing the sector’s nearly 5,000 facilities across the state. Kentucky manufacturers help position communities in every corner of the state for future growth, employing more than 250,000 people and providing high wages and upward mobility for Kentucky families. To learn more, see the full release.

“It’s fitting that we mark Manufacturing Month just days after leaders with Ford Motor Co. and SK Innovation were here to celebrate the largest capital investment and biggest jobs announcement in our state’s history,” said Gov. Beshear. “The auto industry is undergoing a tectonic shift toward electric vehicles, and these companies are betting their future on Kentucky. We will not let them down. Ford is ninth on the Fortune 500 list, and when they had to take the biggest step since the Model T, who did they choose to take it with? They chose us.”

COVID-19 Update
The Governor said Kentucky has now surpassed 9,000 deaths due to COVID-19, more than the state has lost in any modern war.

“While we are all excited about the trends and where we’re going, let’s remember that we’re going to live with these scars and trauma and loss for a long time. Let’s make sure that we give ourselves space and do something about it. And the No. 1 thing we can do is get vaccinated,” said Gov. Beshear.

From March 1 to Oct. 6, 2021, 85.1% of COVID-19 cases, 91.2% of COVID-19 hospitalizations and 82.8% of COVID-19 deaths have been among partially vaccinated or unvaccinated Kentuckians.

From March 2020 to May 2021, 74% of all COVID-19 deaths in the commonwealth were among those 70 and older; from June 1 to Oct. 6, 2021, only 47% of deaths were among those 70 and older.

“Even if you think you’re young enough to battle this thing off, if you are unvaccinated, you are in trouble,” said Gov. Beshear. “This thing is that deadly – please go out and get that shot. There’s a lot of protection if you are vaccinated.”

As of today, 148 adult ICU beds are available in the commonwealth. There are 16 pediatric patients hospitalized due to COVID-19; six are in the ICU; and four are on a ventilator.

“As a dad, I know every time your kids are hurt, it’s a panic inside you,” said Gov. Beshear. “If people say, ‘It’s only four kids on a ventilator’ – no. It’s four. And that is far too many.”

Governor Announces Social Media Challenge
The Governor said next week he wants to hear from people across the state on why they are proud to be Kentuckians.

“Let me tell you, I am proud to be a Kentuckian. I am proud of your work during this entire pandemic. Getting up each and every day, doing the right thing to protect the lives of our people,” said Gov. Beshear. “So on social media next week, share why you’re proud to be a Kentuckian using  #TeamKentucky. Let’s get that positive news going around again like we did 19 months ago. Let’s come together and celebrate how far we’ve come as a commonwealth.”

Team Kentucky All-Stars
Today, Gov. Beshear honored Holocaust survivor and Appalachian civil rights attorney John Rosenberg, as well as his wife, Jean, and their two children, as Team Kentucky All-Stars. The Governor thanked the Rosenberg family for their 50-plus years of extraordinary service to Team Kentucky, and in particular, Eastern Kentucky.

When John was just 7 years old, he and his family were kidnapped by Nazi soldiers from their apartment in Germany. They spent months in a detention camp but were able to escape to the United States in February 1940.

“What’s so remarkable about John is that he took one of the most traumatic, horrific experiences anyone could go through, and he turned his anger and pain into a lifetime of compassion and service,” said Gov. Beshear.

Before moving to Kentucky, John Rosenberg served our country in the U.S. Air Force and at the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) as section chief in the Civil Rights Division. In the summer of 1970, John and Jean Rosenberg – who also served at DOJ at the time – decided to move their young family and began a road trip across Canada and the United States.

“Fortunately for us, that road trip ended in Prestonsburg, Kentucky, and the Rosenbergs never left. They knew Eastern Kentucky was their new home and have strived to make a difference in their community ever since,” said Gov. Beshear.

John Rosenberg founded AppalReD of Kentucky, or the Appalachian Research and Defense Fund, which has provided free, high-quality legal services to thousands of low-income or vulnerable families in 37 counties in Eastern and South Central Kentucky. He served as director for three decades before his retirement. He also helped establish the Appalachian Citizens’ Law Center in Whitesburg. Jean Rosenberg founded the East Kentucky Science Center and Planetarium, and together the couple has inspired their children to continue the family’s legacy in public service.

A federal grand jury in Louisville, KY returned an indictment on October 5, 2021, charging a Columbia, KY man with distributing greater than 500 grams of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine.

According to court documents, on September 10, 2021 Trey Williams, 25, of Columbia, KY sold approximately 6 pounds of crystal methamphetamine to another person. The sale price was $23,300.00. Following the sale, FBI and local law enforcement conducted surveillance at the apartments where the drug deal took place. Law enforcement was able to locate Williams and arrested him.

Williams is charged with Distribution of a Controlled Substance. He is scheduled for arraignment on October 27, 2021 before U.S. Magistrate Judge H. Brent Brennenstuhl of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Kentucky. Williams is currently in federal custody. If convicted, he faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Acting U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett and FBI Special Agent in Charge Jodi Cohen made the announcement.

