The Boil Water Advisory for Baldett Drive in Russell Springs, KY has been lifted. You no longer have to boil your water.

Bowling Green, KY – An Edmonton, Kentucky, man was sentenced this week to 5 years and 11 months in federal prison for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge R. Shawn Morrow of the ATF Louisville Field Division, and Commissioner Phillip Burnett, Jr. of the Kentucky State Police made the announcement.

According to court documents, Aaron Dale McKinney, 48, was sentenced to 5 years and 11 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for being a felon in possession of a firearm. On February 23, 2023, McKinney possessed a Springfield Armory (HS Produkt), model XD-45, 45 caliber semiautomatic pistol, and ammunition. He was prohibited from possessing a firearm because he had previously been convicted of the following felony offenses.

On May 25, 2021 in Metcalfe Circuit Court, McKinney was convicted of possession of a controlled substance, first degree, third or more offense (methamphetamine).

On September 26, 2017 in Metcalfe Circuit Court, McKinney was convicted of manufacturing methamphetamine, first offense.

There is no parole in the federal system.

This case was investigated by the ATF Bowling Green Field Office and the Kentucky State Police.

Assistant U.S. Attorney R. Nicholas Rabold, of the U.S. Attorney’s Bowling Green Branch Office, prosecuted the case.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

Andrew Rupe, 40, of Columbia, KY was arrested on Friday afternoon by the ACSO for Trafficking in Methamphetamine, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of a Controlled Substance 3rd degree (Drug Unspecified), and Prescription Controlled Substance Not in Proper Container. Mr. Rupe was lodged in the Adair County Regional Jail.

The Taylor County Fire Department was dispatched to a reported structure fire at 5765 Hodgenville Road at 5:21pmET. Upon arrival, firefighters found an equipment shed fully engulfed in flames. The shed contained multiple pieces of farm equipment, a grain truck and hay.

The cause of fire is undetermined at this time. 22 firefighters and 4 apparatus responded and were on the scene for 1½ hours. No injuries were reported.

Assisting Agencies: Campbellsville Taylor County EMS and Campbellsville Taylor County Emergency Communications

Jeremy Spears, 46, of Livingston, Tennessee was taken into custody by the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office. Spears was charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance, 1st Offense (Meth) and lodged in the Adair County Regional Jail.

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Jan. 30, 2025) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear provided an update on economic development, highway safety and medical cannabis.

At the beginning of the press conference, the Governor acknowledged the tragic plane crash above the Potomac River outside of Washington, D.C., that occurred last night. The Governor also named the first responders responding to this tragic scene as this week’s Team Kentucky All-Stars.

Economic Development
Gov. Beshear highlighted exciting momentum within the state’s surging manufacturing sector as Murakami Manufacturing USA, a supplier of side-view exterior mirrors and automotive components, announced plans to expand the company’s operation in Taylor County with a $3.4 million investment.

The Governor announced continued momentum within the state’s manufacturing industry as Letica Corp., a subsidiary company of Berry Global, announced plans to expand its operation in Fulton County with a $27.8 million investment creating 15 new Kentucky jobs.

Gov. Beshear also noted that UniFirst Corp. – a North American leader in providing customized business uniform programs, facility service products and first aid and safety services – will expand its existing facility in Owensboro with a nearly $28 million investment.

Gov. Beshear recapped his recent trip to Davos, Switzerland, for the World Economic Forum. During the forum, the Governor attended 25 meetings with company executives. Ten were with foreign-owned companies that already employ over 8,750 Kentuckians, and the other meetings were with potential investors from multiple continents that have announced plans to invest in the United States.

“This event provided us so much opportunity,” said Gov. Beshear. “It allowed us to reintroduce our New Kentucky Home on the global stage. We showed everyone that Kentucky is open for business – and we do what it takes to ensure everyone succeeds.”

Highway Safety
The Governor announced that 2024 had the lowest number of highway fatalities on record in nine years based on preliminary reports. Deaths in highway crashes dropped 14% compared with 2023.

“We want to keep this trend up, and that is why I’m asking Kentuckians to keep doing their part – because your simple choices save lives: like buckling up, putting the phone down, driving sober and following the speed limit,” said Gov. Beshear. “Because in Our New Kentucky Home, we want to ensure all our families are safe when they commute to work, school, the grocery store or church. And we want to get that fatality number to zero.”

