• PERMISSION TO SIGN GRANT AGREEMENT
• POSSIBLE HIRING OF ROAD DEPT. EMPLOYEES

3.  ADJOURN                                                                                

According to the Russell County Clerk's office, Dwight W. Richards filed his papers today (Tuesday) for a seat on the Jamestown City Council.

A reminder that candidates for the offices of Mayor, City Council, and School Board have until 4:00pmCT on Tuesday, June 7, 2022 to file the necessary papers to run in the November General Election. The drawing for ballot position in Russell County will be held on Thursday, June 9, 2022 at 2:00pmCT in the 2nd floor courtroom of the old Russell County Courthouse.

• Michael Walton Scott, 27, of Columbia, KY - arrested on Tuesday morning by KSP for Manslaughter 2nd degree and DUI 4th or more offense.
• Jonathan Hutcheson, 37, of Fairdale, KY - arrested on Sunday night by the ACSO for Operating on a Suspended or Revoked Operators License, Trafficking in Fentanyl, Methamphetamine & Heroin, Possession of a Controlled Substance 1st degree (Drug Unspecified), Failure of Owner to Maintain Insurance, and No Registration Plates.
• Tessa Sturgill, 41, of Jamestown, KY - arrested Tuesday morning for Non-Payment of Fines and Probation Violation (for Felony Offense).

• Shane Grant, 49, of Jamestown, KY - arrested on Monday night by Jamestown Police Dept. for Non-Payment of Fines and Failure to Appear.
• Jonathan Davis, 40, of Russell Springs, KY - arrested on Sunday afternoon by KSP for Driving on a DUI Suspended License, 2 counts of Non-Payment of Fines, and Failure to Wear Seatbelt.

The National Weather Service conducted a storm assessment survey across eastern Adair County from storms that occurred on Thursday, May 26. The survey team found straight line winds of 80 to 85 mph, with one small area showing a distinct microburst off Raines Road of 80 mph.

The initial damage was just south of the Cumberland Parkway along White Oak Church Road. A few trees were down or snapped. Wind speeds in this area were 65 mph.

The damage increased along the Cumberland Parkway with trees apparently blocking the Parkway on Thursday afternoon. There was extensive damage, both softwood and hardwood trees, all along Freedom Church Road. Trees were uprooted, snapped, and partially torn.

Some sections of several maple and cedar trees were ripped off and thrown 20 to 25 yards. Trampolines and lawn furniture were thrown and scattered about. Wind speeds were between 75 and 80 mph.

There was significant tree damage by radio station WHVE 92.7. Several poplar and maple trees were uprooted, and part of a well-built barn had its roof ripped off and thrown into a nearby pond. Power lines and power poles were knocked down. On the north side of Russell Springs Road, across from the radio station, a residential property had dozens of trees down and one tree was on top of the roof. All of the trees were facing to the north, or slightly off north. Wind speeds were between 75 and 80 mph.

A home near the intersection of Wheat Road and Raines Road had part of its roof ripped open from a tree falling on it. Along Raines Road a 14,000 pound travel trailer was picked up and moved 40 feet. Here was also significant tree damage especially with maple and cedar trees. Wind speeds were estimated between 80 and 85 mph.

At the very end of Raines Road, drone video photography showed a microburst, with dozens of trees pushed out in all directions. Winds were estimated to be 80 mph.

Further north along Gentry Mills Road there was sporadic tree damage. All of the damage was facing off to the north. Wind speeds were estimated to be 65 to 70 mph.

The survey team reached out to the emergency managers in the counties of Lincoln, Casey, Russell, Garrard, and Madison, and none reported any significant damage beyond a few trees and limbs down here and there.

The National Weather Service would like to thank Weather Ready Nation Ambassador Daniel Wilson, Adair County Emergency Manager Mike Keltner, and storm chaser John Humphreys with their assistance on the storm survey.

The following individuals were arrested over the weekend:

• Tony Russell, 54, of Columbia - arrested on Saturday afternoon by Columbia Police for Criminal Mischief 2nd degree.
• Paul Abrell, 43, of Columbia - arrested on Friday morning by the ACSO for Public Intoxication of a Controlled Substance (Excluding Alcohol) and Criminal Trespassing 3rd degree. 

• Brandon Burton, 31, of Russell Springs - arrested on Friday night by RSPD for Disorderly Conduct 2nd degree, Resisting Arrest, and Public Intoxication of a Controlled Substance (excluding alcohol).

A Burkesville, KY man was taken into custody for Wanton Endangerment. Chris Cooksey, 48, was arrested by Deputy Daniels with the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office on Thursday for 1st degree Wanton Endangerment. He was lodged in the Adair County Regional Jail.

Unemployment rates rose in 7 Kentucky counties, fell in 110 counties, and stayed the same in 3 counties between April 2021 and April 2022, according to the Kentucky Center for Statistics (KYSTATS), an agency of the Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Cabinet.

Locally, unemployment was down both year-to-year and month-to-month in Adair and all surrounding counties, with Cumberland County continuing to post among the lowest unemployment numbers in Kentucky.
 

Woodford County recorded the lowest jobless rate in the commonwealth at 2.5%. It was followed by Cumberland and Oldham counties, 2.6% each; Henry, Scott, Shelby and Spencer counties, 2.7% each; Anderson, Boone, Bullitt, Fayette, Harrison, Logan, Monroe, Simpson and Washington counties, 2.8% each.

Salary Increases for all staff of the Russell Co. School System were given. Here's Superintedent Michael Ford...
 

In an announcement today (Thursday) from the City of Columbia, Downey Eye Clinic is planning an expansion. The expansion will include a new building for the optometry offices as well as additional professional office space.

The expansion is planning for a location on North Highway 55 and construction is scheduled to start in the near future.

“We appreciate Dr. Jacob Burton and his commitment to our community,” said Mayor Pamela Hoots.

Lakefest 2022

FRANKFORT, Ky. (May 26, 2022) – Gov. Andy Beshear’s goal to establish Kentucky as a leader in the agritech sector took another step forward as today startup meat processor Green River Meats LLC shared plans to locate in Taylor County, creating 25 full-time jobs with a more than $2.3 million commitment.

“I want to welcome Green River Meats to the commonwealth and hope to see this company grow well into the future,” Gov. Beshear said. “Kentucky’s food, beverage and agritech sector includes businesses with a wide range of specialties, and it is great to add another company to that list that will work with and support local farmers and livestock producers.”

The new processing plant will serve the local livestock industry and is expected to open at 3998 Greensburg Road near Campbellsville in 2023. The operation will offer custom processing services of cattle and hogs under U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) inspection and feature a retail storefront for the sale of beef and pork cuts. Jobs created through the project will include beef and pork fabrication, value-added processing, sales, packaging and management positions.

Green River Meats ownership said they look forward to furthering their relationship with the local community.

“Green River Meats LLC is excited about starting our new meat processing facility and retail storefront for direct-to-consumer sales in Campbellsville,” co-owners Dr. Randy Smoot and Tim Jeffries said in a statement. “We appreciate the assistance and confidence that Gov. Beshear and the Cabinet for Economic Development has placed in our vision. Green River Meats will be able to serve residents and agriculture producers in the region for years to come. Green River Meats will be a place to buy fresh locally produced protein and a place for families to have the cattle and hogs they produce processed to take back to their families or market their products.”

Owners Randy and Stephany Smoot and Tim and Leslie Jeffries bring more than 30 years of agriculture experience and over a decade raising Angus beef for local customers. Plans for the new operation include a USDA-inspected and Global Food Safety Initiative-certified processing plant with the aim to package 25,000 pounds of product per week.

Green River Meats will grow the commonwealth’s agritech presence, which includes more than 200 agribusiness-related facilities that employ over 20,000 people statewide.

Taylor County Judge/Executive Barry Smith welcomed the company to the area.

“We’re happy to have Green River Meats start up in Taylor County,” Judge Smith said.  “The 25 new jobs and $2.3 million investment planned by this company is a welcome addition to our community. The company’s goal of providing a high-quality, locally grown beef processing facility is welcomed.”

Campbellsville Mayor Diane Ford-Benningfield applauded the investment.

“Congratulations to Green River Meats. This is outstanding news,” Mayor Ford-Benningfield said. “They will be a great addition to community.”

Ron McMahan, executive director of Team Taylor County, recognized the importance of local entrepreneurship.

“We are excited to assist Green River Meats in the creation of their new business,” McMahan said.  “It’s always good to have local entrepreneurs invest in their community, spurring new job growth and capital investment. Being able to take a locally grown agriculture product and create a value-added food processing company here is great.”

Green River Meats’ investment and planned job creation furthers recent economic momentum in the commonwealth, as the state builds back stronger from the effects of the pandemic.

In 2021, the commonwealth shattered every economic development record in the books. Private-sector new-location and expansion announcements included a record $11.2 billion in total planned investment and commitments to create a record 18,000-plus full-time jobs across the coming years. Kentucky’s average incentivized hourly wage for projects statewide in 2021 was $24 before benefits, a 9.4% increase over the previous year.

In recent months, the Beshear administration announced the two largest economic development projects in state history. In September, Gov. Beshear and leaders from Ford Motor Co. and SK Innovation celebrated a transformative $5.8 billion investment that will create 5,000 jobs in Hardin County. And in April, the Governor was joined by leadership at Envision AESC to announce a $2 billion investment that will create 2,000 jobs in Warren County. These announcements solidify Kentucky as the EV battery production capital of the United States.

The economic momentum has carried strongly into 2022, with both S&P Global Ratings and Fitch Ratings upgrading Kentucky’s financial outlook to positive in recognition of the commonwealth’s surging economy.

For April 2022, the State Budget Director reported the highest-ever monthly General Fund receipts of $1.84 billion. That is up 34.9% over last April’s collections, bringing Kentucky’s year-to-date growth rate to 16.4%.

And Site Selection magazine recently placed Kentucky at 6th in its annual Prosperity Cup rankings for 2022, which recognizes state-level economic success based on capital investments.

To encourage investment and job growth in the community, the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority (KEDFA) today preliminarily approved a 15-year incentive agreement with the company under the Kentucky Business Investment program. The performance-based agreement can provide up to $550,000 in tax incentives based on the company’s investment of over $2.3 million and annual targets of:

• Creation and maintenance of 25 Kentucky-resident, full-time jobs across 15 years; and
• Paying an average hourly wage of $21 including benefits across those jobs.

By meeting its annual targets over the agreement term, the company can be eligible to keep a portion of the new tax revenue it generates. The company may claim eligible incentives against its income tax liability and/or wage assessments.

In addition, the company can receive resources from Kentucky’s workforce service providers. Those include no-cost recruitment and job placement services, reduced-cost customized training and job-training incentives.

For more information on Green River Meats, visit GreenRiverMeats.com.

A detailed community profile for Taylor County can be viewed here.

More information on the Governor’s AgriTech Initiative is available at AgriTech.ky.gov.

Information on Kentucky’s economic development efforts and programs is available at CED.ky.gov. Fans of the Cabinet for Economic Development can also join the discussion at facebook.com/CEDkygov, on Twitter @CEDkygov, Instagram @CEDkygov and LinkedIn.

