An Adair County Grand Jury has returned indictments against eight individuals. Indictments are legal accusations and do not determine guilt or innocence.

FRANKFORT, KY (June 2, 2026) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear signed an executive order directing Team Kentucky’s Office of Medical Cannabis to issue an emergency regulation further clarifying qualifying conditions for medical cannabis in Kentucky law. With the clarification, 15 additional conditions are recognized, including sickle cell anemia, ALS, Crohn’s disease, Parkinson’s, terminal illness and more.

The Office of Medical Cannabis, the Team Kentucky Medical Cannabis Workgroup and the Board of Physicians and Advisors all previously made requests to the General Assembly to clarify the law, but no action was taken.

“The law is meant to provide a safe alternative form of pain relief for Kentuckians suffering, yet the law’s lack of clarity prevented too many people from receiving help. This step makes the law more clear,” said Gov. Beshear. “With the progress we’ve made to reduce overdose deaths and fight addiction, it’s important we continue to offer an alternative to dangerous and addictive opioids. This emergency regulation will help more Kentuckians reclaim their lives through safe, nonaddictive medical cannabis.”

With today’s clarification, terminal illness, sickle cell anemia, ALS, Parkinson’s disease, HIV, AIDS, Huntington’s disease, muscular dystrophy, cachexia or wasting syndrome, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, neuropathies, severe arthritis, fibromyalgia and glaucoma are now included under Kentucky law.

Joining Gov. Beshear to make the announcement was Dr. Linda McClain, a member of the Board of Physicians and Advisors, and Rebecca Seavers, president of the Sickle Cell Association of Kentuckiana and whose daughter and granddaughter suffer from the genetic disorder.

“I’ve had the privilege of being a part of this program from the beginning, the implementation, as well as the establishment of the program. The board’s mission is to ensure that all Kentuckians have safe and reliable access to medical cannabis. I’m very proud of the progress we’ve made toward that goal, however, more work is needed. Today’s announcement is a huge step in reducing, hopefully, the patient’s confusion as to whether their diagnosis meets the current list of conditions,” said Dr. McClain.

“Sickle cell causes sudden, excruciating pain anywhere the blood flows, for hours, days or even longer,” Seavers said. “Right now, in Kentucky and across the country, opioids are prescribed for sickle cell patients. I want to thank Gov. Beshear for taking this action that will provide sickle cell patients more safe options. Thousands of Kentuckians, the Sickle Cell Association of Kentuckiana and myself are proud to support this step.”

Also in attendance at the announcement was retired U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Jared Bonvell. Bonvell has been a strong advocate for medical cannabis, knowing that it is a safe alternative for veterans like him who suffer from PTSD – a condition included since the law took effect in 2025.

“Really, it’s an expansion of access for folks. Anytime a law is written, those words mean something, and sometimes the people that write them don’t necessarily understand how limiting those words can be to a patient. So this executive order, and hopefully pending legislation, will increase that access,” said Bonvell.

For more information on qualifying conditions or to find a participating provider and begin the application process, visit KyMedCan.Ky.gov. 

Medical Cannabis Program
On June 14, 2022, Gov. Beshear issued an executive order creating the Team Kentucky Medical Cannabis Advisory Committee, which hosted multiple town hall forums to hear from Kentuckians on medical cannabis. The findings were released to the public in August 2022 along with a report summarizing that Kentuckians overwhelmingly supported medical cannabis.

Following the actions of the Advisory Committee, on March 31, 2023, Gov. Beshear signed Senate Bill 47, legalizing medical cannabis for Kentuckians beginning Jan. 1, 2025.

On April 17, 2024, Gov. Beshear signed House Bill 829 into law, which moved up the timeline for medical cannabis licensing in Kentucky by six months. The Kentucky Office of Medical Cannabis began accepting applications from prospective businesses on July 1, 2024.

To date, Kentucky has 32 medical cannabis businesses up and running and has registered over 500 medical cannabis practitioners. More than 23,700 Kentuckians have been approved for medical cannabis cards.

Under KRS Chapter 218B, the Office of Medical Cannabis is responsible for implementing and administering the Kentucky Medical Cannabis Program. The program has conducted a first round of approvals for licenses and will continue to conduct additional rounds as the program grows.

For more on Kentucky’s Medical Cannabis Program, visit kymedcan.ky.gov.