Medical Cannabis
The Governor reported that Team Kentucky has approved more than 2,200 medical cannabis cards for Kentuckians with qualifying conditions. During the Team Kentucky Update, Gov. Beshear and Office of Medical Cannabis Executive Director Sam Flynn issued Kentucky’s first two medical cannabis cards to Dr. Ryan Grell and Merissa Khumalo.

At this time, only 66 applications have been denied, 51 of which were due to technical issues, and those Kentuckians will be able to re-apply.

Currently, any law-abiding citizen who elects to participate in any state-legalized medical cannabis program – like Kentucky’s – is prohibited by federal law from exercising his or her Second Amendment rights to purchase or possess a firearm. On Jan. 29, the Governor sent a letter to Kentucky’s congressional delegation urging them to address this issue and take decisive action to protect the constitutional rights of law-abiding medical cannabis patients.

“Our goal is to provide health care access to Kentuckians – especially access that ensures our most vulnerable the freedom to choose medical cannabis as an alternative to dangerous and addictive opioids,” said Gov. Beshear. “As this program grows, I will continue to put our people first. That’s not about moving things to the right or to the left. It’s about moving Kentucky and America forward.”

Team Kentucky All-Stars
The Governor named first responders responding to the tragic plane crash above the Potomac River outside of Washington, D.C., last night as this week’s Team Kentucky All-Stars.

“Britainy and I are praying for the families and loved ones of those affected. Our hearts are with the brave first responders on the scene,” said Gov. Beshear. “Remember, life is short, so our job is to do good things and to be kind to each other. We need a little more love out there, and there’s a lot of people hurting today, so try to give the best you can.”

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Jan. 30, 2025) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear highlighted exciting momentum within the state’s surging manufacturing sector as Murakami Manufacturing USA, a supplier of side-view exterior mirrors and automotive components, announced plans to expand the company’s operation in Taylor County with a $3.4 million investment.

“Kentucky’s manufacturing industry has long been a key economic driver for this state, and the momentum we have seen within this sector in recent years continues into the new year,” said Gov. Beshear. “This is a fantastic investment for the Taylor County community, and I am thrilled to see a quality company in Murakami, which has operated in Kentucky for 25 years, continue to believe in this state’s resources and workforce. I want to thank the company’s leadership and look forward to their continued success.”

To meet growing industry and customer demand, the company plans to add square footage to the facility’s shipping area. The additional space will help the company maintain peak operational efficiency and ensure a seamless flow of products to their partners and customers.

“While this expansion focuses on enhancing our shipping capacity rather than adding new jobs currently, it reflects the exceptional dedication and efficiency of our team members at Murakami,” said Angie Miller, general manager of Murakami Manufacturing. “Their commitment to quality has enabled us to meet the growing demands of our customs by increasing the volume of products shipped from our facility. Looking ahead, we remain optimistic about the potential to create new jobs in the future, as this community continues to demonstrate a strong work ethic and deep pride in the products we produce for our customers.”

Murakami Manufacturing USA Inc. is a subsidiary company of the Murakami Corp., which is a fifth-generation, family-owned business based in Shizuoka, Japan. Murakami Manufacturing USA has operated in Campbellsville since 2000 and is a Tier 1 supplier specializing in the production of side-view exterior mirrors and components used in a wide range of automobiles, ranging from luxury cars to Toyota, Honda and Subaru vehicles. The company ships over 2.5 million mirrors each year and is committed to remain a cornerstone of the local community and provide quality products and employment opportunities. The company currently employs over 350 Kentuckians at the Campbellsville facility.

Taylor County Judge/Executive Barry Smith is thrilled to see the company expand its operations: “What an exciting time for Campbellsville and Taylor County. Murakami has been a vital part of our economy for many years. We are proud to have them expand their warehouse in our community.”

Campbellsville Mayor Dennis Benningfield noted Murakami’s continued investment in the community: “The city of Campbellsville is delighted Murakami has continued to invest in our community with this latest project. It’s always great when our existing business choose to expand. We wish them another 25 years of success.”

Team Taylor County Executive Director Ron McMahan looks forward to the company’s continued success: “Murakami’s continued growth and investment in Campbellsville is a welcome addition to our local economy. They have been one of our top corporate citizens since locating here in 2000. We congratulate the leadership and employees of Murakami and look forward to assisting them in their continued success.”