The FBI, Kentucky State Police, and the Bowling Green/Warren County Drug Task Force are investigating the case.

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

An indictment is merely an allegation and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

A Celina, Tennessee woman was arrested on drug and other charges on Wednesday in Cumberland County.

Tiffany Anderson, age 37, was arrested by Cumberland County Deputy Sheriff Daniels yesterday afternoon. She was charged with Careless Driving, Disregarding Stop Sign, Operating Motor Vehicle under Influence of Alcohol .08 – 1^st (Aggravated Circumstances), Failure of Owner to Maintain Required Insurance, 1^st Offense, Possession of Marijuana and Failure to Wear Seatbelt. 
 

She was lodged in the Adair County Regional Jail.

Of today’s 237 reported cases, 198 (84%) were unvaccinated and 45 of today’s cases (19%) were in individuals 18 years of age or younger. Please take the necessary precautions to protect yourself and your loved ones. Consider getting the vaccine if you are eligible and haven’t, and wear a mask when in indoor settings where there are large crowds.

Statewide Testing Positivity Rate: 9.13%.

Deaths: We regret we must report 5 new deaths since our last report. We have experienced a total of 628 deaths resulting in a 1.65% mortality rate (about 1 in 61) among known cases. This compares with a 1.27% mortality rate at the state level and a 1.6% mortality rate at the national level. Our hearts and prayers go out to all the families and friends who have lost loved ones.

Hospitalizations: We presently have 78 cases in the hospital. This is 3 more than what we reported in our last report. We have had a total of 1,660 hospitalizations resulting in a 4.35% hospitalization rate (about 1 in 23) among known cases. The state hospitalization rate is 4.18%. The latest data shows that 98% of Lake Cumberland’s ICU beds are filled, and 39.19% of ventilator capacity is being utilized.

Total (Cumulative) Cases: The Lake Cumberland District has experienced a total of 38,122 cases since the onset of the outbreak. This means that 18.25% of our total population has been a confirmed case. However, we do not know how many additional people may have had COVID-19 and were either asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic and never tested. Of our total cases, 1.32% are reinfections, and 5.47% contracted the virus after being fully vaccinated (breakthrough cases). In the last week, 6.18% of our new cases were breakthrough cases.

Released (Not contagious) Cases: We released 151 cases since our last report from isolation. Released cases include: Adair: 12; Casey: 16; Clinton: 8; Cumberland: 10; Green: 9; McCreary: 20; Pulaski: 29; Russell: 21; Taylor: 15; and, Wayne: 11. In all, we have released 95.9% of our total cases.

Active (Current) Cases: Since our last report, we added 81 more cases than we had deceased and/or released cases. This leaves us with 934 active cases in our district across all 10 of our district’s 10 counties. On 09/03/2021 we were at our peak number of active cases, 1,807.

Where Did Cases Visit Prior to Isolation: The most common places cases visited prior to isolation are (in descending order): Schools, Businesses, Family, and Long-term Care/Residential Facilities. Of our active cases, 14% can not be tied back to another known case (community-spread cases).

New Cases: We report that our total case count has increased by 237 since our last report. Our new cases (including suspect cases) are as follows: Adair: 16; Casey: 23; Clinton: 15; Cumberland: 5; Green: 13; McCreary: 28; Pulaski: 54; Russell: 20; Taylor: 41; and, Wayne: 22. Our current new case growth rate is: 1.00552. This means our total case count is projected to double every 125.81 days. The most new cases we ever added in a single day was on 09/07/2021 when we added 730 cases.

A duplicate case for Adair County was deleted today.

The five deaths reported today include one Clinton County resident (unvaccinated), one Green County resident (unvaccinated), one Russell County resident (unvaccinated), and two Pulaski County residents (one vaccinated and one unvaccinated). We are so very sorry for these losses.

Again, we encourage our citizens to take the COVID-19 vaccine, which is safe and very effective. Of our 24,053 new cases since the vaccine started becoming available, almost 94.53% were unvaccinated.

Below are our area’s COVID-19 vaccination uptake rates compared to the state average (last updated 10/1/2021).

State – 60.00%
Taylor – 53.19%
Pulaski – 49.73%
Russell – 46.66%
Green – 41.77%
McCreary – 41.41%
Wayne – 41.34%
Cumberland – 41.19%
Clinton – 39.25%
Adair – 38.24%
Casey – 35.74%

For more statewide information click: statewide information.

Ronald Litteral, 31, of Russell Springs, KY - arrested by KSP on Wednesday morning for Failure to Wear Seatbelt, Possession of Methamphetamine, Marijuana, and Drug Paraphernalia, Obstructed Vision/Windshield, Failure to Produce Insurance Card, and Contempt of Court. He was lodged in the Russell County Detention Center.

Due to the annual banquet being held on THURSDAY, OCTOBER 28th, there will be NO CHAMBER MEETING in October.  