Read about other key updates, actions and information from Gov. Beshear and his administration at governor.ky.gov, kycovid19.ky.gov and the Governor’s official social media accounts Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

FRANKFORT, Ky. (May 26, 2022) – Gov. Andy Beshear today announced more than $39.3 million in federal funding for opioid response efforts and mental health services for Kentuckians. The opioid response program will receive a $35.9 million grant to combat addiction and support recovery statewide. The commonwealth will receive an additional $3.4 million for behavioral health services for victims of last December’s storms and tornadoes.

“These funds will allow us to help more Kentuckians suffering from addiction as well as help those who lived through the deadliest tornado outbreak in our history recuperate from the trauma they experienced,” Gov. Beshear said. “These have been challenging times, but Kentuckians are good people … tough people … resilient people. And these challenges cannot break us – we will overcome and rebuild together.”

The State Opioid Response (SOR) grant for $35,912,100 from the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration will help address opioid addiction and the overdose epidemic. The SOR program provides funding for increasing access to FDA-approved medications for the treatment of opioid addiction and for supporting prevention, harm reduction, treatment and recovery support services. The program also supports care for drug abuse, including for cocaine and methamphetamine. The program helps reduce overdose deaths and closes the gap in treatment needs by providing funding for evidence-based practices and supports.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Disaster Case Management Program has approved $3,429,000 to boost existing disaster assistance in areas of the state impacted by last December’s storms and tornadoes. The following 16 counties, included in the presidential disaster declaration issued Dec. 11, 2021, will be eligible for long-term recovery mental health group activities: Barren, Caldwell, Christian, Fulton, Graves, Hart, Hickman, Hopkins, Logan, Lyon, Marion, Marshall, Muhlenberg, Ohio, Taylor and Warren. The Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS) will contract with Community Action of Kentucky to manage and coordinate the program. Community Action Agencies will be contracted by Community Action of Kentucky to deliver services.

“In our work to restore and renew storm-stricken parts of our state, we have an obligation to prioritize behavioral needs and mental wellness,” said CHFS Secretary Eric Friedlander. “We are pleased to be a part of this collaborative approach that will assist people who have suffered greatly.”

Storm victims will be linked to assistance with employment, home repair, financial assistance, health coverage, food assistance and more.

For more information about the Kentucky Opioid Response Effort, a part of the Department for Behavioral Health, Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities, visit the program’s web page or call 502-782-7691.

For information about mental health assistance for storm victims, locate the county of residence on this Community Action of Kentucky map, which lists contact information.

Two new filings in Russell County on Wednesday, May 25, 2022....

• Mitchell Marcum filed for a seat on the Jamestown City Council
• Cody L. Wilson filed for a seat on the Russell Springs City Council

The non-partisan offices of Mayor, City Council, and School Board have until 4:00pmCT on Tuesday, June 7, 2022 to file. The drawing for ballot position in Russell County will be held on Thursday, June 9, 2022 at 2:00pmCT in the 2nd floor courtroom of the old Russell County Courthouse.

In a Filing Tuesday from Circuit Court Judge Vernon Miniard, Melisa Taylor (the plaintiff) in a lawsuit filed last year alleging discrimination, dismissed her claim against Mayor Eddie Thomas.

The lawsuit, filed in March in Russell Circuit Court, alleges gender discrimination in the hiring process for Russell Springs Police Chief that took place last year.

Taylor worked for Russell Springs Police for more than 17 years, during which time she held positions from patrol officer to interim police chief following the retirement of former chief Joe Michael Irvin in July 2020.

Taylor was interim chief until the city announced that Tim Pierce would be the department’s new chief in March 2021.

The dismissal does not affect Taylors claim against the city of Russell Springs. 

Mark Pearson, 19, of Columbia, KY was arrested by Trooper Brumley with Kentucky State Police on Tuesday evening. Pearson was charged with Assault, 4^th Degree (Domestic Violence) No Visible Injury, Criminal Mischief 3^rd Degree, Resisting Arrest, Excessive Windshield/Window Tinting, No Person Shall Have More Than Once Operators License and Obstructed Vision and/or Windshield.

He was lodged in the Adair County Regional Jail.

Attached is a list of current Russell County candidates in the upcoming November General Election. The non-partisan offices of Mayor and City Council still have until 4:00pmCT on Tuesday, June 7, 2022 to file. The drawing for ballot position will be held on Thursday, June 9, 2022 at 2:00pmCT in the 2nd floor courtroom of the old Russell County Courthouse.
 

May is Mental Health Month and Columbia Mayor Pamela Hoots signed the proclamation earlier today (Tuesday)....

In the photo: Mayor Hoots, Barbara Bryant, Jessica Stotts, Renee Stinson, Becky Staton Taylor and Krystle Robertson 
 

A Russell County Grand Jury has returned the following indictments....

1. Travis Passmore, 27, of Russell Springs - Bail Jumping
2. Ernesto Richards, 34, of Jamestown - Bail Jumping
3. Mary Russell, 38, of Liberty - Criminal mischief 1st degree and Criminal Littering
4. Michael Ellison, 40, of Jamestown - Bail Jumping.
5. Michael Ballou, 26, of Russell Springs - Bail Jumping and Persistent Felony Offender.
6. Christopher Compton, 41, of Nancy - DUI 2nd offense, Possession of Methamphetamine, Marijuana and Drug Paraphernalia, and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.
7. Jullian Olson, 36, of New Hampshire - Flagrant Nonsupport.
8. Walter Hall, Jr., 32, of Russell Springs - Unlawful Use of a Computer or Electronic System to Induce a Minor to Engage in Prohibited Activity.
9. Debora Tandy, 59, of Russell Springs - Wanton Endangermnet 1st degree and Persistent Felony Offender.
10. Ronald L. Webb, 39, of Russell Springs - Assault 4th degree and Strangulation 1st degree.
11. Gregory Robinson, 53, of Jamestown - Possession of Methamphetamine, Marijuana, and Drug Paraphernalia, and Operating on a Suspended License.
12. Cayna Helm, 25, of Russell Springs - Possession of Methamphetamine.
13. Lakeisha Murrell, 20, of Columbia - Possession of Methamphetamine, Marijuana, and Drug Paraphernalia.
14. Brian Miller, 34, of Jamestown - Possession of Methamphetamine and Drug Paraphernalia.
15. Chris Carson, 38, of Russell Springs - Possession of Methamphetamine.
16. Robert A. Loy, 34, of Russell Springs - DUI and Fleeing/Evading Police.
17. Zachariah Bunch, 29, of Russell Springs - Burglary 3rd degree, Theft by Unlawful Taking $1,000 or more, Criminal Mischief and Persistent felony offender.

Indictments are legal accusations and do not determine guilt or innocence.

Leslie Owens, 28, of Russell Springs, KY was charged with Criminal Trespassing-3^rd Degree, Resisting Arrest and Criminal Mischief 3^rd Degree by Officer Baugh with the Russell Springs Police Department and remains lodged in the Russell County Detention Center.

Sherri Hadley, 57, of Columbia, was arrested by Deputy Perkins of the Adair County Sheriff’s Office. Hadley was charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance 1^st Degree, 1^st Offense (Meth), Possession of a Controlled Substance 1^st Degree, 1^st Offense (Heroin), Possession of Marijuana and Drug Paraphernalia. Hadley was lodged in the Adair County Regional Jail.

The Adair County Fiscal Court met on Monday afternoon. Judge Gale Cowan spoke with Jim Lieb following the meeting...

The Adair County High School Class of 2022 will hold its commencement exercises on May 27, 2022, at 7:00pmCT in the John Burr Memorial Gymnasium. Each senior who is participating in the graduation ceremony will be given 10 tickets for their guests to attend. Doors will open at 6:00pmCT.

The class of 2022 is made up of 172 students. 113 students in the class have achieved a Latin honor academic recognition. 23 students have earned a Summa Cum Laude designation (weighted GPA of 4.0 or greater), 36 students have earned a Magna Cum Laude designation (weighted GPA of 3.5 to 3.99), and 37 students have earned a Cum Laude designation (weighted GPA of 3.0 to 3.49).

Seniors will also be wearing zipper pulls that denote postsecondary readiness. 97 students have achieved Academic and/or Career Readiness benchmarks.

The motto for the Class of 2022 is, “Together, we have experienced life. Separately, we will pursue our dreams. Forever, our memories will remain.” The class chose "I’ll Always Remember You" by Hannah Montana as the class song, the carnation as the class flower, and blue & black as the class colors.

The Adair County Fiscal Court will have a regular called meeting on Monday, May 23, 2022 at 4:00 P.M. CT in the basement of the Adair County Annex building. The public is invited to attend.

AGENDA

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

PRAYER

CALL TO ORDER

ROLL CALL   

  1.   APPROVAL OF AGENDA
  2.   APPROVAL OF MINUTES

• Regular Called Meeting – May 9, 2022

  3.  DISBURSEMENTS
  4.  BUDGET AMENDMENTS
  5.  BUDGET TRANFERS

• LINE TO LINE TRANSFERS
• FUND TO FUND TRANSFERS

  6.   COURT ORDERS

  7.   ACTION ITEMS:

• JAIL HEALTH SERVICES DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE AWARD
• PERMISSION TO BID BANK ACCOUNTS FOR THE FISCAL COURT
• MACK TRUCK DISCUSSION
• 1^ST READING OF 2022-2023 BUDGET

  8.   OTHER BUSINESS
  9.   PUBLIC COMMENTS
 10.  ADJOURN                                                                               

The Adair County Clerks Office has November General Election reminders....

On Friday, May 20, 2022, K-9 Deputy Chandler Staten responded to an incident on Lampton Lane. Upon arrival he made contact with Levi Hausendorfer, who was believed to be under the influence of an intoxicating substance.   

Columbia, Ky. (May 3, 2022) - The preliminary investigation indicated Daniel Lloyd was the driver, through further investigation, the driver has not been positively identified.  The investigation remains ongoing at this time.

###

Columbia, Ky. (May 3, 2022) – The Kentucky State Police investigated a two-vehicle injury collision on the Louie B. Nunn Parkway near Columbia on Tuesday around 2:44 p.m. CT.

Preliminary investigation indicates a 2011 GMC being operated by 41-year-old Daniel Lloyd of Glasgow, was stopped on the right emergency lane traveling East on the Louie B. Nunn Parkway.  Lloyd attempted to turn from the emergency lane into the U-turn when he pulled into the path of a 2005 Freightliner being operated by 36-year-old Bengie Fletcher of Edmonton causing the GMC to overturn ejecting two of the occupants.  Fletcher's vehicle continued off the roadway over an embankment coming to rest in a creek.    

Daniel Lloyd, 33-year-old Kasey Cook of Glasgow, 29-year-old Anthony Garcia of Smith Grove and 26-year-old Lucas Wilson of Edmonton were all transported to T.J. Samson Hospital Columbian with serious injuries.  Bengie Fletcher was transported to T.J. Samson Hospital in Glasgow with serious injuries.

Officer Casey Tooley investigated the collision, and was assisted by the members of Kentucky State Police, Adair County Sheriff's Office, Columbia City Police, Adair County EMS, Breeding Fire Department, Kentucky Department of Transportation, Kentucky Division of Environmental Protection.
 

