Superintendent Michael Ford shares what took place...

 

Russell Springs Mayor Eddie Thomas spoke with WAVE NEWS following last nights meeting and discussed what took place... 

 

 

City crews completed roughly 20 pickups yesterday during Columbia's seasonal Fall "Pick It Up Day."

 

The Russell Springs Police Department kept busy last month, logging 556 calls for service throughout August, according to the department's latest monthly activity report released by Police Chief Bryan Shepard.
Traffic enforcement made up a significant portion of the month's workload. Officers conducted 169 traffic stops, handed out 48 citations, and responded to 17 traffic accidents across the area.
In addition to traffic duties, officers executed 20 warrants and made 39 total arrests. Among those taken into custody, six individuals were charged with driving under the influence (DUI) and four faced drug-related charges.

August Activity Breakdown:
Criminal Charges: 11 felony cases, 35 misdemeanors, and 39 violations
Community Assistance: 28 motorist assists and 4 alarm responses

Columbia/Adair Utilities District Boil Water Advisory...

 

 

 

The Columbia City Council met in regular session on Tuesday, September 8, 2026.

 

The Council had second reading of Ordinance No. 220.198, which provides for the levying and collection of an ad valorem tax for the City of Columbia, KY for the year 2026. The rate for 2025 was .186, and for 2026 is .162, which is the ninth consecutive year that taxes have been lowered in Columbia.

 

“We are pleased to be able to lower taxes again for the residents of our community,” said Mayor Hoots.

 

The City Council passed Resolution No. 2026-10, which is a resolution authorizing the City of Columbia Fire Department to obtain reimbursement of cost for the City of Columbia emergency services from insurance providers when available.

 

A brief executive session occurred during the meeting for: discussions between a public agency and representative of a business entity and discussions concerning a specific proposal if open discussions would jeopardize the siting, retention, or upgrading of the business.

 

The Mayor noted that two additional fire hydrants were going to be placed in the area off of North Highway 55, in the near vicinity of Bramlett Street.

 

The Mayor gave an update on the Transportation Alternative Program Grant, which is for approximately $1.4 million, and will be taking sidewalks to the school campus. It will run down Greensburg Street to the campus, up Walker Street and Hudson Streets, and make improvements to the sidewalks directly in front of the post office.

 

Mayor Hoots also gave an update on the progression of the gas project on North Highway 61.

 

 

According to reports, about 35 firefighters from the Jamestown, Russell Springs and Eli Fire Departments battled a structure fire for more than four hours on Wednesday afternoon at KLG Estates in Jamestown, located behind Stephens Pipe and Steel.

The fire was reported around 2:30 p.m. and it destroyed a commercial building used as a business office and workspace, along with a camper.

Firefighters contained the blaze to the structure, preventing damage to a nearby residence. The building was a total loss.

 

 The Russell County Board of Education will meet Friday morning, Sept. 11, for a special-called meeting at the SEED Academy to address key district business and recognize outstanding local staff.
Meeting at 8:00 a.m., board members will vote on the approval of the school district's 2026–2027 property tax rates, establishing the fiscal framework for the current academic year.
During the session, the board will also join the Russell County Education Association to present a certified employee recognition award to Jalena Bryant of Russell Springs Elementary School. The morning meeting includes two opportunities for public comments before adjournment.

The Russell Springs City Council will convene for its regular meeting at 6:00 p.m. CST (7:00 p.m. EST) on Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026.
Key business on the agenda includes the second reading of Ordinance 2026-04, sponsored by Councilman Hudson, which sets the city's annual ad valorem tax rates for real estate, personal property, motor vehicles, and motorboats. Council members will also present the community Anchor Award during the session.
In addition to standard financial and administrative business, the council is scheduled to receive updates on police operations, local economic development efforts, and general city news from the mayor.

Three people were arrested following a high-speed pursuit and narcotics investigation in Pulaski County, Kentucky.
0On September 5, 2026, Pulaski County Sheriff’s deputies attempted to pull over a speeding, swerving silver Honda on KY-934. The driver, Josh Samples, refused to stop, leading officers on a chase onto KY-39. After Deputy Zach Huff deployed spike strips at KY-39 and KY-452, Sgt. Dylan West saw an object thrown from the passenger side before the vehicle finally stopped.
Deputies arrested driver Josh Samples, front passenger Jerica Cline, and rear passenger Jacob Wallace. A search along KY-39 initially yielded a defaced handgun, found by Det. Tan Hudson and Deputy Noah Dishman. Returning to the route on September 8, Deputy Matt Parks located approximately five ounces of suspected methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.
All three suspects were lodged in the Pulaski County Detention Center.
Summary of Charges
Josh Samples: Fleeing or Evading Police (1st Degree), Reckless Driving, Speeding (26+ mph over limit), Disregarding a Stop Sign, Possession of a Handgun by a Convicted Felon, Possession of a Defaced Firearm, Tampering with Physical Evidence, Trafficking in a Controlled Substance (Methamphetamine, Firearm Enhanced), and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
Jerica Cline & Jacob Wallace: Possession of a Handgun by a Convicted Felon, Possession of a Defaced Firearm, Tampering with Physical Evidence, Trafficking in a Controlled Substance (Methamphetamine, Firearm Enhanced), and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
The investigation by the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Division remains ongoing.