All offices in the Adair County Annex Building will be closing to the public at 1:00 p.m. on Friday October 8, 2021.  The square will be blocked off to traffic at 12:00 noon per Chief Junior Murphy with the Columbia Police Department, to begin set up for the Downtown Days Festival.

We encourage everyone to come out and support the festival and support our local business and vendors.

Early Wednesday morning, October 6, 2021 Columbia Police responded to FiveStar on Burksville Street in Columbia, KY after being dispatched to an individual who was passed out at a gas pump. Upon arrival, Officers made contact with the female and determined she was under the influence. Drug paraphernalia was also located inside the vehicle.

The Kentucky State Police (KSP) Electronic Crime Branch located and arrested William Brandon Combs, 27, on charges related to a child sexual abuse material investigation.

Combs was interviewed and arrested as the result of an undercover Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) investigation. The KSP Electronic Crime Branch began the investigation after discovering the suspect communicating and exchanging sexually explicit images with juveniles online.

The investigation resulted in a search warrant at 134 Tateville Antioch Rd, Burnside, on October 5, 2021. Equipment used to facilitate the crime was seized and taken to KSP’s forensic laboratory for examination. The investigation is ongoing.

Combs is currently charged with one count of promoting a minor under the age of 16 in a sexual performance. This charge is a Class-B felony punishable by ten to twenty years in prison. Combs is also charged with five counts of possessing matter portraying a minor over the age of 12 in a sexual performance. This charge is a Class-D felony punishable by one to five years in prison. Combs was lodged in the Pulaski County Detention Center.

The Kentucky Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force is comprised of more than twenty-six local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. The mission of the ICAC Task Force, created by the United States Department of Justice and administrated by the Kentucky State Police, is to assist state and local law enforcement agencies in developing a response to cyber enticement and child sexual abuse material investigations. This support encompasses forensic and investigative components, training and technical assistance, victim services, prevention, and community education. The ICAC program was developed in response to the increasing number of children and teenagers using the internet, the proliferation of child sexual abuse material, and the heightened online activity of predators searching for unsupervised contact with underage victims.

Today, Gov. Andy Beshear and the Kentucky State Police (KSP) announced the largest academy class in seven years, including 100 cadets, reported to Frankfort Oct. 3. The new recruits include 87 traditional and 13 LEAP (law enforcement accelerated program) cadets. 

“Our troopers are the primary law enforcement officers for the state, often assisting local law enforcement, and serving in a multitude of situations, many of which are hard for most people to even imagine,” said Gov. Beshear. “On behalf of the commonwealth, thank you to these 100 men and women who have chosen to wear the badge of honor to create a better, safer Kentucky for all. Only a select few among us are called to serve our fellow brothers and sisters in this role and I am grateful to have each and every one of you sign up to join Team Kentucky.”

In Jan. 2021, the Governor announced that he was including $500,000 in his Better Kentucky Budget for KSP to expand its recruitment efforts, addressing the agency’s recruitment, retention and personnel needs.

KSP Commissioner Phillip Burnett, Jr. says the size of cadet class 101 is a direct result of the support the agency received from the Beshear-Coleman administration and Kentucky General Assembly.

“By strengthening KSP’s essential workforce, our agency is improving public safety, maintaining critical services and better reflecting the diverse communities we serve,” said Commissioner Burnett. “I am honored to have this new class start what I hope will be a long and fulfilling public safety career at KSP. A career focused on enhancing KSP’s mission of providing safety through service, integrity and professionalism.”

Traditional cadet classes include twenty-four weeks of basic training with more than 1,000 hours of classroom and field study in subjects such as constitutional law, juvenile and traffic law, use of force, weapons training, first aid, high speed vehicle pursuit, criminal investigation, computer literacy, hostage negotiations, evidence collection, radio procedures, search and seizure, crash investigation, drug identification, crowd control, armed robbery response, land navigation, electronic crimes, sex crimes, hate crimes, domestic violence, bomb threats, hazardous materials, implicit bias, race relations and social intelligence. LEAP class candidates attend the academy with at minimum two years of law enforcement experience and undergo an accelerated thirteen week academy.

“Our training is rigorous to meet the standards of today’s modern society,” Commissioner Burnett said. “We push them physically and mentally to prepare them for whatever circumstance they may face after graduation. The agency’s expectations are high because the citizens of Kentucky deserve a trooper who is highly trained and disciplined in their duties.” 

Cadet class 101 is tentatively scheduled to graduate in February of 2022.

The mission of KSP is to promote public safety through service, integrity and professionalism using partnerships to prevent, reduce and deter crime and the fear of crime, enhance highway safety through education and enforcement and safeguard property and protect individual rights.

The number one priority for KSP this year is creating a better Kentucky by making the commonwealth’s streets safer, communities stronger and the nation more secure by providing exceptional law enforcement made up of a diverse workforce. The agency’s recruiting efforts include the addition of minority troopers in the recruitment branch and a marketing initiative using micro-targeting to reach individuals from Kentucky’s 120 counties. The innovative digital ads were launched in unique venues, such as colleges and universities, outdoor billboards in rural communities, social media and streaming television platforms.