According to RSPD Chief Tim Pierce, K-9 Officer Debra Necessary responded to a call received on a suspicious male who was loitering and acting strange. Contact was made with the male and consent to search was given.

Justin T. Woodall, 37, of Jamestown, KY was charged with the following: Possession of Controlled Substance, 1st Degree, 1st Offense (Methamphetamine), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Possession of Marijuana. Woodall was lodged in the Russell County Detention Center.

The Columbia Police Department will be participating and aiding with Adair County High School’s Senior Parade tomorrow, May 24, 2022 along with other local first responder agencies. The Parade will begin at ACHS at 6PM, turn onto Greensburg Street, then head to the Public Square and down Jamestown Street before turning onto Tutt Street. The parade will end on Hudson Street just before Veterans Memorial Bypass. 

 

As of 8:44 p.m. on Sunday, May 22, 2022 the boil water advisory for customers starting in the Breeding area 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.
 

On Friday, May 20, 2022 at 9:46amET, Campbellsville Police received a call of a possible burglary in progress at the Campbellsville University Arts building on North Court Street. Officers arrived on scene and located 34-year old Anthony Anderson inside the building. Mr. Anderson had entered the building through a broken window. He was arrested and charged with Burglary 3^rd degree and was lodged in the Taylor County Detention Center. Lt. Scotty Perian was the investigating officer.

• Leslie Owens, 28, Russell Springs - arrested by the RCSO on Saturday night for Public Intoxication of a Controlled Substance (Excluding Alcohol).
• Jose Perez, 24 of Jamestown - arrested by Jamestown Police for No Operators License, Possession of an Open Alcoholic Beverage Container in Motor Vehicle, and DUI.
• Justin Woodall, 37, of Jamestown - arrested early Sunday morning by the Russell Springs Police Dept. for Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Possession of Marijuana.

• Josh Parnell, 27, of Columbia - arrested Sunday morning by the ACSO for Alcohol Intoxication in a Public Place (1st & 2nd offense).
• Christopher Darrell Cape, 37, of Albany - arrested by the Cumberland County Sheriffs Office early Sunday morning for Criminal Littering, Tampering with Physical Evidence, Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Improper Equipment, Rear License Not Illuminated, DUI (Aggravating Circumstance), Wanton Endangerment (Police Officer), and Fleeing or Evading Police.
• Brittany Marie Neal, 29, of Columbia - arrested by the ACSO on Saturday evening for Public Intoxication of a Controlled Substance (Excluding Alcohol).
• Cody Dix, 33, of Jamestown - arrested on Friday night by the ACSO for Possession of Methamphetamine 2nd offense, Display of Illegal/Altered Registration Plate, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Non-Payment of Court Costs, Fees or Fines

Date Issued:    5/21/2022

Levi Hausdorfer, 25, of Breeding, KY was arrested by Deputy Staten with the Adair County Sheriff’s Office last night. Hausdorfer was charged with Public Intoxication-Controlled Substance (excludes alcohol), Possession of a Controlled Substance, 1^st Degree, 1^st Offense (Meth), Prescription Controlled Substance Not in Proper Container, 1^st Offense and Endangering the Welfare of a Minor.

Brittany Horseman, 28, of Lexington, KY was arrested by Officer Durbin with the Columbia Police Department ON Thursday evening. Horseman was charged with AOC Use Only Speed 11-15 mph Over Limit Access, Resisting Arrest and Public Intoxication-Controlled Substance (excludes alcohol).

Both were lodged in the Adair County Regional Jail.

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) District 8 Office advises motorists that beginning Monday, May 23, crews will begin performing paving operations on the Louie B. Nunn Cumberland Expressway in Pulaski County.

Work will be performed both east and west bound between the Fishing Creek bridge (mile point 84.4) and the Russell County line (mile point 72). Work will begin as mobile operations to remove pavement markings which is expected to last four weeks. Paving operations will follow requiring the roadway to be reduced to one lane. In addition, the speed limit will be reduced to 55 mph. Motorists are urged to use caution when traveling through the area and to pay close attention to signage.

Work is expected to be completed September 30. The starting date and duration of work 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.  

The Jamestown City Council met on Thursday night in regular session. Mayor Regina Hinton tells WAVE Listeners about this weekends Lake, Rattle and Roll festival and a community meeting with Senator Rand Paul that's coming up... 

On Wednesday, May 18, 2022 the HIDTA Drug Task Force (Columbia Office) along with Columbia Police and other agencies executed a search warrant in the Millerfield community on the Adair/Russell line concluding a recent investigation. 

During a search of the property a quantity of methamphetamine, heroin, marijuana, mushrooms, prescription pills, and cash was found by Officers. 

Patrick Sisco, 36, of Casey County and Logan Sprague, 33, of Russell County were both charged with trafficking in a controlled substance (Methamphetamine). Laura Dunham, 38, of Casey County was charged with possession of a controlled substance (Heroin). All three parties were lodged in the Russell County Detention Center.
 

FRANKFORT, Ky. (May 19, 2022) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear updated Kentuckians on the lowest employment rate in state history, economic development efforts, legislation that supports the military community, tornado relief, National Police Week, Brain Tumor Awareness Month and COVID-19. The Governor also congratulated this week’s Team Kentucky All-Star.

Lowest Unemployment Rate in State History
Today, Gov. Andy Beshear reported that Kentucky just posted the lowest unemployment rate in state history, further proof that the commonwealth’s record-breaking economic momentum is benefitting all Kentuckians. According to the Kentucky Center for Statistics, an agency within the Education and Workforce Development Cabinet, Kentucky’s seasonally adjusted preliminary April 2022 unemployment rate was 3.9%, the lowest rate ever recorded since the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics began reporting state rates in 1976.

Economic Development in the Commonwealth
The Governor said the state is continuing to see great economic success. He congratulated Catalent Inc., which partners with pharma, biotech and consumer health companies to optimize the development, launch and life-cycle supply of products for patients around the world, on its planned $175 million investment to expand its existing operation and add a new R&D facility in Clark County, creating 277 high-wage jobs for Kentuckians.

“On behalf of Catalent Winchester and Catalent Pharma Solutions, I would like to thank Gov. Beshear and the Cabinet for Economic Development for their continued support of Catalent’s growth in Kentucky,” said Chris Rosenbaum, general manager of Catalent in Winchester. “The addition of our manufacturing capacity and capability in Winchester along with the research and development facility is only going to further our mission to help people around the world to live better and healthier lives.”

On Monday, the Governor announced another strong showing for Kentucky in Site Selection magazine’s annual rankings, which include the 2022 Prosperity Cup and Mac Conway Awards, as well as the Top Deals in North America list. Kentucky ranks sixth in this year’s Prosperity Cup. The ranking recognizes state-level economic development success based on capital investment project activity during the previous calendar year. Two of the commonwealth’s most significant recent projects – Ford Motor Co. and SK Innovation’s BlueOvalSK battery park in Hardin County, which was announced in September, and the recently opened Amazon Air Hub in Boone County – ranked third and 11th, respectively, among the Top Deals in North America for 2021, based on capital expenditures and job creation.

On Tuesday, Gov. Beshear announced that A2A Pharmaceutical Network, a pharmaceutical manufacturing, wholesale and technology organization, will expand its operations with a new headquarters facility in Scottsville, investing a combined $1.7 million-plus and creating 27 full-time jobs for residents in the community.

On Wednesday, the Governor joined local officials and Kroger representatives to break ground on a new Kroger being built in Oldham County. The 100,000-square foot store will include an expanded fuel center, a Starbucks and a Little Clinic.

Last week, Gov. Beshear attended a ribbon-cutting and barrel-signing event at Jim Beam American Stillhouse in Clermont as part of the company’s reopening ceremony. The event celebrated a $45 million investment that saw a complete overhaul of the facility. It now offers expanded tours, an education center, amphitheater, meeting spaces and a more comprehensive guest experience.

Veterans Bills
As part of Military Appreciation Month, Gov. Beshear ceremonially signed into law four pieces of legislation recently passed by the General Assembly that support Kentucky’s military community and families. The legislation expands the Military Family Assistance Trust Fund, makes it easier for military spouses to obtain occupational licenses and adds seven active military unit license plates to the 28 current military-related plates.

More than $580,000 in Additional SAFE Funds for Tornado Recovery
Gov. Beshear announced the fourth round of awards from the West Kentucky State Aid Funding for Emergencies (SAFE) fund. The $586,000 in assistance announced today will go to three eligible Western Kentucky counties to help with the costs of recovery from the devastating December 2021 tornadoes.

“We will continue to support our Western Kentucky families and communities until we rebuild every home and every life following the December 2021 tornadoes,” Gov. Beshear said. “The funds awarded this week will help cover expenses and services that are not eligible for FEMA aid, and they will help relieve some of the financial strain these communities continue to face during this time of recovery.”

The $586,000 announced today will accommodate the 5.2% local share for FEMA-eligible expenses and will help cover the costs of some non-FEMA eligible storm debris removal.

Today’s funding awards include:

• $500,000 to the Caldwell County Fiscal Court;
• $36,000 to the Lyon County Fiscal Court; and
• $50,000 to Marshall County Fiscal Court.

“Caldwell County is so grateful to receive this support,” Caldwell County Judge/Executive Larry Curling said. “The money awarded today to Caldwell County will be used to offset some of the cost of debris removal that is ineligible for FEMA assistance. We realize had it not been a total Team Kentucky effort between Gov. Beshear and all our General Assembly members, this assistance would not have been possible.”

Last week, Gov. Beshear announced the award of more than $3 million to 12 Western Kentucky recipients. On May 5, he awarded $6.1 million to seven Western Kentucky recipients. On April 28, the Governor announced $8.5 million in financial assistance to Hopkins County.

Gov. Beshear recommended the appropriation for the SAFE fund, and the 2022 General Assembly supported the aid by passing Senate Bill 150, which the Governor signed into law in April. The Kentucky Division of Emergency Management continues to receive additional applications for SAFE funding, which are being carefully reviewed to ensure the funds are used to their maximum benefit.

COVID-19 Update
Gov. Beshear said there was another increase in reported COVID-19 cases last week. There are now 12 counties in yellow, or moderate, compared with three last week. He noted that hospitalizations remain low and stable but cautioned that Kentucky is seeing an uptick in the positivity rate. The Governor and Kentucky Department for Public Health Commissioner Dr. Steven Stack encouraged unvaccinated Kentuckians to get vaccinated and for vaccinated Kentuckians to get boosted if they haven’t already.

“We are adjusting to life with COVID, not life permanently disrupted by COVID. Even so, the cases have increased and there is more disease out there,” said Dr. Stack. “I want to encourage any Kentuckian following our recommendations to use the CDC Community Levels chart as a tool.”

On Tuesday, the FDA approved a single dose of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine as a booster for children ages 5 to 11 who have completed their primary Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine series at least 5 months prior. Everyone 5 and older is now eligible for at least one booster dose. Those 50 and older and people 12 and older with certain immunocompromised risks are currently eligible for two booster doses. While both Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna continue to work against the vaccine, no COVID-19 vaccines are currently available for children younger than 5.