Kentucky State Police (KSP) Post 15 Troopers were requested by the Russell County Sheriff’s Office to respond to a two-vehicle injury collision, just after 2:30 P.M. CDT yesterday (Monday) afternoon on the Cumberland Parkway in Russell County.

The preliminary investigation revealed that Christopher Austin, 28, of Russell Springs, was traveling west on the Cumberland Parkway in a 2016 Kia Optima. Mr. Austin left the roadway on the left shoulder and steered his vehicle back onto the roadway. Upon traveling back on the roadway, Mr. Austin entered the path and collided with a 2020 Jeep Cherokee, operated by Maylon Brown, 60, of Russell Springs, also traveling west on the Cumberland Parkway. 

Maylon Brown was pronounced deceased at the hospital by the Russell County Coroner. Christopher Austin refused medical treatment at the scene. 

Christopher Austin was arrested and charged with DUI 2nd offense, Vehicular Homicide When Under the Influence of Drugs, Possession of Controlled Substance 1st Degree (Methamphetamine), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Reckless Driving. Mr. Austin was lodged in the Russell County Detention Center.

KSP Post 15 Troopers were assisted at the scene by the Russell County Sheriff's Office, Russell County Fire and EMS, Russell County Coroner’s Office and the Kentucky State Highway Department. Senior Trooper Brandon Roark is investigating the collision.

The ribbon cutting will be held on Friday, June 5th at 11:45amCT.

The following is a press release from the Russell County Coroner's Office...

A Russell Springs man has had charges filed against him following a fatal accident Monday on the Cumberland Parkway.

Christopher Austin, 28, was taken into custody by Trooper Roark with KSP just before 8 on Monday evening. Austin was charged with Vehicular Homicide when under the Influence of Drugs/Substance, Reckless Driving, Operating Motor Vehicle Under the Influence of a Substance 2nd (aggravated circumstances) and Possession of a Controlled Substance, 1st degree, 1st offense (Meth).

He was lodged in the Russell County Detention Center.

More details on the accident, as its released by State Police.

Mayor Hoots spoke with Wave News following the meeting...

Deputy Josh Durbin was recently promoted to the rank of Sergeant with the Adair County Sheriff's Office. Congratulations Sergeant Durbin!

FRANKFORT, Ky. (May 28, 2026) - Team Kentucky is reminding Kentuckians to plan ahead, as all Driver Licensing Regional Offices will be closed on Thursday, June 4, and Friday, June 5 as the commonwealth launches a new and improved driver licensing system that will enhance the customer experience and expand online options. Offices will reopen Monday, June 8. Customers with licenses or IDs expiring in June are encouraged to visit an office early.

The new driver licensing system replaces Kentucky’s nearly 40-year-old platform and is part of continued efforts to modernize state services and improve the customer experience. The upgraded system will launch alongside myDrive, a new online driver services portal that allows Kentuckians to pre-apply for a license, permit or ID, request a card replacement, check their current license standing, and more.  

“We’re excited to roll out new services to better serve Kentuckians and modernize how we do business for decades to come,” said KYTC Secretary Rebecca Goodman. “As with any new system, there will be an adjustment period for both our teams and customers, so we encourage anyone with upcoming licensing needs to visit an office before the temporary closure if possible.”

Kentuckians are encouraged to register for a myDrive account at mydrive.ky.gov once the portal becomes available on June 8. Even if Kentuckians do not have any immediate licensing needs, creating an account early can save time later, as account verification may require some users to request a secure verification code that will arrive by mail. Kentuckians who schedule a road or written test with the Kentucky State Police are encouraged to pre-apply for a license or permit on myDrive to save time on the day of their appointment and to arrive prepared.

The following temporary licensing services will take effect to aid with system migration:

• All Driver Licensing Regional Offices will close Thursday, June 4 - Friday, June 5.
• Offices will reopen on Monday, June 8. Walk-in hours will be 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. through June 18.
• Saturday office hours will be available May 30 from 8 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Monthly Saturday hours will resume in July.
• The MyCDL portal to upload medical certificates will be discontinued starting June 3 at 5 p.m. Eastern.
• Online driver’s license renewal will be unavailable beginning Wednesday, June 3. Services will be restored on Monday, June 8 and still require a completed vision screening form.

Additional information about office hours, services and myDrive is available at drive.ky.gov.