Additionally, KSP is also partnering with Dr. Aaron Thompson of the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education and Vikki Stone of the Kentucky Personnel Cabinet, and working closely with retired minority KSP Troopers, to further improve their diversity recruitment efforts.

“The agency is seeing positive results from the recruitment branch efforts, which has paid off with the largest cadet pool KSP has had in years,” said KSP Recruitment Branch Commander Sergeant Michael Murriell. “All of us are excited to watch this new group of men and women grow as they journey through their academy training.”

Individuals interested in becoming a trooper can visit www.JoinKSP.com. 

# # #

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Oct. 5, 2021) – Kentucky is promoting Operation Crash Reduction (OCR) to help drivers and passengers remember the importance of seat belt use and other safe driving practices.

Law enforcement will conduct a high-visibility enforcement campaign, emphasizing seat belt use, from Oct. 8 through Oct. 11 to save lives and prevent injuries due to traffic crashes.

“While drivers can never control who they share the road with, one thing within everyone’s control is the decision to buckle up and put the phone down every time you get in a vehicle to keep yourself safer no matter what,” said Gov. Andy Beshear.

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s (KYTC) Office of Highway Safety (KOHS), state and local law enforcement and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) are teaming up to support the operation.

“While we always encourage safe driving practices, this specialized campaign focuses on the importance of buckling up,” said KYTC Secretary Jim Gray. “If you are involved in a crash, properly fastened child seats and seat belts provide the best defense against injury or death.”

OCR is focused on NHTSA Region 3, consisting of Delaware, the District of Columbia, Kentucky, Maryland, North Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia — a region that sees some of the nation’s highest numbers of traffic deaths.

From 2015 to 2019, October was the most likely month for fatal crashes to occur in these states, with 1,785 total fatal crashes. In these fatal crashes, more than 46 percent of occupant deaths in passenger vehicles, trucks and buses were unrestrained. During that same period in these states, more fatal crashes occurred on Columbus Day weekend (253) than during the holiday periods of Thanksgiving or Memorial Day.

“For several years now, we have had this troubling trend in this East Coast region,” said NHTSA Regional Administrator Stephanie Hancock. “We know that speed, distraction and impairment are the root causes of most of the crashes in these states. However, seat belt and child safety seat use are your primary sources of protection in crashes caused by a speeding, impaired or distracted driver.”

Last year there were 270 injuries and eight deaths on Kentucky roadways during the Oct. 9-12 holiday weekend. “That is why we are working with NHTSA and our state and local law enforcement partners to encourage motorists to buckle up and put the phone down,” said Secretary Gray.

According to NHTSA, when worn correctly, seat belts reduce the risk of fatalities by 45 percent for front-seat vehicle occupants and by 60 percent for pickup truck, SUV and minivan occupants.

“Seat belts save lives,” said Hancock. “Everyone — front seat and back, child and adult — should remember to buckle up.”

For more information on seat belts, visit https://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/seat-belts.

Of today’s 332 reported cases, 287 (86%) were unvaccinated and 79 of today’s cases (24%) were in individuals 18 years of age or younger. Please take the necessary precautions to protect yourself and your loved ones. Consider getting the vaccine if you are eligible and haven’t, and wear a mask when in indoor settings where there are large crowds.

Statewide Testing Positivity Rate: 9.31%.

Deaths: We are sad to report 4 new deaths since our last report. We have experienced a total of 623 deaths resulting in a 1.64% mortality rate (about 1 in 61) among known cases. This compares with a 1.27% mortality rate at the state level and a 1.6% mortality rate at the national level. Our hearts and prayers go out to all the families and friends who have lost loved ones.

Hospitalizations: We presently have 75 cases in the hospital. This is 9 more than what we reported in our last report. We have had a total of 1,652 hospitalizations resulting in a 4.36% hospitalization rate (about 1 in 23) among known cases. The state hospitalization rate is 4.19%. The latest data shows that 55% of Lake Cumberland’s ICU beds are filled, and 37.5% of ventilator capacity is being utilized.

Total (Cumulative) Cases: The Lake Cumberland District has experienced a total of 37,885 cases since the onset of the outbreak. This means that 18.14% of our total population has been a confirmed case. However, we do not know how many additional people may have had COVID-19 and were either asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic and never tested. Of our total cases, 1.32% are reinfections, and 5.51% contracted the virus after being fully vaccinated (breakthrough cases). In the last week, 6.63% of our new cases were breakthrough cases.

Released (Not contagious) Cases: We released 619 cases since our last report from isolation. Released cases include: Adair: 41; Casey: 39; Clinton: 29; Cumberland: 8; Green: 51; McCreary: 103; Pulaski: 148; Russell: 49; Taylor: 61; and, Wayne: 90. In all, we have released 96.1% of our total cases.