Murakami’s investment and job creation build on the best five-year period for economic growth in state history.

Since the beginning of his administration, Gov. Beshear has announced more than 1,100 private-sector new-location and expansion projects totaling over $35 billion in announced investments, creating more than 59,800 jobs. This is the highest investment figure secured during the tenure of any governor in the commonwealth’s history and $14 billion more than the next highest total.

The robust job creation has been accompanied by rising wages across the commonwealth. Since 2022, the average incentivized hourly wage has topped $26 in three consecutive years for the first time.

Gov. Beshear has announced some of the largest economic development projects in state history, which have solidified Kentucky as the electric vehicle battery production capital of the United States: Ford Motor Co. and SK On’s transformative $5.8 billion, 5,000-job BlueOval SK Battery Park in Hardin County; AESC’s $2 billion, 2,000-job gigafactory project in Warren County; Toyota’s $1.3 billion investment in Scott County; and Shelbyville Battery Manufacturing’s $712 million investment, creating 1,572 jobs in Shelby County, among others.

The Governor’s administration also secured the largest General Fund budget surplus and Rainy Day Fund. In 2023, Kentucky recorded over 2 million jobs filled for the first time ever and has stayed above that number ever since.

Kentucky also secured rating increases from major credit rating agencies Fitch Ratings, S&P Global Ratings and Moody’s Investors Service.

Last March, Site Selection magazine ranked Kentucky third nationally and first in the South Central region for economic development projects per capita in its 2023 Governor’s Cup rankings. In April, Site Selection placed Kentucky second in the South Central region and in the top 10 nationally in its 2024 Prosperity Cup ranking, which recognizes state-level economic development agencies for their success in landing capital investment projects.

Gov. Beshear announced a Supply Kentucky initiative with the goal of boosting job growth, reducing costs and providing more security in the supply chains of our Kentucky companies. And in November, the Governor announced a new initiative, called New Kentucky Home, to increase economic investment, attain and attract talent, and increase tourism across the state.

The Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority today approved Murakami for up to $75,000 in tax incentives through the Kentucky Enterprise Initiative Act (KEIA). KEIA allows approved companies to recoup Kentucky sales and use tax on construction costs, building fixtures, equipment used in research and development and electronic processing.

In addition, Murakami 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 Murakami Manufacturing, visit murakami-usa.com.

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

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.

There's a Boil Water Advisory for Baldett Drive in Russell Springs due to a water main being hit. Until further notice boil all water used for drinking and cooking purposes, bringing the water to a rolling boil for at least 3 minutes.

Richard Williams, 53, of Russell Springs, KY was taken into custody by Deputy Hitch of the Adair County Sheriff’s Office on Wednesday afternoon. He was charged with Violating a Kentucky EPO/DVO Order and lodged in the Adair County Regional Jail.

Jeffrey Holder, 49, was arrested by KSP on Tuesday night. Holder was charged with trafficking in methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving without insurance, and other traffic violations. Holder had an indictment warrants on charges including wanton endangerment of a police officer, possession of a handgun by a convicted felon, and several other warrants. He was lodged in the Russell County Detention Center.

Frankfort, Kentucky (January 28, 2024) – Representative Josh Branscum of Russell Springs was appointed to serve on the Council of State Governments (CSG) South’s Economic Development, Transportation, and Cultural Affairs Committee, House Speaker David Osborne announced this week.

“I am honored to have been appointed to serve on CSG South’s Economic Development, Transportation, and Cultural Affairs Committee,” said Branscum. “The reliability, accessibility, and safety of Kentucky’s infrastructure are key components in attracting investments, economic growth, and tourism to our state. I look forward to bringing my experience as chair of the Kentucky House Economic Development and Workforce Investment Committee to this role and working with legislators across the region to develop innovative solutions to our shared problems.”

According to CSG South, the Economic Development, Transportation and Cultural Affairs Committee “examines issues related to infrastructure, transportation, economic progress, and cultural strengths in the Southern region, bringing manufacturing operations of national and foreign companies to the region, and the importance of ports, roads, and railways for the movement of manufactured goods.”