National Police Week
Gov. Beshear invited Kentuckians to honor law enforcement personnel during National Police Week 2022. This observance pays tribute to local, state and federal peace officers who have died or been disabled in the line of duty. On Monday, Calloway County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Jody Cash lost his life in service to Kentucky. The Governor has ordered flags at all state buildings to be lowered to half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Saturday, May 21, in honor of Chief Deputy Cash.

Gov. Beshear Proclaims Second Annual David Turner Jr. Ice Cream Day
On Tuesday, the Governor signed three proclamations to help raise awareness for childhood brain cancer, recognizing Brain Tumor Awareness Month, DIPG Awareness Day and the second annual David Turner Jr. Ice Cream Day. The Governor said he was honored to celebrate the progress the state is making in the fight against childhood brain cancer and to remember the precious children, like David Turner Jr., that we have lost far too soon to this awful disease.

Team Kentucky All-Star
Gov. Beshear named Jamie Woosley, principal of Jennings Creek Elementary School in Bowling Green, this week’s Team Kentucky All-Star. Principal Woosley has worked to ensure that his students and their families are safe and healthy after tornadoes impacted their community and worked with First Lady Britainy Beshear to pull together a toy drive for his students. The Governor also recognized all educators and school staff in Western Kentucky that continue to provide for students and families impacted by the December tornadoes.

Adair County Fiscal Court, Adair County Road Department, Columbia City Street Department, and LCADD Transportation planners are participating in the Safety Circuit Rider Training Program today provided by the University of Kentucky Transportation Center.

Front Row: Ian Cole, LCADD Transportation Planner, Adair Co, Judge Executive Gale Cowan,  David Smith, Adair Co. Road Deot, Adam Kirk, Safety Circuit Rider Instructor, Chris Rowe, AC Road Dept, Ken Agent, Research Engineer, Tim Smith, City Street Dept, 

Back Row: Phillip Cowan, Adair Co. Road Dept, John Denton, Adair Co. Road Dept, Terry Williams, Adair Co. Road Dept, Gary Coffey, Adair Co. Road Dept, Billy Cowan, Adair Co. Road Dept, Terry Hadley, Magistrate Dist. 7,Barry Hamlett, County Road Foreman, Billy Coffey, Magistrate Dist. 5, Jackie Chapman, City Street Dept., David Harden, AC Road Dept.

Logan Sprague, age 33, of Russell Springs was arrested by Deputy Meyer with the Russell County Sheriff’s Office just before 8 last evening. Sprague was charged with Trafficking in a Controlled Substance, 1^st Degree, 2^nd Offense more than 2 Grams of Meth.

Anthony Dowell, age 27, of Jamestown, was taken into custody by Trooper Sharp with the Kentucky State Police just before 3 yesterday afternoon. Dowell was charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance 1^st Degree, 1^st Offense (Meth) and Drug Paraphernalia – Buy/Possession.

Both men were lodged into the Russell County Detention Center.

Melinda Whitaker, age 38, of Louisville, was arrested by Officer Foster with the Columbia Police Department just before 10 last evening. Whitaker was charged with Theft by Unlawful Taking or Disposition (Shoplifting) under $500. She was lodged into the Adair County Regional Jail.

A Green County, KY woman was sentenced Tuesday, May 17, 2022 to 12 months and 1 day in federal prison for submitting nine fraudulent Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act applications. 

According to court documents, between April 2020 and July 2020, Mandy Ellen Bauer, 41, of Greensburg, Kentucky filed nine fraudulent applications for various CARES Act financial assistance programs, including Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans, Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL), and advance payment of tax credits, resulting in an attempted theft of over $230,000.  In those false applications Bauer exaggerated the gross revenues, number of employees, and payroll of her company, Family Personal Sales.  All of Bauer’s fraudulent applications were rejected and she did not receive any funds. 

PPP loans were designed to provide a direct incentive for small businesses to keep their workers on the payroll.  Under this program, the Small Business Administration (SBA) would forgive all or part of loans if all employees were kept on the payroll for eight weeks and borrowers submitted documentation confirming that the loan proceeds were used for payroll, rent, mortgage interest, or utilities.

EIDLs provided loan assistance (including $10,000 advances) for small businesses and other eligible entities for loans up to $2 million. The EIDL proceeds could be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills that could have been paid had the disaster not occurred.

“I commend the investigative work of the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration,” said Michael A. Bennett, United States Attorney for the Western District of Kentucky.  “Together with our federal law enforcement partners we will continue to identify, apprehend, and prosecute fraudsters involved in plots to steal federal relief funds.”

“The Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration aggressively pursues those who endeavor to defraud programs afforded to the American people under the CARES Act,” said J. Russell George, the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA). “We appreciate the efforts of the Department of Justice in this effort.”

The Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration investigated the case, which was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David Weiser.

On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.

Nicolette Hare, 30, of Russell Springs was taken into custody by Officer Foster with the Columbia Police Department just before 10 last night. Hare was charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance 1^st Degree, 1^st Offense (Meth), Promoting Contraband – 1^st Degree, Public Intoxication-Controlled Substance (excludes alcohol), Contempt of Court Libel/Slander Resistance to Order.

Lodged in the Adair County Jail.

Unofficial Total

COUNTY JUDGE

 Clarissa Moochie Hart 1,303

 Patrick Loy 202

 Benny Joe Smith 42

 Brad Burch 71

 Landon C Helm 50 

*Randy Marcum 1,909

 Clete McAninch 1,190

COUNTY CLERK

 Sherita Medaris 675

 Amy Riggins Melson 1,259

 Kennedy Coffey 1,062

*Patti Glover 1,437

 Kimberly Fenske 255

SHERRIF 

 Nicholas R Bertram 854

*Derek Polston 3,855

CORONER

 Cliffton Bunch 1,283

*Mark A Coots 3297

MAGISTRATE 1ST DISTRICT

*Terry Waddell 626

 Greg Popplewell 260

CONSTABLE 1ST DISTRICT 

*Jeffrey Aaron 576

 Keith Scholl 232

MAGISTRATE 2ND DISTRICT

 Phillip Aaron 284

*Mickey Garner 698

MAGISTRATE 3RD DISTRICT 

 Darry Flatt 262

*Zach Wilson 544

 Barry Flatt 201

 Chase Antle 41

MAGISTRATE 4TH DISTRICT

 Travis Dixon 114

 Robert Curtis Coppage 383

*Steve Richardson 474

CONSTABLE 4TH DISTRICT 

 John Wayne Grimsley 221

 Dustin Posey 150

*Greg Hammond 520

MAGISTRATE 5TH DISTRICT 

 Vince P White 181

*Larry D Skaggs 332

 Ryan Vaughan 259

Constable 5th District 

 Jeffrey T Wislon 284

*Richard A Wooldrudge 447

United States Senate (Democrat)

 Joshua Weslet Blanton Sr 49

*Charles Booker 204

 Ruth Gao 27

 John Merrill 48

United State Senate (Republican)

 Arnold Blankenship 67

 Valerie Dr Val Freddick 75

 Paul V Hamilton 70

*Rand Paul 1,588

 John Schiess 16

 Tami L Stainfield 63 

05/15/2022

According to RSPD Chief Pierce, K-9 Officer Debra Necessary responded to a call at 5 Star. Once on scene, Necessary observed a female unconscious in her vehicle with the car running, with an infant child in the back seat. After tapping on the car glass several times, the female woke up, denied having any type of medical emergency, yet seemed disoriented. 

Brandie M. Asher, 28, of Clearfield, KY, was charged with the following: Trafficking in Controlled Substance, 1st Degree, 1st Off (> or = 2 gms Methamphetamine), Possession of Controlled Substance, 3rd Degree (Drug Unspecified), Endangering the Welfare of a Minor and Operating on Suspended or Revoked Operator's License. Ms. Asher was lodged at the Russell County Detention Center.

Paul Abrell, age 42, of Columbia was taken into custody by Deputy Tweedy of the Adair County Sheriff’s Office last night just after 11:30. Abrell was charged with Criminal Trespassing-2^nd Degree and Public Intoxication-Controlled Substance (excludes alcohol. He was lodged into the Adair County Regional Jail.

Superintendent Michael Ford tells WAVE NEWS what took place at yesterdays School Board meeting... 

The Welding Department at Adair County High School has been awarded a $147,089 grant for a piece of equipment in the welding shop...

Date Issued: 5/16/2022

Time Issued: 9:48 A.M.

A BOIL WATER ADVISORY is in effect for consumers of Columbia Adair Utilities District for customers from15748–17665 Knifley Road, Wethington Road, Mt. Tussel Road, Ray Miller, Crooked Creek, 3575–5176 Elkhorn Rd, 170-618 Tucker Wood Rd, 80-125 Caldwell Ridge Rd, R. Beard Rd. The advisory has been issued due to a 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 three minutes before using. This advisory will remain in effect until the situation has been corrected and test results have shown the water to be of an acceptable quality. For more information concerning the Boil Water Advisory, contact Lennon Stone at Columbia Adair Utilities District, 270-384-2181.

Dylan Burton, 28, of Breeding, KY was arrested by K.S.P. Trooper Young on Sunday night. Burton was charged with Failure to Wear Seatbelt, No Registration Receipt, No Registration Plates, Failure to Register Transfer of Motor Vehicle, Operating Motor Vehicle Under Influence of Substance 2^nd, Tampering with Physical Evidence, Possession of Controlled Substance, 1^st Degree, 2^nd Offense (Meth) and Drug Paraphernalia – Buy/Possession. He was lodged in the Russell County Detention Center.

Russell County Sheriff Derek Polston reports the arrest of 2 individuals on Drug Trafficking charges from a parking lot of a local church.

Sheriff Polston advised his Deputies responded to a call of a suspicious vehicle in the parking lot of Sano/Mt. Olive church. Upon arrival, they observed a vehicle with 2 subjects inside, along with a 13-month-old child. 
 

The male subject, 39-year-old Thomas Blackburn from Hwy 1611 in Eli  was charged with Trafficking in a Controlled Substance 1st degree 1st offense (Methamphetamine), Possession of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. He was also served with an outstanding Bench Warrant for Failure to Appear.
 

A female in the car, 34-year-old Madonna Hall from Hwy 92 in Russell Springs was charged with Trafficking in a Controlled Substance 1st Degree 1st Offense (Methamphetamine) 2 Grams or more, Wanton Endangerment 1st Degree by having a child in the car and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
 

Deputies Nathan Bradshaw and Corey Meyer made the arrests. The charges will be presented to a Russell County Grand Jury where more charges are expected.

Sheriff Polston reminds all citizens that if you suspect illegal drug activity of any kind, to call Russell County Dispatch at 270-343-6600 or call the Drug/Wanted Persons tip line at 270-343-8116. All callers will remain anonymous.

Brandie Asher, 28, of Russell Springs, KY was arrested by Jamestown Police on Sunday morning for Trafficking in Methamphetamine, Possession of a Control Substance 3rd degree (Drug Unspecified), Endangering the Welfare of a Minor, and Operating on a Suspended License. Asher was lodged in the Russell County Detention Center.

.DAY ONE...Tonight.

