The Columbia City Council will hold its regular monthly meeting on Monday, October 5, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. at City Hall.
?The highlight of the upcoming session is a scheduled closed-door executive session. Under KRS 61.810(1)(g), the council plans to enter a private discussion concerning a specific business proposal and potential economic development. State law permits closed sessions for these talks when open discussion could jeopardize the siting, retention, or upgrading of a business entity.
?In addition to the executive session, the council's agenda includes approving minutes from the September 8 regular meeting, receiving reports from the mayor and council members, and an opportunity for public comments, limited to three minutes per speaker or organization.

A Russell Springs man was injured Thursday morning after being struck by an SUV while crossing a downtown street.

James Withers was walking in a designated crosswalk when he was hit by a 2017 Jeep Patriot driven by Betty Ellis, also of Russell Springs, according to a preliminary report from Police Chief Bryan Shepard.

The report states that Ellis was turning from Jamestown Street onto Main Street when she failed to see Withers in the crosswalk.

MEDIA ADVISORY: 
Kentucky State Police Release Arrangements and Procession Route for Trooper Hayden Phillips

Visitation - Saturday, October 3, 2026
Location: Living Hope Baptist Church, 1805 Westen Street, Bowling Green, KY 42104
Time: 10:00 a.m. -  6:00 p.m. CST

Funeral – Sunday, October 4, 2026
Location: E. A. Diddle Arena, Western Kentucky University Campus, 1605 Avenue of Champions, Bowling Green, KY 42101
Time: 12:00 p.m. CST

Interment (immediately following the funeral)
Location: Fort Williams/ Glasgow Municipal Cemetery, 303 Leslie Ave, Glasgow, KY 42141

Procession Route: (Traffic Advisory)
Citizens are welcome to show their support to the Family of Trooper Hayden Phillips by staging along the procession route. 
The funeral procession will travel from E.A. Diddle Arena, 1605 Avenue of Champions, Bowling Green, to Glasgow Cemetery, 303 Leslie Avenue, Glasgow, using the following route:
• Depart E.A. Diddle Arena and proceed onto Avenue of Champions.
• Turn right onto University Boulevard.
• Continue as University Boulevard becomes Kentucky Street.
• Continue along the US-68 corridor through Bowling Green toward Louisville Road and KY-446 East.
• Continue onto KY-446 East toward I-65.
• Merge onto I-65 North.
• Take Exit 43 onto the Louie B. Nunn Cumberland Parkway toward Glasgow/Somerset.
• Continue east on the Louie B. Nunn Cumberland Parkway.
• Take Exit 8 toward KY-3600 / KY-90 / Glasgow / Cave City.
• Turn left onto KY-3600 (Glasgow Outer Loop).
• Turn right onto New Bowling Green Road / West Main Street.
• Continue on West Main Street.
• Turn right onto Leslie Avenue.
• Proceed to Glasgow Cemetery, 303 Leslie Avenue, Glasgow, Kentucky.

 

State Police Safety Checkpoints 

 

Photo from our friends at the Times Journal 

From Police Chief Evan Burton

A Warren County grand jury has indicted Emonnie D. Branch, 51, in the fatal shooting of Kentucky State Police Trooper Hayden Phillips.
Branch faces formal charges of murder of a first responder, possession of a handgun by a convicted felon, and tampering with physical evidence.
The indictment bypasses a scheduled preliminary hearing that was set for Friday morning in Warren County District Court, moving the case directly to Warren Circuit Court. Branch is scheduled to appear in circuit court on Oct. 12 for further proceedings.

 

 

The Columbia–Adair County Fire Department was dispatched at 12:39 AM Thursday morning to the Adair County Transfer Station, located at 877 L Willis Road, on a report of a structure fire.

Upon arrival, firefighters found smoke coming from an open-faced transfer station building used for dumping and holding garbage. Crews made entry and began fire attack, containing the fire to the structure.

Firefighters located a garbage trailer inside the building that was involved. The trailer was pulled out to allow crews to fully extinguish the fire. Damage to the structure was minimal.

The cause of the fire is unknown at this time. No injuries were reported.

A total of 10 volunteer firefighters responded and were on scene for approximately 1.5 hours.

Automatic Aid provided by the Breeding Fire Department.

Agencies Assisting: Adair County E911 Center, Columbia Police Department, Adair County Sheriff’s Office, Adair County Ambulance Service

 

 

The Columbia Police Department is joining communities across the country in recognizing October as National Bullying Prevention Month.
 

Throughout the month, we will raise awareness about bullying and encourage those experiencing bullying to speak up. Bullying—whether in person or online—can have a serious impact on individuals, families, schools, and our community.