Active (Current) Cases: Taking into account deaths and releases, our active cases decreased by 295 more than the new cases we added since our last report. This leaves us with 853 active cases in our district across all 10 of our district’s 10 counties. On 09/03/2021 we were at our peak number of active cases, 1,811.

Where Did Cases Visit Prior to Isolation: The most common places cases visited prior to isolation are (in descending order): Schools, Businesses, Family, and Medical Facilities. Of our active cases, 8% can not be tied back to another known case (community-spread cases).

New Cases: We report that our total case count has increased by 329 since our last report. Our new cases (including suspect cases) are as follows: Adair: 16; Casey: 25; Clinton: 4; Cumberland: 23; Green: 24; McCreary: 70; Pulaski: 99; Russell: 28; Taylor: 24; and, Wayne: 16. Our current new case growth rate is: 1.00605. This means our total case count is projected to double every 114.87 days. The most new cases we ever added in a single day was on 09/07/2021 when we added 730 cases.

A duplicate case for McCreary County was deleted today. Another case was moved from McCreary to Pulaski County when the address was verified. There was a duplicate case also removed from Adair County’s numbers, and another Adair County case was moved to a different jurisdiction outside of Lake Cumberland when the investigation was completed.

The deaths included in this report are one Adair County resident (unvaccinated), two Taylor County residents (both unvaccinated) and one Wayne County resident (unvaccinated). We are so very sorry for these losses.

Again, we encourage our citizens to take the COVID-19 vaccine, which is safe and very effective. Of our 23,816 new cases since the vaccine started becoming available, almost 94.49% were unvaccinated.

Below are our area’s COVID-19 vaccination uptake rates compared to the state average (last updated 10/1/2021).
 

• State – 60.00%
• Taylor – 53.19%
• Pulaski – 49.73%
• Russell – 46.66%
• Green – 41.77%
• McCreary – 41.41%
• Wayne – 41.34%
• Cumberland – 41.19%
• Clinton – 39.25%
• Adair – 38.24%
• Casey – 35.74%

For more statewide information click: statewide information.

Date Issued: 10/4/2021

Time Issued: 6:00 P.M.

A BOIL WATER ADVISORY is in effect for consumers of Columbia Adair Utilities District for customers from 601 Burkesville St. to 624 Tutt St., Bomar Heights and all side roads. The advisory has been issued due to main line leak. 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 3 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 Lennon Stone at  Columbia Adair Utilities District, 270-384-2181.

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) is issuing an "Antler Alert" to remind motorists that it’s peak season for highway collisions involving deer and other wildlife on the move.

“Shorter days and cooler nights, October through December, bring a noticeable increase in highway collisions involving deer,” KYTC Secretary Jim Gray said. “Drivers should be vigilant at all times, but the autumn presents a special challenge for drivers, with deer and other wildlife increasingly on the move, often at night.”

Every year, State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Co. issues a closely watched report of collisions involving deer and other wildlife, based on insurance claims. For the year that ended June 30, 2020, State Farm reported more than 1.9 million animal collision claims in the United States, of which 1.5 million involved deer.

On average, U.S. drivers have a 1 in 116 chance of a collision with an animal. Kentucky ranks above the national average and 18^th among the states at 1 chance in 88. Drivers in neighboring West Virginia run the highest risk – 1 in 37, according to State Farm. (View the report here.)

As the report notes, highway crash rates involving wildlife increase sharply in October, November and December with mating seasons, hunting seasons and fall harvests, which will prompt deer to roam in search of new hiding places and sources of food.

In Kentucky, 2,091 highway crashes involving deer were reported to police in 2020, according to a data base maintained by Kentucky State Police and closely followed by the KYTC Office of Highway Safety. Of that total, 123 occurred in Boone County – more than in any other county. Rounding out the 10 highest totals were Christian County (101), Hopkins County (95), Campbell County (93), Hardin County (86), Warren County (85), Muhlenberg County (75), Pulaski County (70), Henderson County (69) and Franklin and Kenton counties (68 each). A complete list is here.

KYTC offers these driving tips to help improve safety:

• Slow down immediately upon spotting a deer crossing the roadway; they tend to travel in groups.
• Don’t swerve to avoid a deer, which can result in a more serious crash with an oncoming vehicle or roadside object.
• In the event of a crash, keep both hands on the wheel and apply brakes steadily until stopped.
• Always wear a seat belt.
• Keep headlights on bright unless other vehicles are approaching.
• Eliminate distractions while driving: Phones down!
• Drive defensively, constantly scanning the roadside, especially at dawn and dusk when deer are most active.

Motorists are asked to report all deer-vehicle collisions to police. KYTC traffic engineers use the crash data to aid in placing deer-crossing warning signs and other safety measures.

A Russell Springs woman was arrested Monday in Adair County on a meth charge.

Sarah Cox age 41, was charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance 1^st Degree, 1^st Offense Meth and lodged into the Russell County Detention Center.

An Elizabeth Town woman was charged with DUI and Reckless Driving early this morning in Cumberland County.