“Kentucky’s participation in the Council of State Governments provides both resources and an opportunity to collaborate with our legislative colleagues throughout the region,” Speaker Osborne added. “We learn a great deal about what worked and what failed in other states and it is more important than ever that we work together. The issues we face in areas like education, health care, energy resilience, and economic development, don’t recognize state boundaries.”

As committee members, legislators will have the opportunity to attend the Southern Legislative Conference (SLC), the largest regional gathering of legislative members and staff, in Birmingham, Alabama, from July 19-23. This conference provides lawmakers from different states the opportunity to attend committee sessions, interact with lawmakers from other states in the region, represent and share the interests of their state and its chamber with other legislators and government staff associated with CSG, and engage with policy experts.

Established in 1947, the Southern Office is a member-driven organization and the largest of the four regions operating under The Council of State Governments. The mission of CSG South is to promote and strengthen intergovernmental cooperation among our 15 member states: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia.

For more information about CSG South and the SLC, please click here. 

Representative Josh Branscum serves the state’s 83^rd House District, which includes Clinton County, Russell County, and part of Pulaski County. Branscum serves as chair of the Kentucky House Economic Development and Workforce Investment Committee. Branscum also serves as a member of the Transportation and Elections, Constitutional Amendments, and Intergovernmental Affairs committees.
 

Adair County Elementary School received a $40,000 Reading Diagnostic Intervention Fund grant from the Kentucky Department of Education. This grant will provide the school with funds to support teachers in implementing evidence-based instructional strategies that address the diverse needs of primary students who are reading at low levels and need accelerated learning. The grant will assist with the purchase of a new intervention program, giving students more one-on-one time with literacy instructors.

The grant will be available to Adair County Schools during the 2025-26 school year and will contribute to the high quality instruction already taking place in ACES classrooms. Superintendent, Jason Faulkner stated, “We are thrilled to receive the Reading Diagnostic Intervention Fund Grant, which will allow us to further empower our students with essential literacy skills. This funding enables us to enhance intervention programs, provide targeted support, and ensure every student has the tools they need to succeed. At Adair County Schools, we remain committed to fostering a culture of learning and achievement, and this grant is a tremendous step forward in that mission.”

Director of Elementary Instruction, Susan Pfefferman added “Receiving the RDIF grant allows us to continue to maximize instructional time to ensure students’ needs are met. We are always striving to analyze the individual needs of students to implement quality and effective instruction.”  Additionally, ACES principal, Jordan Williams, explains how this grant will have a positive impact on ACES students. Mr. Williams shared, “On behalf of the administration, teachers and students at Adair County Elementary School, we are absolutely delighted to receive the RDIF grant! This is a wonderful opportunity to enrich our school’s offerings and resources needed to thrive in the classroom and beyond. We are grateful for this support and are excited about the positive impact it will have on our students.”

A Russell County Grand Jury has returned numerous indictments. Lisa Clark has details...

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

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Jan. 27, 2025) — Hunters collectively recorded a near record harvest of deer during Kentucky’s just concluded 2024-25 season.

Hunters took 149,868 deer – the state’s second-highest harvest ever recorded. Additionally, hunters harvested more deer from public land than any previous year. The percentage of antlered deer taken this past season also set a record.

“We’re very pleased with harvest results,” Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Deer Program Coordinator Joe McDermott said. “We had a great season, even with subpar weather at times.”

The 2024-25 deer hunting season closed on January 20. The season’s harvest is second only to 2015, when hunters took 155,730 deer. The recently completed season’s total is more than 6,000 higher than the 10-year average of 143,442. Kentucky also saw its highest buck, or male deer, harvest on record at 86,071 deer (57.4%), including buck fawns.

A breakdown of harvest by permit type shows 76% of deer were harvested on a statewide or youth deer permit; 16% were landowner permits; and 7% were with senior or disabled permits. The remaining deer were harvested during public land quota hunts or through deer control damage permits.

Kentucky residents accounted for 80% of the deer harvested.

Statewide deer hunting season kicks off annually in Kentucky with archery season in early September. Modern gun season for deer, which runs for three weeks in November, generally accounts for more than two-thirds of the annual overall harvest each year. For the 2024-25 season, 107,392 (71.6%) deer were taken by firearm, 16,662 (11.1%) were taken by bow, 14,020 (9.4%) were taken with crossbows and 11,794 (7.9%) were taken using muzzle-loading firearms.