 

Today, October 1, 2026: Cyberbullying Awareness

Cyberbullying involves repeated, intentional harm through cell phones, computers, social media, and other forms of electronic communication.
 

Examples include:

• Creating fake accounts to harass or harm someone.
• Spreading false or embarrassing information online.
• Encouraging others to participate in online harassment or ridicule.

 

If you or someone you know is experiencing cyberbullying:

• Save the evidence — Take screenshots and keep records.
• Block and report — Use the platform’s tools to report harassment.
• Talk to someone — Reach out to a trusted adult, parent, teacher, counselor, or law enforcement officer.

 

Remember, liking, commenting on, or sharing harmful posts can make you part of the problem. Think before you post, like, comment, or share. 

 

Visit http://StopBullying.gov for additional resources.

 

Upcoming CPD Activities

• October 5 - Share your favorite Anti-Bullying Quote online
• October 7 - One boy and one girl will have the opportunity to enter for a chance to win a Safety Bucket filled with fun and safety items
• October 13 — CPD will visit the libraries of Adair County Schools to donate books focused on bullying prevention, kindness, respect, and positive relationships
• October 21 — CPD will distribute orange anti-bullying bracelets in recognition of Unity Day, representing our commitment to standing together against bullying
• October 30 - CPD will be participating at Treats on the Town.

 

Bullying prevention is a community effort. Every one of us has a role to play in creating an environment where people feel safe, respected, and supported.

 

 

The Lake Area Foundation announces the opening of the Fall 2026 Lake Cumberland Area Development Fund grant cycle.

Eligible organizations can request up to $5,000 for community and economic development projects serving Adair, Casey, Clinton, Cumberland, Green, McCreary, Pulaski, Russell, Taylor, and Wayne counties. Note: Projects serving exclusively Russell County must apply through the separate Russell County Development Fund.

Key Dates

• Applications Open: October 1, 2026
• Courtesy Review Deadline: October 28, 2026
• Final Deadline: October 30, 2026, at 4:00 PM Central

 

Submission Requirements

• Format: Hard copy only (mailed or hand-delivered). Emailed or faxed submissions are not accepted.
• Location: Must be in the physical possession of the Lake Area Foundation by the final deadline.
• Application Form: A newly redesigned application is required for this cycle; previous forms will be rejected.

 

Important Details

• Courtesy Review: Submissions received by October 28 will be checked for completeness and technical correctness, with an opportunity to resubmit. Submissions received after this date are accepted as-is.
• Support: Staff cannot assist with application preparation or proposal competitiveness.

Access the redesigned application, instructions, match calculator, and the Notice of Funding Opportunity at lakeareafoundation.com.

Direct all questions to laf@lcadd.org or call (270) 866-4200.

 

 

COLUMBIA, Ky. (September 30, 2026) – Kentucky State Police, along with the Kentucky State Highway Department, will be closing a short portion of Jamestown Street (KY55) near KSP Post 15 tomorrow, October 1st at 6:00 P.M. Central Time for a candlelight vigil honoring the life of Trooper Hayden Phillips. 

 

The road closure will occur on Jamestown Street at the Bomar Heights Street intersection, beside Speedway, down to the intersection of the 49 exit for the Cumberland Parkway.  Motorist needing to reach Columbia, via the Cumberland Parkway, will need to utilize the 46 exit instead of the 49 exit.  The roadway shutdown is anticipated to last approximately 2-3 hours.

 

 

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Sept. 29, 2026) – Gov. Andy Beshear has ordered flags at all state buildings to be lowered to half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026 in honor of a Kentucky State Police (KSP) trooper who died in the line of duty.

 

KSP Trooper Hayden W. Phillips, 28, was shot and killed during a traffic stop in Bowling Green on Sept. 28. Phillips graduated from KSP Academy Class 103 in August 2023 and served his entire tenure with KSP at Post 3 in Bowling Green. Prior to becoming a state trooper, Phillips served with the Glasgow Police Department and was also a seasonal firefighter.

 

“Trooper Hayden Phillips was a hero who sacrificed everything protecting our people and our commonwealth, and it is our sacred duty to honor him and his family,” said Gov. Beshear. “I am asking Kentuckians to join me in continuing to pray for his wife, Jordan, and their three children during this difficult time. If you wish to support them, consider donating to the Kentucky State Police Foundation, where all proceeds will go directly to the family.”

 

Donations to the Kentucky State Police Foundation for the benefit of the Phillips family can be made at kspfoundation.org/donations.