Strong thunderstorms are possible this evening. The main threats will be frequent lightning, torrential rain, gusty winds, and hail.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Sunday through Friday.

Strong to severe storms will be possible Sunday. While storms will be possible through the night, the best chance for severe weather should be in the evening. The main threats with the strongest storms will be gusty winds and marginally severe hail.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation is requested this afternoon and evening, and may be needed Sunday evening.

GENERAL STORM MOTION OF THE DAY:

Storms this evening will move ESE at 10 mph. Any users of this storm motion must be aware that thunderstorm activity can be erratic and constantly evolving. Please use this with caution.and be prepared for changing conditions.
 

• Kelvin Fredrick Bowers, 35, of Louisville - arrested on Friday by the ACSO for Trafficking in a Controlled Substance 2nd degree (Anabolic Steroid), Trafficking in Methamphetamine, Persisten Felony Offender, and Probation Violation for a Felony Offense.
   
• Christopher Trivette, 38, of Bowling Green - arrested by CPD on Friday afternoon for Public Intoxication of a Controlled Substance (Excluding Alcohol). 

• Approval of Minutes
• Payment of Bills
• School Activity Fund Reports
• Financial Report
• Field Trips
• Treasurer's Monthly Report April 2022

• Lake Cumberland District Health Department
• White and Company, PSC
• Commonwealth of Kentucky- MOU FY23 & FY24 Read to Achieve
• Lake Cumberland Community Action-Local Education Agency Agreement 2022-23

NOTE: A special called school board meeting will be held on Thursday, May 26, 2022 at 3:00pmCT for Fiscal Year 2023 Salary Schedules and Tentative Budget. 

There is a boil water advisory in Russell Springs on the end of High Street due to waterline repairs. Boil all water until further notice for 3 minutes before using for drinking & cooking purposes.

The Adair County Clerk’s Office will be closed Tuesday, May 17, 2022 for all business transactions. We will only be handling the Primary Election that day. We respectfully ask that you do not call Tuesday unless it is an Election question, so that our phone lines will not be busy for voters. We are a small office and need all staff that day to take care of the 2022 Primary Election. Sorry for any inconvenience this may cause. We will be back open for business like normal on Wednesday, May 18, 2022.

Remember to Go Vote.

Thank you

Lisa Greer, Adair County Clerk

Jamestown Utilities will be flushing the distribution system in the Bernard Ridge and Pleasant Hill areas beginning on Monday, May 16th. This process should take 3 to 4 weeks. You could experience some drop in water pressure due to this operation. It will only be temporary and should return to normal pressure by the afternoon. If you have any questions please call Jamestown City Hall at 270-343-4594

Hali Anderson, coordinator for Adair Project Graduation received a check, presented by Sheriff Josh Brockman, on behalf of the Adair County Fiscal Court for $1,000 to go toward the expense and sponsorship of the event.

It is the goal of project graduation to provide a safe substance free night for seniors on their graduating night. They provide an evening of activities, prizes (including cash giveaways), food and much more.

The funds were made available when Sheriff Brockman made a request to the County Judge Executive and the Fiscal Court at the regular monthly meeting Monday night. Asking that funds be used from the abc account, an account that consists of money that Is generated from the sale of alcoholic beverages in Adair County.  State regulations are very strict on the use of these funds. They cannot be used for general purposes of the county such as payroll, roads, supplies, etc. They must be used directly for law enforcement related to alcohol issues, the prevention of alcohol abuse or educational activities related to alcohol abuse.   
 

Sheriff Brockman stated that the participation of seniors in Project Graduation is large and feels  it is a very worthy event to help provide a safe alternative for the kids instead of attending graduation parties. The Fiscal Court agreed on the importance of the program and voted unanimously for the donation.  

Russell Springs Mayor Eddie Thomas tells WAVE NEWS what took place at last nights meeting... 

Yoshiya Sotherden, 25, of Columbia, KY was arrested by Officer Durbin with the Columbia Police Department on Thursday afternoon. Sotherden was charged with Public Intoxication-Controlled Substance (excludes alcohol), Disorderly Conduct, 2^nd Degree, Resisting Arrest, Terroristic Threatening, 3^rd Degree, Assault, 4^th Degree (no visible injury) and Possession of a Controlled Substance, 2^nd Degree – Drug Unspecified.

Sotherden was lodged in the Adair County Regional Jail.

Kevin Reynolds has been selected as Russell Springs Elementary School's next principal. Please join the district in congratulating Mr. Reynolds and welcoming him to the RSES family!

Free Sports Physicals at TJ Samson ....

FRANKFORT, Ky. (May 12, 2022) – Today (Thursday), Gov. Andy Beshear updated Kentuckians on economic development, tornado relief and COVID-19, as well as new leadership appointments.

Economic Growth Continues in the Commonwealth
The Governor highlighted several economic development announcements from the week.

On Monday, Gov. Beshear announced that Flottweg Separation Technology Inc., a manufacturer of centrifuges and other liquid-solid separation equipment, has committed to invest $1.75 million and create 12 high-wage jobs with a new warehouse facility in Boone County. The expansion comes in response to rising demand and will accommodate increased parts manufacturing. This investment will support the construction of a new 15,000-square-foot warehouse facility on Flottweg’s existing campus, which is expected to be completed early in 2023.

On Tuesday, the Governor announced $230,000 in upgrades at the Hickory Industrial Park in Graves County, increasing the location’s appeal for companies considering new-location or expansion projects. The investment will include construction of a 150,000-square-foot, pre-graded building pad on 16 acres in the industrial park. The site will include truck drive access and support up to 200 parking spaces on 4.7 acres adjacent to the building pad. The pad will reduce the time to market for prospective companies and expedite the construction process.

On Wednesday, Gov. Beshear announced that the City of Bowling Green will implement upgrades at the Kentucky Transpark behind a $1 million investment, building on one of the fastest-growing industrial parks in Kentucky. The Inter-Modal Transportation Authority applied for $500,000 in funding on behalf of the city to extend utility service in the Kentucky Transpark to support its continued growth. This money will be used to extend utilities along Production Avenue, which will help bring over 600 acres of property to market, including the future homes of both Tyson Foods and Envision AESC, the 3 million-square-foot electric vehicle battery gigafactory that will create 2,000 new jobs in the community. The state funding accounts for half of the $1 million project cost with the rest funded locally.

Earlier today, the Governor congratulated Harbor Steel & Supply Corp., a distributor and manufacturer of fabricated products for the steel and aluminum industries, as company and local leadership broke ground on a new $8 million operation in Warren County creating 25 quality jobs for Kentuckians.

The Governor also announced over $2.3 million in funds and credits to assist with the training of over 13,600 Kentucky workers. Training funds and credits approved during this month’s Bluegrass State Skills Corporation meeting push the state’s support in fiscal year 2022 to over $8.4 million for 115 applicants throughout the state to train more than 35,400 workers, the most since 2016. Among this month’s approvals were funding and credits to support training of 6,700 employees at the Ford Truck Plant in Louisville, as well as more than 1,400 trainees at Logan Aluminum in Russellville and over 830 workers at Toyotetsu Mid America in Owensboro.

More than $3 Million in Additional SAFE Funds for Tornado Recovery
Gov. Beshear announced a third round of awards from the West Kentucky State Aid Funding for Emergencies (SAFE) fund. The more than $3 million in assistance announced today will go to 12 eligible Western Kentucky cities, counties and other entities to help with the costs of recovery from the devastating December 2021 tornadoes.

Today’s funding awards include more than $1.3 million for the Graves County Fiscal Court; $663,004 for Muhlenberg County; $340,210 for the Western Kentucky Electrical Co-op; $300,000 for the Caldwell County Fiscal Court; $154,840 for the Lyon County Fiscal Court; $142,786 for the Fulton County Fiscal Court; $70,096 for the City of Princeton; $23,297 for the City of Benton; $5,980 for the Christian County Fiscal Court; and $4,004 for the Ohio County Fiscal Court. The Hopkins County Health Department also received $12,212 and the Bowling Green Independent School District received $5,940.

The $3 million announced today will accommodate the 5.2% local share for FEMA-eligible expenses and will help cover the costs of some non-FEMA eligible storm debris removal.

Last week, Gov. Beshear announced the award of more than $6.1 million to seven Western Kentucky recipients. On April 28, the governor announced $8.5 million in financial assistance to Hopkins County, the first county to receive SAFE funds.

Gov. Beshear recommended the appropriation for the SAFE fund, and the 2022 General Assembly supported the aid by passing Senate Bill 150, which the Governor signed into law April 15. The Kentucky Division of Emergency Management continues to receive additional applications for SAFE funding, which are being carefully reviewed to ensure the funds are used to their maximum benefit.

$16 Million for New Homes in Western Kentucky
Gov. Beshear updated Kentuckians on his announcement Tuesday that $16 million from the Team Western Kentucky Tornado Relief Fund will help provide up to 300 homes for families in 13 Western Kentucky counties.

Working with the state’s Public Protection Cabinet, which administers the Team Western Kentucky Tornado Relief Fund, nonprofit groups Habitat for Humanity, Homes and Hope for Kentucky and The Fuller Center for Housing submitted proposals to help build up to 100 homes each. Homes can be built in the counties that were eligible for individual and household assistance through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): Caldwell, Christian, Fulton, Graves, Hart, Hickman, Hopkins, Logan, Marshall, Muhlenberg, Ohio, Taylor and Warren counties. All of the $16 million in funding comes from private donations to the Team Western Kentucky Tornado Relief Fund.

COVID-19 Update
Gov. Beshear said there was another slight increase in reported COVID-19 cases last week, but the counties in yellow dropped from four the previous week to three. He noted that hospitalizations remain low but cautioned that Kentucky is seeing an uptick in the positivity rate. The Governor encouraged unvaccinated Kentuckians to get vaccinated and for vaccinated Kentuckians to get boosted if they haven’t already.

New Leadership in Cabinet Posts
The Governor thanked Executive Cabinet Secretary J. Michael Brown and interim Cabinet for Economic Development Secretary Larry Hayes for their guidance and service to the commonwealth as he announced their retirements from state government.

State Budget Director John Hicks will take on the additional duties of executive cabinet secretary as he continues in his current role. Hicks has helped the Governor navigate the budget challenges brought on by the pandemic and is currently helping to distribute billions of dollars in federal relief aid. Under Hicks’ leadership, the Governor’s administration created the best budget in 20 years.

Taking up the mantle as secretary of the Cabinet for Economic Development is Jeff Noel, the corporate vice president of communications and public affairs at Whirlpool Corp. who has served as the interim president and CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation for the last year.

Team Kentucky All-Stars
In recognition of their commitment to workplace safety, Gov. Beshear named the companies recognized at the Governor’s Safety and Health Conference and Exposition in Bowling Green on Tuesday as this week’s Team Kentucky All-stars.

Some of these companies include:

• Big Rivers Electric Corp., which the Governor recognized after four of their locations received a Governor’s Safety and Health Award and, combined, achieved more than 4 million man-hours worked without a lost-time incident; 
• Hood Container of Louisville, whose employees had logged more than half-a-million hours on the job since February 2018 without a lost-time injury accident or illness; and
• Insteel Wire Products in Hickman, where employees logged 329,873 hours on the job without a lost-time injury or illness.
•  

FRANKFORT, Ky. (May 12, 2022) – 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 immediately and remain so until sunset on Monday, May 16, to mark the tragic milestone of 1,000,000 American lives lost to COVID-19.