Poor weather during the opening weekend of modern gun season didn’t lend the most desirable hunting conditions in the field, but harvest data shows it didn’t prevent hunters from getting outside.

“The opening weekend of modern gun is traditionally responsible for our largest percentage of Kentucky’s overall deer harvest each year, so we’re very glad that hunters stuck with it despite the weird weather,” McDermott said. “We had a great turnout for modern gun season.”

“We can see evidence of hunters doing a good job of being selective and avoiding taking young deer,” McDermott said, noting that 71% of harvested bucks were at least 2½ years old.

The age composition of the buck harvest has remained stable since the department began tracking this metric through the department’s “Telecheck” big game check-in system in 2016. Telecheck helps ensure lawful harvests and records important biological data for monitoring harvest trends.

The harvest of female deer remained below the 10-year average for a second straight year, with 63,797 does reported. Five percent of deer taken this season were buck fawns (7,503 deer).

Biologists hope to see the harvest rate between adult male and female deer level out more in the future.

Biologists divide the state into six regions. The harvest percentage in the Green River Region was the highest with 29% of the overall state harvest, followed by the Bluegrass (27%), Southeast (18%), Purchase (14%) and Northeast (12%) regions.

Kentucky’s public lands also produced higher deer harvests in the 2024-25 season. The top wildlife management areas (WMAs) for deer harvests included Peabody (616 deer), Taylorsville Lake (264), Barren River Lake (198), Green River Lake (184) and Clay (174) WMAs.

Hardin County yielded the highest deer harvest of any county in the state this past season with 3,228 deer, followed by Christian (3,092), Breckinridge (2,916), Grayson (2,834) and Hart (2,816) counties. Hardin and Breckinridge reported high harvests even with a baiting ban implemented as a response to a positive Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) detection in a captive deer facility in Breckinridge County.

Though it is not known to affect people, CWD is a highly transmissible, fatal neurological disease affecting white-tailed deer, elk and other members of the deer family. Kentucky has established two surveillance zones to monitor for the presence of CWD, located across eight counties in western Kentucky and three counties in north-central Kentucky. Special regulations apply to these areas, including a ban on baiting. Hunting is the department’s primary method for monitoring and managing the spread of CWD in Kentucky through donated deer and elk samples for testing.

At this time, Kentucky Fish and Wildlife has not detected further occurrences of CWD. The department has currently tested 8,465 samples with additional test results pending. Hunters are encouraged to follow the department’s website at fw.ky.gov/cwd for updates pertaining to CWD in Kentucky, especially as the next deer season approaches in the fall. The department will continue monitoring the condition of Kentucky’s deer and assessing samples for detection of CWD.

More than a quarter-million people hunt deer in Kentucky each year. Venison is an important and healthy source of protein for these hunters and their families, as well as many food banks and shelters which help to support through donating venison or making charitable contributions to Kentucky Hunters for the Hungry. Deer hunting also contributes an estimated $800 million to Kentucky's economy annually.

Hunters can view the online Harvest Results page for in-depth statistics based on county, hunting method, year and more.

As a reminder, the new license year starts March 1. Access the MyProfile online portal to purchase hunting licenses and permits, view personal telecheck history, submit quota hunt applications and more.

The Russell County School Board met on Monday for their regular monthly meeting. Superintendent Michael Ford tells WAVE listeners what took place... 

The National Park Service (NPS) has reported an incident of vandalism and theft at Mill Springs Battlefield National Monument. Park staff recently discovered that wood siding had been removed from a historic barn located adjacent to Highway 235 in Nancy, Kentucky. This act of vandalism and theft is a federal crime and is currently under investigation by National Park Service law enforcement officials in coordination with the local police department.
 
Anyone with information related to this incident is urged to contact the Mill Springs Battlefield administrative office at 606-636-4045.
 

The National Park Service’s mission at Mill Springs Battlefield National Monument is to preserve and protect the historic resources of the site for future generations to learn from and enjoy. In response to this incident, the park has implemented 24-hour surveillance of all National Park Service-owned lands and structures within the monument to ensure the continued protection of these valuable resources.

According to jail records, Dave Perales, 62, of Tulsa, Oklahoma was arrested on Monday morning, January 27, 2025 and lodged in the Russell County Detention Center for Rape 1st degree and Sexual Abuse 1st degree (Victim Under 12 Years Old).