Lanette Troutmen, age 43, was arrested by Officer Tweedy with the Burkesville Police Department just before 2 a.m. this morning. Troutmen was charged with Reckless Driving, Operating a Motor Vehicle under Influence of Alcohol/Substance 1^st and Possession of Open Alcohol Beverage Container in Motor Vehicle Prohibited. She was lodged into the Adair County Regional Jail.

Columbia Mayor Pam Hoots spoke with the WAVE's Jim Lieb about what took place at last nights meeting... 
 

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Oct. 4, 2021) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear said weekly COVID-19 cases and test positivity rates, as well as COVID-19 hospitalizations, ICU admittances, ventilator uses and orders for monoclonal antibody treatments in the commonwealth, are declining due to more Kentuckians getting vaccinated and masking up indoors.

While declining cases are encouraging, Gov. Beshear and health care leaders at King’s Daughters Medical Center (KDMC) in Ashland said Kentuckians need to stay vigilant about protecting themselves from the virus days after the United States’ COVID-19 death toll surpassed 700,000.

“Overall, today’s report is positive in the trends, but what is still really hard is the loss of life we continue to see, and that loss being preventable,” said Gov. Beshear. “This is going to be a scar that the American people carry with us moving forward. That’s why we need to make sure the cases are not only dropping, but dropping at a significant rate. We need to accelerate the trend.”

“The things we’re seeing now are not what I ever expected,” said Danielle Sexton, COVID unit nurse manager at King’s Daughters Medical Center (KDMC). “Death and dying are a part of nursing, unfortunately, but not to this extent. I mean, this is just extreme right now.”

“At least 95% of my patients that walk out of here or, sadly, that don’t make it, have said to me: ‘I wish I would’ve gotten vaccinated,’” said Carly Thomas, RN, COVID unit nurse at KDMC. “I think that we should trust science a little more than we are and stop making this so political, because it is killing people.”

“In the emergency room, we’re packed full. There are days when there are 20 to 30 people out in the lobby waiting for a bed. We’re trying our best to prioritize the patients that need to be seen,” said Rebecca Harper, RN, emergency room nurse at KDMC. “People are not getting vaccinated for COVID, they’re not social distancing and not wearing their mask and they’re coming in sicker than I’ve ever seen before. It’s emotionally draining when you see people that are young, that you know would’ve lived a full life if they just made a different decision and maybe would’ve gotten the vaccine. People who look at you and are smothering essentially, and they literally say, ‘If I could’ve done anything differently, I would’ve gotten the vaccine.’”

“With this surge, the patients are typically younger,” said Tiffany Waggoner, RN, emergency room nurse at KDMC.

“‘Should someone be on the ventilator for this amount of time, when would they want to come off of it or when would we want to transition to comfort care?’ These are the talks that we’re having with families right now that are hard. Unfortunately, we’re not seeing them come off the ventilator to live life afterwards.”

COVID-19 Case Information, Vaccinations Update
Number of people who have received at least one vaccine dose in Kentucky: 2,719,398
 

Oct. 2, Cases: 2,511
Oct. 2, Deaths: 54
Oct. 3, Cases: 1,201
Oct. 3, Deaths: 22

New Cases Today: 1,239
New Deaths: 26
Today’s Positivity Rate: 9.31%
Current Hospitalizations: 1,668
Current Intensive Care Admittances: 496
Currently on Ventilators: 332

From March 1 to Sept. 29, 86.2% of COVID-19 cases, 92.4% of COVID-19 hospitalizations and 84.5% of COVID-19 deaths in Kentucky have been among those who are unvaccinated or partially vaccinated.

The Governor reported that 61% of all Kentuckians, including those that are too young to be eligible, have gotten at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose; 71% of Kentuckians 12 or older, or 71%, of all eligible Kentuckians, have gotten at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose; and 74% of Kentucky adults have received at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose.

Kentucky ranks third among neighboring states for the percent of residents 12 or older who have received at least their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine; the percent of residents 65 and older who have received at least their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine; and the percent of residents 12 and older who are fully vaccinated.

Pregnant Kentuckians Strongly Encouraged to Get Vaccinated
Gov. Beshear said pregnant Kentuckians are strongly encouraged to get a COVID-19 vaccine. As of Sept. 27, 2021, 125,000 pregnant Americans have tested positive for COVID-19; 22,000 have been hospitalized; 161 have died; and 97% of those hospitalized were unvaccinated.

Vaccine Booster and Expanded Approval Update
The Governor said on Oct. 14-15, a U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advisory committee will discuss booster doses of Moderna and Janssen COVID-19 vaccines. On Oct. 26, the FDA anticipates the advisory committee will discuss authorizing the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5-11.