The Governor noted that more than 15,700 Kentuckians have been lost to the virus, remarking that “all people are unique and irreplaceable children of God, and all those we have lost deserved more time on this Earth, more time with their families.”

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

Fredrick Katon, age 28, of Russell Springs was arrested by Deputy Phipps of the Russell County Sheriff’s Office just before 9:30 last evening. Katon was charged with Theft by Unlawful Taking or Disposition all Other’s more than $10,000 and Fleeing or Evading Police, 2^nd Degree (on foot). He was lodged into the Russell County Detention Center.

The Columbia Police Department responded to a hit and run on Burksville Street today (Wednesday, May 11, 2022) after an operator of a gold Buick struck a school bus and fled the scene. 

Officers were able to identify the operator and located the subject near his residence on Westwood Drive, less than a mile from the collision.

After locating and establishing contact, the subject attempted to conceal a small bag believed to contain methamphetamine before being taken into custody. 

Christopher Furkins, 27, of Columbia has been charged with numerous traffic violations as well as DUI 1st aggravated circumstances, criminal mischief 2nd, tampering with physical evidence, possession of methamphetamine, leaving the scene of an accident/failure to render aid, and 26 counts of wanton endangerment totaling 28 felony charges altogether. 

Officer Josh Durbin was the arresting Officer. He was assisted on scene by Sgt Evan Burton and Chief Jr Murphy.
 

The Columbia Police Department responded to a hit and run on Burksville Street, May 11, after an operator of a gold Buick struck a school bus and fled the scene. 
Officers were able to identify operator and located subject near his residence on Westwood Drive, less than a mile from the collision. 
After locating and establishing contact, subject attempted to conceal a small bag believed to contain methamphetamine before being taken into custody. 
Christopher Furkins, 27, of Columbia has been charged with numerous traffic violations as well as DUI 1st aggravated circumstances, criminal mischief 2nd, tampering with physical evidence, possession of methamphetamine, leaving the scene of an accident/failure to render aid, and 26 counts of wanton endangerment totaling 28 felony charges altogether. 
Officer Josh Durbin was the arresting Officer. He was assisted on scene by Sgt Evan Burton and Chief Jr Murphy.

The boil water advisory on Maple Street in Russell Springs, KY has been lifted.

1. South Kentucky RECC (community room)
2. The LEVEE (behind the R.C. Courthouse) and
3. Salem Elementary School

Michael Miniard, age 47, of Russell Springs, was taken into custody by Trooper Smith with the Kentucky State Police and lodged into the Russell County Detention Center just before 1 this morning. Miniard was charged with Operating a Motor Vehicle under the Influence Substance 1^st, Operating on a Suspended or Revoked Operators License, No Registration Receipt, No Registration Plates, Failure to Wear Seat Belts and Drug Paraphernalia – Buy/Possession.

Rogaciano Landa-Hernandez, age 43, of Russell Springs was taken into custody by Trooper McQueary of the Kentucky State Police, just after midnight. He was also lodged into the Adair County Regional Jail on charges of Operating Motor Vehicle under the Influence of Alcohol .08 1^st, No Operators-Moped License, No Registration Receipt, No Registration Plates, Failure of Non-Owner to Maintain Required Insurance 1^st and Failure to Produce Insurance Card.

Two people were seriously injured and flown out following an accident that occurred on McClendon Ridge in Russell County early Tuesday morning.

According to officials with the Russell County Sheriff’s Office, the accident occurred when Glen McQueary, age 80 of Russell Springs, was traveling southbound in a 2005 Toyota SUV and crossed the centerline, striking a 2006 Chevy Pickup Truck being operated by 17-year-old Brennan Pierce.

The accident occurred just after 7 a.m. and both McQueary and Pierce were flown to the UK Medical Center in Lexington, KY for treatment of their injuries.

The accident is being investigated by Nathan Bradshaw with the Russell County Sheriff’s Office. The Eli Fire Department and Russell County EMS assisted at the scene.  

Russell Springs Firemen were called out to a structure fire off Highway East 80 just past Decatur Road on Tuesday afternoon. Upon arrival, firefighters found the fire was in a bedroom and had burned through the side of the home. The fire was quickly extinguished and was contained to the bedroom. A total of 10 firemen responded and were on the scene for about an hour.

Date Issued:  5/10/2022

Time Issued:  1:00 p.m.

A BOIL WATER ADVISORY is in effect for customers of Columbia/Adair Utilities District, at Bomar Height and Tutt St and all connecting roads between, Grady Loop, Guardian St., West Frazier, East Frazier, Greensburg St, Marshall St, Pall St, Wall St, Rice Dr, Mack St, Mitchell St, Walker St, Hudson St, Sunset Dr, Stults St, Curry St, Allen St, 101 Westwood Dr, Bridge Port Circle, Hurt St, .  Woody Ave, North 61 Bypass to Lampton Lane, Old Burkesville Loop, Baker St, Yates St, 306 Magnolia Dr, Bluegrass Dr.

The advisory has been issued due to Main Line Break. Following such an event, the potential exists for bacteriological contamination of the water supply therefore this Boil Water Advisory has been issued as a precautionary measure.

Until further notice, boil all water used for drinking and cooking, bringing the water to a rolling boil for 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.

Tuesday, May 10, 2022 Arrests....

• Johnathan Allen Lawhorn, 25, of Russell Springs - arrested on May 6th and booked inth the RC Detention Center this morning Receiving Stolen Property and Terroristic Threatening 3rd degree.

• Brandon Catron, 28, of Columbia - booked into the ACRJ on Tuesday afternoon on the charge of Possession of a Handgun by a Convicted Felon.

• Marley Arms, 35, of Russell Springs - booked into the ACRJ Tuesday afternoon on the charge of Receiving Stolen Property $10,000 or More. 

The Russell County Fiscal Court met on Monday evening. Russell County Judge Exec. Gary Robertson shares with WAVE listeners what took place... 
 

The Adair County Fiscal Court held their regular montly meeting on Monday afternoon. Jim Lieb with WAVE NEWS spoke withJudge Gale Cowan following the meeting... 

No Excuse In-Person Voting and Early Voting begins this week in Adair County. Here's voting info. from Adair County Clerk's Office...  https://ridingthewave.com/assets/files/ADAIR-VOTING-INFO-MAY-2022.pdf

On Saturday, May 7, 2022 at 5:10pmCT, Deputy Kenny Perkins received  a complaint of possible illegal activity occurring around the 2000 block of Cane Valley. Upon arrival to investigate, an altercation could be heard in the back of the residence. Upon making contact and observing illegal substances, Malachi Webster was taken into custody (after resisting arrest) and was placed in the police cruiser. Tonya Stearns, 39, was also found to be in possession of controlled substances and was arrested without incident. Both were lodged in the Adair County Regional Jail.

Malachi Webster was charged with:

• Possession of a controlled substance 1st degree (methamphetamine) 
• Possession of marijuana 
• Possession of drug paraphernalia and 
• Resisting arrest 

• Possession of a controlled substance 1st degree (methamphetamine)
• Possession of marijuana and 
• Possession of drug paraphernalia

Angela Kinnett, 39, of Columbia was arrested by Officer Conn with the Columbia Police Department just before 3:30 yesterday afternoon. Kinnett was charged with Public Intoxication-Controlled Substance (excludes alcohol) and Disorderly Conduct, 2^nd Degree. She was lodged into the Adair County Regional Jail.

Below is the 2022 Russell County Jaycees Fair Schedule.
 

GATE ADMISSION

Friday, June 3rd: $5.00

Saturday, June 4th: $10.00

Sunday, June 5th: FREE

Monday, June 6th - Saturday, June 11th: $10.00 

• Edward Thomas Jolly, 41, of Kings Mountain, KY - arrested by Kentucky Fish & Wildlife on Saturday afternoon for Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Public Intoxication of a Controlled Substance (Excluding Alcohol).

• Verlin Daniel, 57, of Russell Springs - arrested on Saturday afternoon by KSP for Trafficking in Methamphetamine (2nd or greater offense), Possession of Marijuana, Persistent Felony Offender, and Contempt of Court.

On Friday afternoon, May 6th, 2022 Adair County School Resource Officers from the Columbia Police Department were alerted by staff at the Adair County Board of Education’s Central Office that a male subject who had trespassed on school property on Monday, May 2, 2022 was walking on Greensburg Street in front of the Central Office and Adair County Middle School.

The Russell County Fiscal Court will meet on Monday, May 9, 2022 at 5:30pmCT....

UPDATE:  Coffey returned to the Clerk's office on Friday afternoon and filed to run for re-election to the Jamestown City Council.

----------------

According to the Russell County Clerk's Office, Barry Coffey has withdrawn his name as a candidate for Mayor of Jamestown.
 

Regena Hinton filed for the office of Mayor of Jamestown and Ada Lawson has filed for a seat on the Jamestown City Council.

Tiffany Johnson, 32, of Russell Springs was taken into custody by Deputy Golden with the Russell County Sheriff’s Office on Thursday night. Johnson was charged with Trafficking in a Controlled Substance, 1^st Degree, 1^st Offense (greater than or equal to 2 grams of Meth) and lodged in the Russell County Detention Center.

Barry Gibson, 52, of Tompkinsville was taken into custody by the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office on Thursday evening. Gibson was charged with Wanton Endangerment – 1^st Degree, Possession of a Controlled Substance 1^st Degree, 1^st Offense (Meth), Fleeing or Evading Police, 1^st Degree (foot), Tampering with Physical Evidence, Drug Paraphernalia – Buy/Possession, Failure of Owner to Maintain Required Insurance, 1^st Offense, No Registration Receipt and Improper Equipment.

Anita Edwards, 52, of Henderson, KY was arrested by Officer Daniel with the Columbia Police Department. Edwards was charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance, 1^st Degree, 2^nd Offense (Meth).

Both were lodged in the Adair County Regional Jail.

An Adair County Grand Jury has returned numerous indictments: https://ridingthewave.com/assets/files/ADAIR-INDICTMENTS-MAY-2022(1).pdf

Indictments are legal accusations and do not determine guilt or innocence.

FRANKFORT, Ky. (May 5, 2022) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear updated Kentuckians on economic development, tornado relief, public safety and COVID-19. Ahead of Kentucky Derby 148, he also recognized the state’s hospitality industry as Team Kentucky All-Stars.

Governor Celebrates Continued Economic Momentum
Gov. Beshear thanked four companies for their commitments to Kentucky as our economy thrives.

This week, Gov. Beshear and Novelis executives broke ground on the aluminum producer’s new recycling center in Guthrie (Todd County), a $365 million investment creating 140 well-paying jobs for Kentuckians.

Also this week, ElectraMet company leaders cut the ribbon on a $6 million relocation and expansion project in Lexington aimed at growing the company’s water treatment technologies and capabilities.