FRANKFORT, KY (Jan. 27, 2025) -This evening (Monday), Sen. Max Wise, R-Campbellsville, will make his first appearance as Senate majority floor leader on Kentucky Educational Television’s Kentucky Tonight program.

He will join host Renee Shaw and a panel of fellow legislative leaders, including Senate Minority Caucus Chair Reggie Thomas, D-Lexington; House Speaker Pro Tem David Meade, R-Stanford; and House Minority Whip Lindsey Burke, D-Lexington, to discuss part two of the 2025 legislative session.

What: KET’s Kentucky Tonight featuring Senate Majority Floor Leader Max Wise
 

When: 8:00pmET (7:00pmCT) Monday, Jan. 27
 

Watch: Tune in live at //KET.org/live or check your local listings for KET.

Viewers may join the conversation during the program by emailing kytonight@ket.org, using the message form on the KET website, or calling 1-800-494-7605. Please include your first and last name and your town or county.

Kentucky Tonight provides a platform for in-depth discussions on pressing public issues. After broadcast, programs are typically available on KET.org and via podcast on Apple iTunes or Google Android, within 24 hours.

The following individuals were arrested by various law enforcement agencies over the weekend. Persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

 

UPDATE: This boil water advisory has been lifted as of 10:20amCT Sunday morning.

 

Date Issued:  1/25/2025

Time Issued:  8:00 am 

 

A BOIL WATER ADVISORY is in effect for consumers on 15748-15682 Knifley Road & all side roads in between, also starting at the Cross Roads at Sanders Ridge & all side roads in between. 
 

The advisory has been issued due to emergency repair. 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 Bradley Miller at Columbia Adair Utilities District, 270-384-2181.
 

The Russell County School Board will meet on Monday, January 27, 2025 at 5:00pmCT at the Russell County Schools Auditorium/Natatorium Complex (Room 114). The meeting is open to the public.

On Thursday, January 23, 2025, the Columbia-Adair County Fire Department was dispatched at 10:08pmCT, to 122 Oak Street on a report of a house fire. Upon arrival, firefighters found a single story residence with heavy smoke & fire on the back side of the residence. 

Firefighters made an offensive attack and quickly contained the fire. The residence sustained major damage. The cause of the fire is undetermined at this time; no injuries were reported.

There were 15 firefighters on scene for approximately 1½ hours.  

Agencies that assisted: Adair County E911 Center, Adair County Ambulance Service, Columbia Police Department, Adair County Sheriffs Office, Kentucky Utilities, and the Kentucky Red Cross.

Carlos Gomez, 25, of Russell Springs, KY was taken into custody by Deputy Pearson of the Russell County Sheriff’s Office early Friday morning on charges that include: Following Another Vehicle Too Closely, Failure to Dim Headlights, Failure of Owner to Maintain Required Insurance, and Operating on a Suspended or Revoked License.

Eric Warriner, 41, of Russell Springs, KY was arrested just before midnight on Thursday night by Deputy Tweedy of the Russell County Sheriff’s Office. Warriner was charged with Failure of Owner to Maintain Required Insurance, No Registration Plates, No Registration Receipt, Operating on a Suspended or Revoked License and License to be in Possession.

Barbra, Esteep, 43, of Lancaster, Ohio was taken into custody by Deputy Pearson of the Russell County Sheriff’s Office on Thursday night. Esteep was charged with Operating on a Suspended or Revoked Operators License, Failure to Produce Insurance Card and only One Headlight. She was also arrested on a warrant for Failure to Appear.

All 3 were lodged in the Russell County Detention Center

It will be a busy 2025 at Lindsey Wilson College as two buildings will be added to the A.P. White Campus - a residence hall and regional performing arts center.

The two projects, which will be a combined $24 million investment in the campus, will help "transform this college so that it can continue to meet our students' growing needs," said Lindsey Wilson President William T. Luckey Jr.

"A big reason we are able to undertake these two major projects is because Lindsey Wilson has never been stronger in its 122-year history," said Luckey, who noted that the college enrolled more than 4,000 students last fall. "During a time when many colleges and universities are contracting, Lindsey Wilson is expanding. With a record number of students and an outstanding faculty, the timing is right for Lindsey Wilson to add these two important buildings to our campus."