FRANKFORT, Ky. (June 1, 2026) — The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources invites residents and visitors of all ages to take advantage of Kentucky’s “Free Fishing Weekend,” June 6-7, 2026.

This annual event allows everyone to enjoy fishing in waters across the commonwealth without purchasing a fishing license or permit. All other regulations, including size limits and the number of fish an individual is permitted to keep, still apply. Permission is always needed if fishing in private waters.

Communities all across Kentucky participate by offering fun special events for anglers, especially for youth. Check local listings or click on the Free Fishing Weekend webpage on the department’s website (fw.ky.gov) to find many known events.

For those new to fishing, Kentucky Fish and Wildlife provides plenty of resources to get started on a lifetime of fishing enjoyment:

• Get the basics: The Learn to Fish webpage provides basic information on gear, where to go fishing, suggested lures and tackle, catching and cleaning a fish and a number of instructional videos from knot tying to filleting fish. For those with more experience, visit the department’s main Fishing landing page for links to all fishing topics.
• Get equipped: Fishing poles can be purchased inexpensively at sporting goods and box stores, second-hand stores and yard sales. Fishing poles can also be borrowed for free at a number of locations across the state. Search for nearby locations on the Loaner Fishing Pole Locations map on the department’s website.
• Learn the rules: See the annual Kentucky Fishing & Boating Guide, also in a Spanish language version, for a complete summary of all fishing regulations.
• Where to go: Visit the Fishing in Neighborhoods (FINs) webpage for lists of easily accessible, specially stocked lakes. For a comprehensive list of fishing and boating access sites across Kentucky, check out the Waterbodies Search webpage.
• Get inside information: Peruse the annual fishing forecast and tips webpage for insider information on fish around the state.
• Find fish: Search the Lakes with Fish Attractors webpage for habitat maps at various lakes and download GPX files from there.
• Continue learning: Kentucky Fish and Wildlife hosts Hook and Cook classes in a number of communities throughout the year. Look for one- and two-day classes to improve or learn new skills.

For anglers on the go, download and use Kentucky’s Fish Boat KY app. The app helps users to find directions to local lakes, read fishing reports, learn about regulations, find stocking schedules, locate the nearest boat ramp and more. The app is available in the iTunes and Google Play app stores.

The water is calling. Pack up the family on the first weekend of June and enjoy fishing in Kentucky – for free.

FRANKFORT, Ky. (June 1, 2026) – Gov. Andy Beshear signed a proclamation officially recognizing June 2026 as Pride Month in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. The Governor said his administration is working to fight discrimination and protect the rights of LGBTQ+ Kentuckians. He was the first sitting Governor in Kentucky’s history to recognize June as Pride Month and has taken action to veto harmful and discriminatory legislation.

“I believe all children are children of God – no exceptions, no asterisks. I made a pledge to fight for every single Kentuckian, every single day. Our LGBTQ+ community deserves to have their rights protected, and I will always stand firm on my values of compassion, empathy and doing what’s right to protect them,” said Gov. Beshear. “To my LGBTQ+ neighbors: I see you and I support you. And in Kentucky, we’re going to keep building on the progress we’ve made to ensure every person is accepted and celebrated for who they are.”

Gov. Beshear’s Actions To Protect the Rights of LGBTQ+ Kentuckians
Gov. Beshear highlighted steps he’s taken: 

• In 2021, the Governor proclaimed June as Pride Month for the first time in the commonwealth.
• Gov. Beshear was the first sitting Governor in Kentucky’s history to participate in and speak at the annual Statewide Fairness Rally at the Capitol. He has attended every single Statewide Fairness Rally since taking office.
• In 2024, Gov. Beshear signed an executive order officially banning the practice of conversion therapy on minors in the state of Kentucky, citing that it “has no basis in medicine or science, and it can cause significant long-term harm to our kids.”
• In 2023, Gov. Beshear vetoed legislation banning access to gender-affirming healthcare and restricting bathroom access.
• In 2025, the Governor vetoed legislation that sought to overturn his executive order banning conversion therapy on minors and prevent Medicaid from covering gender-affirming healthcare.