Gov. Beshear reminded Kentuckians that Pfizer vaccine booster eligible occupations at increased risk for COVID-19 exposure and transmission previously detailed by U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention include:
 

• First responders (health care, firefighters, police, congregate care);
• Education (teachers, professors, support staff, day care workers);
• Food and agriculture workers;
• Manufacturing workers;
• Corrections workers;
• U.S. Postal Service workers;
• Public transit workers; and
• Grocery store workers.

kynect State-Based Exchange Opens Nov. 1, Offering Access to Quality Health Coverage
Taking another major step forward in his commitment to provide quality health care to Kentuckians, Gov. Beshear announced kynect, the state-based health insurance exchange, will reopen Nov. 1, 2021. It will provide Kentuckians easier access to health coverage and other benefits, all on one convenient platform at kynect.ky.gov. To learn more, see the full release.

“Quality health care is a basic human right – and never has that need been more evident than during the COVID-19 global health pandemic,” said Gov. Beshear. “Kentucky’s economy has caught fire, and we’ve just landed the largest economic investment in the state’s history, but we can’t succeed in building a better Kentucky if our people are not healthy and ready to work. kynect was a lifesaver for so many when it was first offered in 2013, and we’re excited to work with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to bring it back and make sure all Kentuckians can easily access the health plans and benefits they deserve.”

Essential Worker Hero Bonus
Gov. Beshear said for nearly two years, Kentuckians on the frontlines of this pandemic have worked tirelessly to save lives and ensure critical needs were met for families.

“Despite the dangers, they still showed up. From health care heroes to first responders to grocery store workers and educators, the bravery and dedication of these essential workers has remained strong,” said the Governor. “As we are on month 18, almost 19, of this pandemic, it’s important to have something out there to continue to push them to move on, something to look forward to, something that you can call a reward or a hero bonus.”

To honor the work essential workers have done and to encourage them to continue in their employment, in the next seven to 10 days, Gov. Beshear will send a recommendation and overall framework to the General Assembly to use $400 million in upcoming American Rescue Plan Act funding for essential worker bonuses, for individuals who stay in their roles for at least two full years after the start of the pandemic in Kentucky, on March 6, 2020.

“This is something that when we send to the legislature, we are going to ask for cooperation and the formation of a working group that would include legislators, legislative staff, as well as executive branch staff, to go through the who and the how much to make sure that we do this right based on our experience and to make sure we hear from and listen to different groups, including legislators from what they have been seeing in their district,” said Gov. Beshear.

Kentucky National Guard Update
The Governor said Kentucky National Guardsmen continue to serve and support hospital staff across the state.

“We still have almost 450 Army and Air Guardsmen helping augment our hospitals, providing mobile vaccinations and helping with our food pantry mission,” said Gov. Beshear. “We’re grateful for their continued sacrifice. They’re away from their families and their places of employment to help those most in need, and we couldn’t do this without them.”

“Everything we’re doing at these hospitals supports the logistics and administrative efforts for the medical facility,” said Second Lt. Anissa Lopez-Chavez, Officer in Charge for Rockcastle Regional Hospital support mission in Mount Vernon, Ky. “The hospital staff love us, and we absolutely love them. They’re grateful that we’re here, and we’re honored to get to serve them.”

Joseph Atkins, age 67 of Columbia, was taken into custody by Deputy Perkins with the Adair County Sheriff’s Office just after 11 last evening. Atkins was charged with Leaving Scene of Accident-Failure to Render Aid or Assistance and Operating Motor Vehicle under Influence of Alcohol .08 1^st.

Nicklas Kelsey, age 21, of Russell Springs, was arrested by Officer Foster with the Columbia Police Department just after 10 last evening. Kelsey was charged with Alcohol Intoxication in a Public Place 3^rd or Greater Offense in 12 months and Resisting Arrest.

Both men were lodged into the Adair County Regional Jail.

IMPORTANT – Due to the continued increase in positive cases it may be several days before you are contacted by the health department. If you’ve tested positive for COVID19 please isolate yourself immediately, do NOT wait on a call from the health department. Please notify anyone you may have been in contact with so they can begin quarantine. Visit www.lcdhd.org for more specific COVID-19 guidance.

Of today’s 293 reported cases, 262 (89%) were unvaccinated and 77 of today’s cases (26%) were in individuals 18 years of age or younger. Please take the necessary precautions to protect yourself and your loved ones. Consider getting the vaccine if you are eligible and haven’t, and wear a mask when in indoor settings where there are large crowds.

Statewide Testing Positivity Rate: 9.67%.

Deaths: We are sad to report 3 new deaths since our last report. We have experienced a total of 618 deaths resulting in a 1.65% mortality rate (about 1 in 61) among known cases. This compares with a 1.27% mortality rate at the state level and a 1.61% mortality rate at the national level. Our hearts and prayers go out to all the families and friends who have lost loved ones.

Hospitalizations: We presently have 66 cases in the hospital. This is 2 more than what we reported in our last report. We have had a total of 1,637 hospitalizations resulting in a 4.36% hospitalization rate (about 1 in 23) among known cases. The state hospitalization rate is 4.19%. The latest data shows that 98.04% of Lake Cumberland’s ICU beds are filled, and 37.84% of ventilator capacity is being utilized.