The residence hall, which will feature apartment-style living, will be ready for the 2026-27 school year. The regional performing arts center, which will include two performance spaces, will also be opened during the 2026-27 school year. Groundbreaking ceremonies for both projects will be held in March.

Apartment-style living
The three-story residence hall will be built on the east side of campus, near Henry and Mary Ellen Lilly Hall. The 15,100-square-foot building will house a total of 48 students; each floor will have 16 students, lodged in four four-person apartment suites. Each student will enjoy a private room, and every apartment will include a common living space, kitchenette and two private bathrooms.

"It's going to be the college's most modern, forward-looking building we have in residence life," said Vice President for Administration & Finance Mark Coleman. "This building will meet students' evolving needs and expand the college's residential offerings."

A big reason the new residence hall - which will be the college's 15th residence life area and seventh residence hall - fits that description is because of the work Lindsey Wilson student services officials did with the college's students. Lindsey Wilson started the 2024-25 school year with more than 940 residential students.

"We are always asking the question in Student Services, 'How can we best serve our students?'" said Dean of Students Chris Schmidt. "Students told us that they wanted a residential experience that they can customize, and these suite-style apartments will allow them to do that. This new residence hall will allow students to enjoy the best of both worlds. They will share a common living space with their roommates, and they also will have the benefits of a private room."

'Premier performing arts center'
The regional performing arts center, which will be located on the corner of Lindsey Wilson Street and Fairgrounds Street on the northwest side of campus, will be the "premiere performing arts center on a Kentucky small college campus," according to Lindsey Wilson theatre professor Robert Brock.

The performing arts center, which will be about 29,000 square feet, will include a main performance area, a rehearsal space that can double as a black box theatre and hold special events, and a lobby with offices.

"It will be the envy of Kentucky," said Brock, who has produced more than 130 plays since he started Lindsey Wilson's theatre program 15 years ago. "I don't think there will be another theater like this. It is going to be stellar."

The stellar features of the performing arts center will include a main performance area with a seating capacity of about 270. The main performance area - which will include state-of-the-art lighting and sound systems - will feature a thrust stage with a trap door and vomitorium, a wide corridor that will allow actors to seamlessly enter the performance area.

"The audience will be much closer to the actors and the scenes," said Brock. "It will be a much richer theatre experience for our audiences."

The performing arts centers' rehearsal space can also be used for smaller events and be turned into a black box theatre to accommodate an audience of about 70 patrons.

Behind the scenes, the performing arts center will include a costume shop, scene shops, dressing rooms and a green room. The spacious lobby, which will include administrative and faculty offices, will be accessible via a convenient drop-off drive and adjacent parking lot.

In addition to supporting Lindsey Wilson's theatre program, the performing arts center will also provide more cultural events on campus, such as concerts, speakers and other special events.

As Brock noted, the performing arts center "will increase opportunities for our students in a very big way."

"The performing arts center will be such a huge benefit to our theatre students," said Brock. "They will be able to perform in a wider range and variety of plays, and they will have more experiences with producing plays. When the performing arts center opens, we're going to have a great training facility for technical theater. We're going to have all the resources our students need to benefit from being part of a robust, well-rounded theatre program."

The three-story residence hall will be built on the east side of campus, near Henry and Mary Ellen Lilly Hall. The 15,100-square-foot building will house a total of 48 students; each floor will have 16 students, lodged in four four-person apartment suites.

The regional performing arts center, which will be about 29,000 square feet, will include a main performance area, a rehearsal space that can double as a black box theatre and hold special events, and a lobby with offices. It will be located on the corner of Lindsey Wilson Street and Fairgrounds Street on the northwest side of campus.

The Adair County Soil Conservation District and Adair County Extension District Board have partnered to make soil testing free for Adair County landowners year-round in 2025. Get your soil samples submitted now to allow plenty of time for results prior to when applications need to be made.

For more information on how to collect and submit soil samples, contact the Adair County Cooperative Extension Service at (270) 384-2317.

Rodney Holmes, 48, of Russell Springs, KY was arrested by Officer Catron of the Russell Springs Police Department on Wednesday night. Holmes was charged with Assault 3rd degree – Police Officer or Probation Officer, Resisting Arrest, Fleeing or Evading Police and 2 counts of Failure to Appear. He was lodged in the Russell County Detention Center.