Columbia Police Department Adopts Axon VR Training
On September 8, 2026, the Columbia Police Department completed an eight-hour training program with an Axon Master Instructor to implement Axon Virtual Reality (VR) technology for its officers.
The immersive VR headsets allow officers to practice responding to high-stress situations safely, focusing on:
De-escalation & Crisis Intervention: Strengthening real-time critical thinking and communication skills.
Community Perspective: Experiencing scenarios from a citizen's point of view to foster empathy and understanding.
This adoption underscores the department's ongoing commitment to using modern technology to improve community-focused safety, officer preparedness, and accountability.

A single-vehicle rollover crash near Lake Cumberland State Resort Park sent two local women to the hospital after they had to be extricated from their vehicle.

Mayor Hoots has details on today's council meeting...

 

 

GREENSBURG, KY (9/7/26) Some of the top collegiate cyclists in the Southeast descended on Green County on Sept. 5-6 for the Lindsey Wilson University MTB Showdown.

 

Held at Green County's Bluff Boom Trails, the two-day mountain bike meet drew 158 college cyclists from 13 colleges and universities who competed in more than a dozen events. In addition to riders from colleges and universities in the Southeast, the meet also included competitors from Ohio State University.

 

"People who race at the highest level in the world are here," said Lindsey Wilson cycling coach Josh Patton '14.

 

The weekend's biggest winners, however, were the economies of Adair, Green and Taylor counties.

 

In addition to the more than 150 collegiate cyclists who competed at the meet, the event also attracted their coaches, family members and other fans who filled the area's hotels and ate at restaurants in the region. But more importantly, the mountain bike meet also showcased the premiere mountain bike course in Kentucky, which Patton said will lead to a lot of repeat visitors to the region.

 

"People say they love it because it has world-class trails," said Patton.

 

One reason the Lindsey Wilson MTB Showdown was possible was because members of the Blue Raider cycling program helped prepare Bluff Boom Trails for high-level collegiate competition.

 

"Being able to host a race is a lot of work, and the team put a lot of work into making it happen," said Patton.

 

Bluff Boom Trails, which sits on about 55 acres next to the Green County Industrial Park and the Green County Fire and Rescue, is a newly created recreation area that features more than a dozen miles of trails that include short tracks, jumps, a slalom and endurance courses.

 

"There's nothing close to this in Kentucky," said Patton. "This is next level. It's changing the conversation for what's possible for cycling in Kentucky."

 

Lindsey Wilson University is a vibrant liberal arts university in Columbia, Kentucky. Founded in 1903 and affiliated with The United Methodist Church, the mission of Lindsey Wilson is to serve the educational needs of students by providing a living-learning environment within an atmosphere of active caring and Christian concern where every student, every day, learns and grows and feels like a real human being. Lindsey Wilson offers 30 undergraduate majors, five graduate programs and a doctoral program. The university's 29 intercollegiate varsity athletic teams have won more than 120 team and individual national championships.

 

 

A 40-year-old man has been arrested in Pulaski County following an investigation into alleged online communications with individuals he believed were minors.

Sheriff Bobby Jones says Raquel Gomez-Lopez, who allegedly used the name “Cirjio Gomes” online, communicated with two adult-operated decoy accounts on Facebook after being told they were 14 years old.

Investigators say Gomez-Lopez expressed an intent to engage in sexual activity and traveled to Somerset on September 7 expecting to meet one of the purported minors. He was taken into custody and also found to have an unrelated bench warrant.

Gomez-Lopez faces charges of Unlawful Procurement of a Minor by Electronic Means and Attempted Unlawful Transaction with a Minor in the First Degree. Both are Class C felonies. Bond was set at $30,000 cash.

The investigation remains ongoing with the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office and ICE.

 

 

Did you know that the Kentucky State Police has a scholarship partnership with Lindsey Wilson University? 

 

Through this agreement, KSP employees and their immediate family members can receive a scholarship which supports a variety of undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs offered in traditional, online and hybrid formats.

 

If you're ready to turn your ambition into action, consider becoming a Kentucky State Police Trooper. Apply now at JoinKSP.com. #KentuckyStatePolice #LindseyWilsonUniversity

 

 

A vehicle crashed into the Bank of Jamestown’s East 80 branch in Fairview on Monday morning.

The crash happened around 7:13 a.m. The driver, 26-year-old Hailey Hatter of Russell Springs, was the only person in the vehicle and was taken to Russell County Hospital for treatment.

Authorities say Hatter was driving a 2020 Chevy Traverse eastbound on KY 80 when she lost control, left the roadway, crossed the bank’s parking lot and crashed into the building, causing extensive damage.

 

According to reports, Hatter was cited on allegations of reckless driving, wanton endangerment and criminal mischief.