Total (Cumulative) Cases: The Lake Cumberland District has experienced a total of 37,556 cases since the onset of the outbreak. This means that 17.98% of our total population has been a confirmed case. However, we do not know how many additional people may have had COVID-19 and were either asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic and never tested. Of our total cases, 1.3% are reinfections, and 5.5% contracted the virus after being fully vaccinated (breakthrough cases). In the last week, 6.75% of our new cases were breakthrough cases.

Released (Not contagious) Cases: We released 213 cases since our last report from isolation. Released cases include: Adair: 23; Casey: 14; Clinton: 9; Cumberland: 4; Green: 27; McCreary: 28; Pulaski: 42; Russell: 21; Taylor: 23; and, Wayne: 22. In all, we have released 95.3% of our total cases.

Active (Current) Cases: Since our last report, we added 77 more cases than we had deceased and/or released cases. This leaves us with 1,148 active cases in our district across all 10 of our district’s 10 counties. On 09/03/2021 we were at our peak number of active cases, 1,812.

Where Did Cases Visit Prior to Isolation: The most common places cases visited prior to isolation are (in descending order): Schools, Businesses, Family, and Long-term Care/Residential Facilities. Of our active cases, 10% can not be tied back to another known case (community-spread cases).

New Cases: We report that our total case count has increased by 293 since our last report. Our new cases (including suspect cases) are as follows: Adair: 12; Casey: 14; Clinton: 6; Cumberland: 14; Green: 26; McCreary: 70; Pulaski: 92; Russell: 20; Taylor: 21; and, Wayne: 18. Our current new case growth rate is: 1.00648. This means our total case count is projected to double every 107.32 days. The most new cases we ever added in a single day was on 09/07/2021 when we added 730 cases.

The deaths included in this report are one Adair County resident (vaccinated), one McCreary County resident (unvaccinated) and one Pulaski County resident (unvaccinated). We are so very sorry for these losses.

Again, we encourage our citizens to take the COVID-19 vaccine, which is safe and very effective. Of our 23,487 new cases since the vaccine started becoming available, almost 94.50% were unvaccinated.

Below are our area’s COVID-19 vaccination uptake rates compared to the state average.

• State – 60.00%
• Taylor – 53.19%
• Pulaski – 49.73%
• Russell – 46.66%
• Green – 41.77%
• McCreary – 41.41%
• Wayne – 41.34%
• Cumberland – 41.19%
• Clinton – 39.25%
• Adair – 38.24%
• Casey – 35.74%

For more statewide information click: statewide information.

Thomas Myler, 33, of Louisville KY - arrested early Saturday morning by the ACSO for DUI (Aggravating Circumstance), No Operators License, and Failure to Produce Insurance Card.

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Oct. 2, 2020) – In accordance with a proclamation from the White House, Gov. Andy Beshear has directed that flags at all state office buildings be lowered to half-staff on Sunday, Oct. 3, in honor of the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service.

The National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service commemorates the brave firefighters and first responders who risk their lives to protect Americans. The service begins Fire Prevention Week, which takes places Oct. 3-9, 2021.

Gov. Beshear encourages individuals, businesses and organizations throughout the commonwealth to join in these tributes. Flag status information is available at https://governor.ky.gov/flag-status.

Columbia Police responded to an active domestic call on Baker Street on Friday night, October 1st, 2021. Upon arrival, officers could hear a male subject from outside the residence and quickly made entry into the home. After police observed visible injures on the female and after speaking with her, 36-year-old Wesley Davis of Columbia, KY was taken into custody with no further incident. Davis was charged with two felonies: Assault 4th Degree (Domestic Violence) with 3 or more incidents within 5 years and Strangulation 1st degree. 

Of today’s 291 reported cases, 239 (82%) were unvaccinated and 81 of today’s cases (28%) were in individuals 18 years of age or younger. Please take the necessary precautions to protect yourself and your loved ones. Consider getting the vaccine if you are eligible and haven’t, and wear a mask when in indoor settings where there are large crowds.

The deaths reported tonight are 3 Taylor County residents (2 unvaccinated, one vaccination status unknown), one McCreary County resident (unvaccinated) and one Pulaski County resident (vaccinated). We are so very sorry for these losses.

We also removed one previously reported death for Green County that was ultimately ruled not a COVID-related death.

Again, we encourage our citizens to take the COVID-19 vaccine, which is safe and very effective. Of our 23,194 new cases since the vaccine started becoming available, almost 94.52% were unvaccinated.

Below are our area’s COVID-19 vaccination uptake rates compared to the state average (last updated 9/29/2021).

• State – 60.00%
• Taylor – 53.01%
• Pulaski – 49.38%
• Russell – 46.54%
• Green – 41.68%
• McCreary – 41.30%
• Wayne – 41.17%
• Cumberland – 41.03%
• Clinton – 38.97%
• Adair – 38.02%
• Casey – 35.60%

For more statewide information click: statewide information.