Boston-based Fidelity Investments just announced a major nationwide growth initiative, with plans to add more than 12,000 new jobs by the end of the year. Gov. Beshear said 874 of those jobs are coming to Northern Kentucky. Since first locating in Covington back in 1992, Fidelity Investments has grown significantly with more than 4,800 professionals currently employed in this key Kentucky region. In 2021 alone, Fidelity added 1,310 jobs in Kentucky.

During last week’s Team Kentucky update, Gov. Beshear highlighted Casey Jones Distillery’s expansion in Christian County, a $1.9 million investment that will create 15 full-time jobs for local residents.

Today, Cody Turner, a partner at Casey Jones Distillery, joined Gov. Beshear to share more details: “Our $2 million investment could not have happened without the help of this administration and the help of our local center for economic development. We’re hoping to have an impact on the state and our communities, and certainly on the livelihoods of the jobs we’ll be creating over the next few years. If you’re in our neck of the woods, which we like to call a little slice of heaven, please come to the distillery, stop by for a tour, taste some of our award-winning moonshines, bourbons and barrel cuts and see for yourself the growth that’s to come.”

$6.1 Million for Tornado Recovery
Today, Gov. Beshear announced a second round of awards from the West Kentucky State Aid Funding for Emergencies (SAFE) fund. The more than $6.1 million in assistance announced today will go to seven Western Kentucky cities, counties and utilities to help with the costs of recovery from the devastating December 2021 tornadoes.

“Our Western Kentucky communities need our help as they continue to rebuild following the tornadoes that took so much from them last December,” Gov. Beshear said. “These funds will help cover expenses and services that are not eligible for FEMA aid, and they will help ease some of the financial burdens that these communities have endured.”

The $6.1 million announced today will accommodate the 5.2% local share for FEMA-eligible expenses. Today’s funding awards include more than $2.8 million for the City of Mayfield, and Mayfield Electric & Water Systems will receive more than $2 million. Caldwell County Fiscal Court is set to receive nearly $200,000. The City of Dawson Springs will receive more than $121,000. Marshall County Fiscal Court will receive more than $811,000. The City of Bowling Green will receive more than $44,000. Hickman County Fiscal Court will receive more than $17,000. Last week, Gov. Beshear announced that Hopkins County would receive the first round of SAFE funding.

“We would like to thank Gov. Beshear, Sen. Howell and others who have worked diligently in setting up SAFE funds for the tornado-ravaged counties in Kentucky,” Hickman County Judge/Executive Kenny Wilson said. “Being able to use funding for our FEMA match is very important to a small county like ours. Our hope in the future is to tap into the SAFE funds more to add additional emergency sirens in our county and make some much-needed improvements for better radio communications for our first responders and emergency service providers. We really appreciate the help.”

Gov. Beshear recommended the appropriation for the SAFE fund, and the 2022 General Assembly supported the aid by passing Senate Bill 150, which the Governor signed into law April 15.

The Kentucky Division of Emergency Management continues to receive additional applications for SAFE funding, which they are carefully reviewing to ensure the funds are used to their maximum benefit. KYEM anticipates additional funding will be made available to some of these same entities soon.

Public Safety Institutions Improve Recruitment, Retention after Salary Increases
Today, Gov. Beshear reported positive updates related to recruitment and retention for Kentucky State Police (KSP) and the commonwealth’s adult and youth correctional facilities:

• Since January 2022, the Department of Corrections (DOC) has only had one prison staff member state resignation due to salary;
• For months, DOC has experienced 60-70% correctional officer vacancy rates. Today, several prisons are in the 30-40% officer vacancy range, which the Governor said is still higher than he wants, but an improvement;
• The Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) is also seeing increases in staff retention and new hires at their facilities located in rural areas;
• KSP Cadet Class 102 – slated to begin in June 2022 – is expected to start with 80 or more recruits.

"Both DOC and DJJ have attested that the 10% raise we provided security staff in December, and then the locality and shift premium pay issued to DOC, along with some grade changes for additional facility staff at DJJ, and the recent announcement of the 8% raise for all state employees – are the reasons they we are starting to see staffing shortages decrease,” Gov. Beshear said. “KSP Commissioner Phillip Burnett, Jr. has expressed that, due to the trooper raises, the agency feels they could potentially return to historic trooper numbers of 1,006 within five years. Our staff deserves to be paid competitively for the work they do, and I am proud to support it.”

COVID-19 Update
The Governor said there was a slight increase in COVID-19 cases over the past week, with four counties now in yellow. However, he said the state is not seeing a notable increase in hospitalizations. He thanked all Kentuckians who have been vaccinated, especially those 65 to 74 years old – in that age group, 98% of people have been vaccinated.

Team Kentucky All-Stars
Ahead of the 148^th running of the Kentucky Derby on Saturday, Gov. Beshear honored the commonwealth’s hospitality industry as Team Kentucky All-Stars.

“The Kentucky Derby is a time where the world looks to Churchill Downs. Everyone focuses on the horses, the trainers and owners, and of course, the hats, but what often goes unrecognized are those working tirelessly to make the Derby the special tradition it is,” Gov. Beshear said. “The type of hospitality that we roll out, from the track, to our hotels, to our restaurants, to our ride-share drivers and so many more – folks, I’m proud of the work you do every day. With our state on a roll, I hope you are as excited as I am about the possibilities for our kids and grandkids.”
 

Columbia, Ky. (May 3, 2022) – The Kentucky State Police investigated a two-vehicle injury collision on the Louie B. Nunn Parkway near Columbia on Tuesday around 2:44pmCT.

Preliminary investigation indicates a 2011 GMC being operated by 41-year-old Daniel Lloyd of Glasgow, was stopped on the right emergency lane traveling East on the Louie B. Nunn Parkway.  Lloyd attempted to turn from the emergency lane into the U-turn when he pulled into the path of a 2005 Freightliner being operated by 36-year-old Bengie Fletcher of Edmonton causing the GMC to overturn ejecting two of the occupants.  Fletcher's vehicle continued off the roadway over an embankment coming to rest in a creek.    
 

Daniel Lloyd, 33-year-old Kasey Cook of Glasgow, 29-year-old Anthony Garcia of Smith Grove and 26-year-old Lucas Wilson of Edmonton were all transported to T.J. Health Columbia with serious injuries. Bengie Fletcher was transported to T.J. Samson Hospital in Glasgow with serious injuries.

Officer Casey Tooley investigated the collision and was assisted by members of Kentucky State Police, Adair County Sheriff's Office, Columbia City Police, Adair County EMS, Breeding Fire Department, Kentucky Department of Transportation, and the Kentucky Division of Environmental Protection.

On Monday, May 2, 2022 at 4:30pmCT, Adair 911 received a call of a physical altercation on Flatwoods Road approx. 13 miles north of Columbia. Upon arrival, the ACSO found that Paul Stutchell, 52, of Columbia had assaulted another male with a wooden stick. The victim had been struck multiple times including in  the head. The victim was transported to TJ Health for treatment of his injuries.   

Paul Stuchell was arrested on assault 2nd degree charges and lodged in the Adair County Regional Jail. Deputy Kenny Perkins is investigating the incident.

A Burkesville man arrested on Meth and other charges on Tuesday.

Christopher Caraway, 37, was taken into custody by Officer Tweedy of the Burkesville Police Department. Caraway was charged with Trafficking in a Controlled Substance, 1^st Degree, 2^nd or Greater Offense (2 grams Meth), Possession of a Controlled Substance, 2^nd Degree (Drug Unspecified), Drug Paraphernalia – Buy-Possession and Possession of Marijuana. He was lodged in the Adair County Regional Jail.

Russell County Sheriff Derek Polston reports a Drug Trafficking Round-Up along with Russell County’s Most Wanted on Warrants, started this morning (Tuesday, May 3, 2022) around 9:00amCT. The roundup named “SPRING CLEANING” involved the Russell County Sheriffs Office, the Commonwealth Attorney’s Office, the County Attorney’s Office, KY State Police Drug Unit Desi West, the Russell Springs Police Dept., and the Jamestown Police Dept. Numerous drug trafficking investigations by the RCSO over the last several months resulted in the following arrests and others on outstanding warrants wanted by the County Attorney’s office and Law Enforcement. 

• Mistie Collins, 44, of Nelson Rd in the Half Acre community of Russell County: Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Trafficking in a Controlled Substance 1st degree 1st offense (2 grams or more of Methamphetamine) and for being a Persistent Felony Offender. 
• Douglas Alexander, 43, of Nelson Rd in the Half Acre Community of Russell County: Trafficking in a Controlled Substance 1st degree 1st offense (2 grams or more of Methamphetamine), Persistent Felony Offender, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
• Presley A Pickard, 21, of Lakeway Drive, Russell Springs: Trafficking in a Controlled Substance 1st degree 1st offense (2 grams or more of Methamphetamine).
• Tiffany Carroll, 25, of Cooper Creek Spur Rd in the Mt. Eden community of Russell County: 1 count of Trafficking in a Controlled Substance 1st degree 1st offense (2 grams or more of Methamphetamine) and Persistent Felony Offender 2nd offense.
• Dalton Goodson, 20, of West 80, Russell Springs: 1 count of Trafficking in a Controlled Substance 1st degree, 1st offense (2 grams or more of Methamphetamine). 
• Richard Rodgers, 43, of the Salem area of Russell County: 2 counts of Trafficking in a Controlled Substance 1st degree, 1st offense, 2 counts of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia,  2 counts of Persistent Felony Offender, Possession of a Handgun by a Convicted Felon, Trafficking in a Controlled Substance (2 grams or more of Meth), and Possession of a Handgun by convicted Felon.  
• Jessica Helm, 29, of Roy Lane in Russell County: Trafficking in a Controlled Substance (Methamphetamine) and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. 
• Jeremy R. Boutwell, 24, of Columbia, Ky: Indictment warrant issued for Possession of a Controlled Substance 1st degree 1st offense (Methamphetamine), Possession of Marijuana, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Boutwell was additionally charged with Possession of Methamphetamine and Marijuana. 

The roundup is ongoing and more arrests are forthcoming. Deputies Corey Meyer and Ron Golden are investigating.

Sheriff Polston reminds everyone that if you suspect illegal drug activity in your neighborhood or if you know someone who is wanted by authorities, to please contact the Russell County Sheriffs Drug-Wanted Persons Tipline at 270-343-8116. All callers will remain anonymous.

In-person absentee voting begins tomorrow (Wednesday) in the Russell County Clerk’s Office. The days you can vote excused absentee in the clerk’s office is May 4, 5, 6, 9, 10, & 11 during regular office hours 8:00am-4:00pmCT. 

Early in-person, no excuse voting will be held Thursday, May 12^th, Friday, May 13^th, and Saturday, May 14^th from 9:00am-5:00pmCT each day at the RECC Community Room.  

The final day to vote will be on Primary Election Day, Tuesday, May 17^th from 6:00am-6:00pmCT at one of 3 voting centers: the Levee Building (behind the courthouse), Salem Elementary School, and the RECC Community Room. 
 

ALL VOTERS WILL BE REQUIRED TO SHOW A PHOTO ID, BEFORE THEY WILL BE ALLOWED TO VOTE! The quickest and best form of ID to bring is a valid Drivers License. If you have any questions, please call the Russell County Clerks office.