While Gov. Beshear’s vetoes were overridden by the General Assembly, the efforts by him and his administration to protect Kentucky’s LGBTQ+ community have received national recognition. In 2025, Out Leadership recognized Kentucky as the state with the most significant improvement nationwide in the 2025 LGBTQ+ Business Climate Index, which measures how welcoming states are for LGBTQ+ Americans to live, work and do business. The report cites Kentucky as one of a small number of states where sustained gubernatorial leadership has produced measurable, year-over-year improvement.

In 2026, Gov. Beshear was honored with the National Allyship Award from the LGBTQ+ Victory Fund.

“Kentucky – and all of America – cannot possibly reach its full potential unless our people feel supported to be themselves,” said Gov. Beshear. “It’s my belief that it’s our job to lift everyone up and not tear anyone down. I'll never let political games stop me from standing up for my neighbors.”

R.S. Mayor Eddie Thomas discussed with WAVE NEWS a gas spill that occured a couple of years ago that the State continues to investigate at JAX's Convenience Store in Russell Springs...

FRANKFORT, Ky. (May 31, 2026) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear announced that President Donald Trump and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) have approved Public Assistance for at least 18 counties affected by the winter storm in January of this year. The severe weather event caused significant ice accumulation across the state, up to 9 inches of snow in some areas and dangerously cold temperatures.

The counties that have been designated for Public Assistance for the January winter storm are Allen, Barren, Clay, Clinton, Cumberland, Jackson, Laurel, Lee, McCreary, Menifee, Metcalfe, Monroe, Owsley, Pulaski, Rockcastle, Russell, Wayne and Whitley. 
 

How To Help Survivors: The Team Kentucky Storm Relief Fund was established to serve survivors of severe weather events and natural disasters. As with previous relief funds, these dollars will first help pay for victims’ funeral expenses. To donate, click here.
 

According to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, 38-year-old Jesse Wayne Phillips is wanted for second-degree murder. The charges stem from a shooting that happened in Pickett County, Tennessee on Wednesday.

Following the shooting, Phillips reportedly fled to Clinton County, KY where his truck was located on Norman Cole Road.

Phillips is considered armed and dangerous and should not be approached. He is 5’10” tall, weighs 225 pounds, and has brown eyes & brown hair. Phillips has a half-barbed wire, half tribal tattoo on his left arm, a skill tattoo on his right upper arm, and an “outlaw” tattoo on his right elbow.

A reward of up to $2,500 is being offered for information leading to his arrest. If you know anything about Phillips whereabouts, call 1-800-TBI-FIND. That's 1-800-824-3463.

Russell County Judge Exec. Randy Marcum tells WAVE listeners what took place at Thursday's meeting... 

Russell Springs Mayor Eddie Thomas spoke with WAVE NEWS following Thursday evening's meeting and discussed what took place...

SKRECC has received several reports from members about scam calls claiming service will be disconnected unless an immediate payment is made over the phone or at a separate local business.

Please remember: SKRECC will never call and demand immediate payment or ask for your personal or financial information over the phone.

If you receive one of these calls and have questions, please contact SKRECC directly at 800-264-5112.

Stay alert and help spread the word to protect others from scams!

The State of Kentucky is mandating that all vehicle inspections be done electronically, so starting June 1st, 2026, the ACSO will no longer be able to do vehicle inspections on the paper VTR (Vehicle Titles & Registration) forms. They will have to submit them directly to the Adair County Clerk's office. The inspection process will not change, nor will inspection fees. 

On Tuesday, May 26, 2026, Adair County Deputy Josh Durbin responded to the Knifley area in reference to a suspicious vehicle complaint. After locating the vehicle, Kristi L. Ables, 60, of Mississippi, was arrested and charged with the following offenses:

• No Registration Plates
• Failure to Produce Insurance Card
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
• Possession of a controlled substance 1st degree (Methamphetamine)
• Possession of Marijuana
• Possession of Controlled Substance 3rd (drug unspecified) 
• No Operators License

Ms. Ables was lodged in the Adair County Regional Jail.

Here's Russell County School Superintendent Michael Ford with details...

The Adair County Fiscal Court met on Tuesday evening. Toward the end of the meeting, the court went into executive session. When they returned, Magistrate Davenport shared what took place...

Magistrates voted unanimously to have the minutes from past meetings completed and entered.

Ricky Shirley has been hired as the newest member of the Adair Co. Sheriff's Office. Deputy Shirley has 9 years of law enforcement experience and is a graduate of the Department of Criminal Justice Training (DOCJT).