 

A funeral service for Trooper Phillips will be held at E.A. Diddle Arena on the campus of Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green at 12 noon CDT on Sunday. Interment will follow at Glasgow Municipal Cemetery.

 

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

 

 

FRANKFORT Ky. (Sept. 29, 2026) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear announced that his administration has secured $85 million in federal grant funding for the long-planned Somerset Northern Bypass project, which will extend the Louie B. Nunn Cumberland Expressway east to improve safety, reduce traffic, boost tourism and enhance commerce. The funding was made available through the 2026 Nationally Significant Multimodal Freight and Highway Projects Grant (INFRA), established through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021. 

 

“My administration worked hard to secure this $85 million in funding because this essential roadway and the people of Somerset are long overdue for an upgrade and Team Kentucky is determined to get it done,” said Gov. Beshear. “Thousands of Kentuckians travel this roadway daily, and it also serves as the welcome route to more than 4 million visitors each year traveling to Lake Cumberland. Now we have the funding in place to make this roadway safer while also opening up the area for even more growth. Thank you to everyone who helped make this possible, including the members of our Kentucky delegation who voted for the Infrastructure Act.” 

 

The Somerset Northern Bypass will create a new 8-mile, 70 mph, four-lane, divided highway that is fully access-controlled. The project will complete an east-west corridor across southern Kentucky, creating economic opportunities for communities from Paducah to Pikeville. Initial studies identifying the need for this project date back to early 1990s, but funding constraints have delayed progress.

 

“This INFRA grant helps us move forward on a vision to improve safety, ease congestion, support the economy, and create better connections in South-Central Kentucky,” said Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Goodman. “We’ve made significant improvements to the surrounding road network, like the KY 461/KY 80 interchange, to pave the way for the completion of the bypass. We’re excited to build on that progress to complete a critical link that will make travel easier.”   

 

Projects selected for the INFRA grant had to meet four criteria metrics including safety, economic competitiveness and opportunity, state of good repair and innovation. The Beshear administration submitted the proposal in July 2026, outlining that the project plan would reduce fatalities and serious injuries, support economic growth and commerce, ease congestion and improve travel time and more.

 

 

The City of Columbia is currently accepting applications for the street and/or sanitation department(s). Applications may be picked up at 116 Campbellsville Street. The City of Columbia is an equal employment opportunity employer.

 

 

A Tennessee man accused of fatally shooting a Kentucky State Police trooper during a routine traffic stop was denied bond during his arraignment Tuesday in Warren County District Court.

Emonnie Branch, 51, appeared before a judge just one day after the shooting death of 28-year-old Trooper Hayden Phillips. Citing Branch’s extensive criminal history—which includes past charges for weapons offenses, domestic assault, robbery, and fraud—prosecutors argued that the suspect poses both a severe flight risk and a danger to the public. The judge agreed, ordering Branch held without bail.

 

Branch is charged with murder of a first responder, a capital offense under Kentucky law. He also faces an outstanding extradition warrant out of Tennessee.

The charges follow a high-profile incident on Monday afternoon, Sept. 28, 2026 when Trooper Phillips initiated a traffic stop along Interstate 65 in Warren County. Authorities say Branch opened fire, fatally wounding the trooper, before fleeing the scene. The shooting triggered an intensive, multi-agency manhunt that concluded Monday evening when officers with the Louisville Metro Police Department took Branch into custody.

Branch is scheduled to return to the Warren County Courthouse for a preliminary hearing on Friday, Oct. 2, 2026 at 8:45 a.m.

 

 

The Bookmobile Ribbon Cutting will be held on Thursday, October 1st at 10:00amCT...

 

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Sept. 29, 2026) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear removed an employment barrier for veterans and active-duty military by signing an emergency regulation to fast-track Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDLs). The action waives the written CDL test for eligible current and former service members who operated commercial-style vehicles within the past two years, easing their transition into civilian employment.

 

“Our veterans sacrifice to keep us safe, and it is our sacred duty to make sure they have access to a good job and the same American Dream they’re willing to fight for on our behalf,” said Gov. Beshear. “This step will help remove barriers and ease access to employment for those who’ve bravely and selflessly served, helping them better support their family who sacrificed alongside them. It’s the right thing to do.”

 

Eligible military personnel can request an application form established by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) to request a waiver of written knowledge and skills test. Completed forms are submitted to KYTC, with notification of approval or disapproval to be delivered by mail within 30 days of submission. Approved applicants can then take their approval form to any KYTC Driver License Regional Office. 

 

“With this action, military members can translate valuable military training and driving experience into a credential that opens doors for careers that help meet national and local transportation needs,” said Transportation Secretary Rebecca Goodman. “It’s the next right step to build upon our existing road test waiver to support more employment opportunities for active-duty or recently discharged service members.”