In recognition of May as Motorcycle and Bike Safety Awareness Month, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s (KYTC) Office of Highway Safety (KOHS) is joining the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in reminding all road users to work together to help prevent crashes, injuries and deaths on Kentucky roadways. 

“We’re entering the warmer months and that typically means more motorcycles and bicycles on our roadways,” said Gov. Andy Beshear. “Safety is a mutual responsibility and we encourage all road users to do their part in making sure everyone makes it to their destination safely – every trip, every time.”

A motorcycle or bicycle is a vehicle with all of the rights and privileges of any motor vehicle; however, as one of the smallest vehicles on the road, a motorcycle or bicycle may be in a vehicle’s blind spots.

“We’re asking motorists to take simple yet important actions when behind the wheel,” said KYTC Secretary Jim Gray. “Taking the extra step of looking twice at intersections and before changing lanes or making turns could be the difference between life and death for a motorcyclist or bicyclist.”

In 2021 there were 1,490 crashes involving motorcycles in Kentucky, resulting in 1,085 injuries and 99 deaths (88 motorcyclists).  Of those crashes, 811 involved a motorcycle and at least one other vehicle.  Bicyclists were involved in 325 crashes resulting in 239 injuries and 9 deaths. Of those crashes, 320 involved at least one other vehicle.

“All road users share the same rights and responsibilities designed to keep our transportation system equitable and safe," said Secretary Gray. "Our Cabinet is committed to continuing our efforts to improve infrastructure and accessibility for everyone, and we ask that we all do our part to obey the rules of the road.”

The KOHS offers the following tips for drivers:

• Put the phone down and pay attention. Driving while distracted increases risk for all road users;
• Perform a regular visual check by checking mirrors and blind spots before entering or exiting a lane of traffic, and at intersections;
• Use a turn signal before changing lanes or merging with traffic to alert others of your intentions;
• Don’t be fooled by a flashing turn signal on a mo­torcycle.  Motorcycle signals are often not self-canceling and riders sometimes forget to turn them off. Wait to be sure the motorcycle is going to turn before you proceed;
• Obey the speed limit. Driving at the posted limit allows you to see, identify and react to possible obstacles;
• Drive sober. Alcohol and drugs affect judgment, balance and reaction time. Always make a plan for a safe ride home;
• Buckle up. Wearing a seat belt gives you the best protection against injury and death;
• Allow at least a three-second following distance between you and the vehicle in front of you;
• Do not use designated bike lanes for parking, passing or turning; and
• Pass to the left of a bicycle, allowing at least three feet clearance. 

The KOHS offers the following tips for motorcyclists:

• Wear a DOT-compliant helmet;
• Use turn signals for every turn or lane change, and combine with hand signals;
• Wear brightly colored protective gear and use reflective tape and stickers to increase visibility;
• Position in the lane where most visible to other drivers;
• Pay attention by avoiding any action that takes your eyes, your ears or your mind off the road and traffic;
• Obey the speed limit. Driving at the posted limit allows you to see, identify and react to possible obstacles;
• Ride sober. Alcohol and/or drugs can impair your judgment, coordination and reaction time; and
• Take a rider training course. Find information at www.msf-usa.org  

The KOHS offers the following tips for bicyclists:

• Wear a properly-fitted helmet that meets that meets the Consumer Product Safety Commission standards;
• Use hand signals when changing lanes or turning;
• Wear brightly colored protective gear and use reflective tape and stickers to increase visibility;
• Pay attention by avoiding any action that takes your eyes, your ears or your mind off the road and traffic;
• Scan ahead for possible obstacles in your path, such as parked cars or cars pulling out or into parking spaces or driveways;
• Ride in the same direction as traffic;
• Check your equipment before riding. Make sure your brakes are working and tires are properly inflated;
• Never ride impaired. Alcohol and/or drugs can impair your judgment, coordination and reaction time.   

On Monday afternoon, the Columbia City Council met and Jim Lieb was there for WAVE NEWS and spoke with Mayor Pam Hoots following the meeting…

Columbia, KY (May 2, 2022)  Kentucky State Police Post 15 will be conducting periodic traffic safety checkpoints in the Post 15 area, which includes Washington, Marion, Taylor, Green, Casey, Russell, Adair, Metcalfe, Monroe, Clinton, and Cumberland counties. These checkpoints will be conducted as part of Post 15’s highway safety efforts. Troopers will be checking for violations of Kentucky traffic and regulatory laws relating to motor vehicle equipment safety, licensing of drivers, motor vehicle registration, and operation of motor vehicle while under the influence of intoxicants.

• Christopher Spalding, 45, of Campbellsville - arrested Monday morning, May 2, 2022 by the ACSO for Possession of Methamphetamine and Marijuana, Trafficking in Synthetic Drugs, Operating on a Suspended or Revoked Operators License, and Only One Headlight. 

GREENSBURG, Ky. (May 2, 2022) – The Kentucky State Police (KSP) Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT) continues the investigation of a trooper-involved shooting that occurred on April 9, 2022, at approximately 9:15 p.m. CDT in Green County. The preliminary investigation reveals that KSP Post 15 troopers were responding to a request for assistance from the Green County Sheriff’s Office for a report of a suicidal subject.

Upon arriving at the scene, Trooper James Ford made contact with Mr. David C. Moran, 74 years old, of Greensburg, KY, and observed that he was armed with a handgun.  The trooper attempted de-escalation techniques with Mr. Moran, but those efforts proved unsuccessful.  Mr. Moran raised the handgun in the direction of Trooper Ford, and, in recognizing the immediate danger, Trooper Ford fired his agency-issued firearm incapacitating Mr. Moran and ending the deadly threat.  Trooper Ford was soon after assisted at the scene by deputies and life-saving measures were attempted on Mr. Moran, but the wound proved fatal and he was pronounced deceased at the scene.

In accordance with KSP policies and procedures, Trooper Ford was placed on administrative leave. Trooper Ford is a three (3) year and ten (10) month veteran of the agency. 

KSP has statewide jurisdiction and investigates officer-involved shootings throughout the Commonwealth as requested by local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. KSP is committed to being transparent while ensuring the integrity of the investigation. To protect the integrity of an ongoing investigation, it is KSP’s standard operating procedure not to release specific details until vital witnesses have been interviewed and pertinent facts gathered. Timelines to complete investigations vary based on the complexity of the case.

*Original Release Below*

GREENSBURG, Ky. (April 11, 2022) – The Kentucky State Police (KSP) Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT) is investigating a trooper-involved shooting that occurred on April 9, 2022, at approximately 9:15 p.m. CDT in Green County.

The KSP Critical Incident Response Team responded to the scene, and the investigation into the incident remains ongoing. A male subject was pronounced deceased at the scene. 

No other citizens were injured during the incident.

KSP has statewide jurisdiction and investigates officer-involved shootings throughout the Commonwealth as requested by local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. KSP is committed to being transparent while ensuring the integrity of the investigation. To protect the integrity of an ongoing investigation, it is KSP’s standard operating procedure not to release specific details until vital witnesses have been interviewed and pertinent facts gathered. Timelines to complete investigations vary based on the complexity of the case.

Hosparus Health of Green River (HGR) needs volunteers to support patients and their families in Adair, Green, Marion, Taylor and Washington counties. The not-for-profit hospice and palliative care organization will offer free training on Wednesday, May 11, from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and Friday, June 17, from 1 to 4:30 p.m. at the HGR office, 295 Campbellsville Bypass (behind Coltons). Interested participants are encouraged to register for the training that best fits their schedule. 

Patient/family support volunteers provide companionship to hospice patients and respite for their caregivers. Working closely with the rest of the Hosparus Health care team, volunteers provide comfort and enhance quality of life during a very difficult time for patients and families.  

Hosparus Health volunteers must be in good health, have available transportation and complete an application and training session. Volunteers must receive an annual flu shot as well as a COVID vaccine. The organization needs volunteers of all ages and interests. 

Pre-registration is required. To register, or for general information about how to become a Hosparus Health volunteer, visit hosparushealth.org/volunteer or contact Carrie Truitt at 270.283.6377 or ctruitt@hosparus.org. 

About Hosparus Health 

Since 1978, Hosparus Health, a fully accredited not-for-profit hospice and palliative care organization, has provided medical care, grief services, symptom and medication management and more for people facing serious and chronic illnesses in 41 counties in Kentucky and Indiana. Hosparus Health is one of the nation’s largest hospice and palliative care providers with over 600 employees and more than 500 volunteers. In 2020, the organization cared for 9,300 patients and families. Visit www.HosparusHealth.org for more information or call 800-264-0521.  

Columbia Duck Derby: a success for the community
The “Running of the Ducks” was a success last week.  The City of Columbia would like to extend their appreciation to all who purchased ducks, donated prizes, attended the event, and helped.
The DeMolay youth group helped with the organization of the ducks in the creek. The group was composed of:
Mason Grant, Charlie Grant, Brandon Stargel, Tyler Murphy, Zachary Burton, and Alexander Farrar. They are under the direction of Paul Smith and Curtis Grant.
All proceeds will be going to improve the Paddle Trail for Columbia’s Trail Town.
They would like to thank the following for the donation of prizes for the event:
T.J. Health Columbia
Community Medical Services
Adair County Health Department
Community Trust
Bank Of Columbia
Walmart
BreAnna Coffey (balloon kit)
The Adair Progress
Jlh Custom Guitars
Dr. Ronald Rogers
Cozy Chicks
“We would like to extend our thanks to Tiffany Collins and Steven Baker for coordinating this event for our community,” said Mayor Pamela Hoots.

Andrew Ridge, age 41, was arrested by Trooper Poole of the Kentucky State Police around 11:30 last night. Ridge was charged with Speeding 25 mph Over the Limit, Failure to Wear Seat Belts, Careless Driving, License to be in Possession, Possession of Open Alcohol Beverage Container in Motor Vehicle Prohibited, Operating Motor Vehicle Under the Influence of Alcohol .08 1^st, Failure of Owner to Maintain Required Insurance 2^nd Offense and Failure to Produce Insurance Card.

He was lodged into the Adair County Regional Jail

On Saturday night, April 30, 2022 Columbia Police initiated a traffic stop on Hudson Street just after 9:30 PM. After making contact, the operator stated to Offices he had a firearm in his vehicle and was a convicted felon. K9 Unit Cally was utilized and alerted on the vehicle. A search yielded findings of paraphernalia and suspected methamphetamine. 

Tyler McLean, 31, with a list of Bowling Green, KY was taken into custody and charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, and numerous traffic charges. McLean was additionally taken into custody with an active warrant. 

Denzil Burton, 50, William Burton, 26, and Kaitlyn Lawson, 22, all of Scottsville, KY along with Tammy Weaver, 44, of Burkesville, KY and Dylan James Weaver, 22, of Adolphus, KY were arrested late Friday night. All of these individuals were charged with Trafficking in Methamphetamine, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Prescription Controlled Substance Not in Proper Container, and Possession of a Controlled Substance 3rd degree (Drug Unspecified).

The following individuals were arrested in the area. Individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law

• Roger Collins, 52, of Windsor - arrested by KSP on Friday night Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon and Failure to Appear.