The Russell County Sheriff’s Department, Russell County EMS and Eli Fire Department responded.

 

 

 

 

The City of Columbia is extremely excited to announce that we are a recipient of the 2026 Transportation Alternative Program Grant. This program provides funding for non-motorized transportation projects for communities across the nation. The City of Columbia will be receiving almost $1.4 million in funding for a sidewalk extension and improvement project in the vicinity of Adair County Schools Campus. 

 

SOMERSET, KY (Sept. 4, 2026) – The Kentucky Department of Highways will temporarily close a portion of KY 619 (Indian Cave Hill) in Jamestown on Wednesday, Sept. 9, as crews replace a cross drain beneath the roadway.

 

The closure will take place between Nelson Lane (mile point 9.6) and KY 1680 (mile point 11.1). The closure is expected to begin at approximately 8 a.m. and is expected to be completed by noon.

 

The date and duration of work may be adjusted due to inclement weather or other unforeseeable delays.

 

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

 

Traffic information for the District 8 counties is also available at www.facebook.com/KYTCDistrict8 or by following us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/KYTCDistrict8.  

 

 

Russell County Sheriff Derrick Polston reports that the Russell County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant this morning at a residence located at 1939 N Hwy 127, which resulted in the arrest of 58 year old Dagan Hatter of Russell Springs.  Mr Hatter was charged with Trafficking in a Controlled Substance (Methamphetamine) 2nd Offense, Trafficking in a Controlled Substance 2nd Degree, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.  Mr. Hatter was also served with an indictment warrant out of Green County. 

 

The Russell County Sheriff’s Office was assisted on scene by the Russell Springs Police Department. Deputy Stone Bolin is the lead investigator.

 

 

Attention hunters across the Lake Cumberland and Green River region — archery deer and turkey season begins today (Saturday), and the Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources is reminding everyone to put safety first while enjoying the outdoors.

Before heading into the woods, make sure your Kentucky hunting licenses and permits are up to date. Hunters should also take a few minutes to review the current bag limits and hunting regulations.

If you're hunting from a treestand, always wear a proper safety harness. Take the time to select a strong, healthy tree — roughly the size of a telephone pole — and make sure your stand is securely set up before climbing.

It's also a good idea to tell someone where you'll be hunting and when you expect to return. And remember, before releasing an arrow, always know exactly what is beyond your target.

Whether you're hunting around Lake Cumberland, Green River, or the surrounding woods and wildlife areas, take your time, stay alert, follow Kentucky's regulations, and make safety part of your hunting plan.

Good luck, stay safe, and enjoy.

 

 

The City of Columbia is currently having a Surplus Auction sale where they are off loading surplus, or extra items and materials.

 

The City is selling 16 unique lots ranging from a Bobcat S185 Skidsteer to a television, to office furniture and many things in between.

 

We invite everyone to have a look at the items online, and if you see something you like, bid! There are several lots starting as low as $10 with many very interesting items.

 

The auction is running until Tuesday, September 15th and is being held fully online. Anyone interested can see items at the link below. 

 

Link:

https://www.purplewave.com/auction/260915?page=1&zipcodeRange=all&filters=state_abbrevi ation%3AKY&sortBy=current_bid-desc&perPage=50&viewtype=compressed&fromFilter=true)

 

 

At approximately 1:00 PM Central Time on Thursday, September 3, 2026, Russell County Search & Rescue responded to a call involving a worker who had fallen nearly 20 feet while operating on a barge, performing repair work at Wolf Creek Dam. Due to the location and severity of the fall, a technical rescue was required to safely remove the patient from the barge.

 

Rescuers utilized the barge’s multi-ton crane to lift both the patient and a rescuer from the barge up to the roadway, where an awaiting ambulance transferred care. The patient was then flown by helicopter to the University of Kentucky Hospital in Lexington, KY for further treatment.

 

We extend our sincere thanks to the following agencies for their strong teamwork and rapid response:

• Russell County EMS
• Jamestown Fire Department
• American Bridge Company
• Air Methods and
• Russell County 911.

 

Your coordination and professionalism ensured a safe and efficient rescue under challenging conditions.

 

In remembrance of Sheila Blair, the Adair County Clerk’s Office, the Adair County Judge Executive’s Office, the Adair County Sheriff’s Office, the Adair County PVA’s Office, and the Adair County Attorney’s Office will close on Friday, September 4, 2026 at 2:00pmCT.

 

Please remember her family—and all of us—in your prayers as we grieve the loss of a cherished friend and co-worker. Sheila Blair was a long-time Deputy Clerk, former Adair County Clerk, and Occupational Tax Director. She served as County Clerk from 2006–2014. After retiring, she continued to serve as bookkeeper, election tally officer, and part-time staff in the recording department.

 

She was not only a dedicated public servant but a dear friend to us all. Thank you for your kindness and patience during this difficult time.

 

Normal business hours will resume on Tuesday, September 8, 2026 due to Monday being a scheduled holiday (Labor Day).

 

Adair County Clerk’s Office