 

To be eligible, military personnel must be a resident of Kentucky and have operated commercial-style vehicles within the past two years and have one of the following military occupational specialties or occupational classifications:

• U.S. Army:                    
  • 88M - Motor Transport Operator
  • 92F - Fueler 
  • 14T - Patriot Launching Station Operator 
• U.S. Marine Corps:     
  • 3531 - Motor Vehicle Operator
• U.S. Navy:                     
  • EO - Equipment Operator 
• U.S. Air Force:            
  • 2TI - Vehicle Operator 
  • 2FO - Fueler
  • 3E2 - Pavement and Construction Equipment Operator     

 

Interested Kentuckians can learn more and apply at drive.ky.gov.

 

Support for Veterans
The Beshear administration is committed to supporting Kentucky’s military community and families. Gov. Beshear has signed legislation to design and construct the $53 million veterans center in Bowling Green – the Robert E. Spiller Bowling Green Veterans Center – which will be the fifth skilled nursing facility providing high-quality care for veterans in the state and is slated to open next week.

 

The Governor has also signed legislationthat simplifies the job certification process for military spouses; expanded the Military Family Assistance Trust Fund; improved leave benefits for state employees who serve in the military and added seven active military unit license plates to the 28 military-related plates that were already available.

 

The Governor also approved funds to support the Homeless Veterans Program, staffing at four of the veterans’ cemeteries and a permanent memorial honoring Kentucky Medal of Honor recipients at the Campus of Freedom’s Foundation in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania.

 

The administration is also supporting veterans’ organizations through the Veterans Program Trust Fund, which has granted hundreds of thousands of dollars to partners like Honor Flight Bluegrass, Honor Flight Kentucky, the Louisville Chapter of the National Association of Black Veterans and the Homeless Veterans Trust Fund.

 

To help lift up members of the veteran community who are struggling, Kentucky joined the Governor’s Challenge to Prevent Suicide Among Service Members, Veterans and Their Families.

 

On Veterans Day, Nov. 11, 2021, the Governor broke ground on a new, nearly $1 billion Louisville VA Medical Center campus, which will provide world-class healthcare for more than 45,000 veterans in Kentucky and Southern Indiana. It is expected to open in 2027.

 

This year, the Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs also earned its Sixth Straight Abraham Lincoln Pillar of Excellence Award in Customer Experience.

 

Licensing Improvements and Reduced Wait Times
Team Kentucky has taken several steps to simplify the licensing process and reduce wait times at licensing offices, ensuring Kentuckians are spending less time in line and more time getting where they need to go. Those steps include hiring 125 contracted full-time staff last year and launching a new line management and text check-in system that drastically cut office wait times when demand grew last year due to new vision screening requirements, REAL ID enforcement and new permit eligibility for 15-year-olds.

 

Thanks to those efforts, average wait times at driver licensing regional offices statewide were just 9 minutes for walk-ins and 10 minutes for appointments in August, down from an average of 49 minutes for walk-ins and 25 minutes for appointments in Spring of 2025. 
 

The community and law enforcement agencies across the Commonwealth are grieving the loss of Kentucky State Police Trooper Hayden Phillips, who was shot and killed in the line of duty during a traffic stop along Interstate 65 in Warren County on Monday afternoon.  

 

Trooper Phillips, a 2016 graduate of Russell County High School, spent his life in dedicated service to his neighbors. Long before donning the KSP grey uniform, Phillips served locally as a first responder with the Russell Springs Fire Department and Russell County EMS. He went on to serve as a police officer for both the Russell Springs and Glasgow police departments before fulfilling his dream of joining the Kentucky State Police, where he was assigned as Unit 369 with Post 3 in Bowling Green.  

 

The tragic incident occurred shortly before 2:00 p.m. Monday on I-65. Authorities report that Phillips initiated a traffic stop, during which he was fatally shot by an occupant of the vehicle, who then fled the scene.  

 

Following an intensive multi-agency pursuit, law enforcement located the suspect vehicle in Louisville. Officers with the Louisville Metro Police Department safely brought the vehicle to a halt using a vehicle-grappling device. The suspect, identified as 51-year-old Emonnie Branch of Portland, Tennessee, was taken into custody and charged with the murder of a first responder/peace officer.  

 

As news of the tragedy spread, a wave of profound sorrow swept back to Phillips' hometown. On Monday evening, more than 100 first responders, community leaders, friends, and local residents gathered for an emotional vigil at the H.M. Bottom Firehouse in Russell Springs. Standing shoulder-to-shoulder where Phillips once served as a firefighter, attendees shared memories, offered prayers, and paid tribute to a young man remembered for his deep commitment to helping others.  

 

Phillips leaves behind a wife and 3 kids, and a legacy of selfless service across multiple agencies. Funeral arrangements and memorial services are expected to be announced by Kentucky State Police Post 3 in the coming days.  

 

Local leaders across Russell County—Judge-Executive Randy Marcum, Jamestown Mayor Regena Hinton, and Russell Springs Mayor Eddie Thomas—have directed all flags at city and county facilities to be flown at half-staff to honor Kentucky State Police Trooper Hayden Phillips.

Trooper Phillips, a former Russell County resident, tragically lost his life in the line of duty this past Monday in Warren County.

County and city officials encourage local businesses, schools, and government agencies to join in lowering their flags in tribute to his service and sacrifice. We extend our deepest condolences to Trooper Phillips’ family, loved ones, and fellow officers.

 

Boil Water Advisory for the Oaks Subdivision off of Boat Dock Road until further notice. Boil all water before consuming.

 

Wave News will let you know when jt gets lifted. 
 

A suspect is in custody following a statewide manhunt across Kentucky triggered by a fatal trooper-involved shooting.
Kentucky State Police confirmed that the "Blue Alert" issued during the search has been canceled after Louisville Metro Police Officers successfully apprehended the suspect. KSP expressed gratitude to LMPD and all assisting law enforcement agencies for their dedication and relentless efforts during the operation.
The fallen officer has been identified as Trooper Hayden Phillips.

 

Suicide Prevention & Awareness Month Proclamation...

 

L-R front Row: Sophie Taylor, Kilee Foster, Mayor Pamela Hoots, Braylee Corbin

Back row: SRO Corey Meyer, Kim Lucas, Krystal Miller, Brittany Faulkner, Jessica Froedge, Chief Evan Burton

 

 

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Sept. 28, 2026) — Kentucky state Sens. Mike Wilson, R-Bowling Green, David Givens, R-Greensburg, and Max Wise, R-Campbellsville, issued a joint statement Monday on behalf of Senate Majority Leadership and the Senate Majority Caucus following the tragic line-of-duty death of Kentucky State Police Trooper Hayden Phillips in Warren County:

 

“Today is a heartbreaking reminder of the risks law enforcement officers face simply by showing up to do their jobs.

 

“We are devastated by the loss of Kentucky State Police Trooper Hayden Phillips. He went to work today to protect the people of this commonwealth and did not make it home. There are no words that can ease the pain his family, friends and fellow troopers are experiencing right now. We pray they find strength in the difficult days ahead and know that Kentucky will remember Trooper Phillips and his sacrifice.

 

“We are thankful for every officer responding today, from Kentucky State Police to the local, state and federal agencies that joined the effort. They each step into a dangerous situation because one of their own needs them and because the public needs to be protected. They each accept those same risks every day. We urge the public to follow law enforcement’s instructions as the search for the suspect continues.

 

“There is no excuse for violence against law enforcement. These men and women leave their families each day knowing a routine call or traffic stop can turn dangerous in an instant. Their families carry that burden with them. Today, one Kentucky family experienced the terrible reality behind that risk.

 

“Our prayers are with Trooper Phillips’ family, his fellow troopers at Post 3 in Bowling Green and the entire Kentucky State Police family. Trooper Phillips gave his life serving the people of Kentucky. We will remember his service, honor his sacrifice and remain grateful for every man and woman willing to wear the badge.”?
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?PUBLIC SAFETY NOTE: As of this release, the suspect sought in connection with Trooper Hayden Phillips’ death remains at large and is considered armed and dangerous by Kentucky State Police. According to authorities, the search is for a bluish-gray Honda Civic with Alabama temporary tag TN018596.

 

Anyone who sees the suspect or vehicle should call 911 immediately. Do not approach the suspect or vehicle. Follow law enforcement’s instructions and monitor Kentucky State Police’s official channels for updates.

 

 

Kentucky State Police is currently searching for a suspect in a “severe attack” on law enforcement in Warren County.

 

KSP’s post in Bowling Green confirmed that it is investigating an officer-involved shooting shooting, which took place on I-65 in Warren County.

 

A BLUE ALERT from the state police said that it was a “severe attack on law enforcement” and that the suspect may be in a blue-gray Honda Civic with an Alabama temporary tag TN018596 that was last seen around the 75 mile marker.

 

Law enforcement considers the suspect armed and dangerous. The public is warned not to approach the suspect and to call 911.