The Russell County Board of Education welcomed the reelection of Brenda Higginbotham, Gerald Murray, and Joy Wilson before a special school board meeting held January 21. The three members were sworn in by Family Court Judge Jennifer Edwards, who is also the mother of Mrs. Wilson.

Mrs. Higginbotham and Mr. Murray begin their fourth terms on the board, while Mrs. Wilson embarks on her third term. Each term spans four years, reflecting the members' commitment to supporting education in Russell County.

Rebecca Thrower, 35, was arrested by Officer Bunch with the Columbia Police Department early this morning. Thrower was charged with Receiving Stolen Property $10,000 dollars or more, Driving on a DUI Suspended License and Drug Paraphernalia – Buy/Possession. She was Lodged in the Adair County Regional Jail.

Press Release from the Columbia Police Department... 

Early Wednesday morning, January 22, 2025 the Columbia Police Department initiated a traffic stop on Jamestown Street after observing a vehicle matching a description of a previously reported stolen car from Russell Springs, leaving Jamestown Street FiveStar.

After making contact with the operator and confirming it was the same vehicle, the driver was taken into custody. She was also found to be in possession of drug paraphernalia. The driver stated to CPD Officers that a male staying at her residence was the perpetrator who had stolen the vehicle in Russell County. Officers made contact with the male later at a residence in Cane Valley and placed him and a second female at the home under arrest, with both having active warrants.

Rebecca Thrower, 35, of Columbia has been charged with receiving stolen property over $10,000, possession of drug paraphernalia, and driving on DUI suspended license.

After the vehicle was recovered, information was passed along to Russell County law enforcement where the investigation is ongoing.

Officer Dustin Bunch made the arres. He was assisted by Officer Elliot Smith.

There will be a Special Called Adair County School Board Meeting on Thursday, January 23, 2025 at 6:00 PM at the A.C. Board of Education, 1204 Greensburg St., Columbia, KY.

AGENDA:
1. Pledge of Allegiance

2. Prayer

3. Oath of new and newly re-elected Board Members

4. Approval of Agenda

5. Appointment of School Board Chairperson for 2025

6. Appointment of School Board Vice-Chairperson for 2025

7. Appointment of Secretary to the Board for 2025

8. Appointment of Treasurer to the Board for 2025

9. Approval to set date and time for Regular School Board Meetings for the calendar year 2025

10. Consent Agenda

• 10.1. Approval of Minutes
• 10.2. Approval of Treasurer's Report
• 10.3. Approval of Payment of Bills
• 10.4. Approval of out of state travel for the Adair County High School Choir to travel to Dollywood in Gatlinburg, TN on May 9-10, 2025
• 10.5. Approval of shortened school day waiver to KDE for student(s): SSID #2121005114
• 10.6. Approval of Adair County Schools Substitute Teacher Handbook
• 10.7. Acknowledgement of Personnel Action

11. Superintendent's Report

12. Approval of Adair County Board of Education Public Comments Rules of Conduct

13. Public Forum to address questions and concerns on the nutrition and physical activity report for 2025

14. Approval to hire an Emergency Certified Personal Finance teacher for the Adair County Middle School

15. Approval for the Agriculture Department to purchase a 2025 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD

16. Approval of 2025-2026 School Calendars

17. Approval of draft budget for the 2025-2026 fiscal year

18. Approval of New Middle School Construction change order BG 22-433 20.3

19. Approval of Monthly Financial Statements

20. Buildings and Grounds Update

21. Public Comments

22. Adjournment

No in-person classes in Russell County on Wednesday, January 22, 2025. This will be an NTI day. Students will need to complete assignments online.

As a result of dangerously cold temperatures around bus pickup times tomorrow morning, and bands of predicted snow fall this evening, there will be no school in the Adair County School System on Wednesday, January 22, 2025. This will be NTI #6. Students will need to access their classes via Google Classroom. Their teacher will be available throughout the day to provide assistance.

All staff will need to report to their respective workstations at 8 AM on Wednesday.

COLUMBIA, Ky. (January 21, 2025) - Kentucky State Police (KSP) Post 15 Troopers investigation into a reported assault leads to the arrest of an Adair County man.  

On Saturday, January 18, 2025 at 5:23amCT, KSP Post 15 received a report of an assault at a residence on Kellyville Road in Adair County. The preliminary investigation revealed that Tyron Vanarsdale, 50, of Columbia, and his girlfriend were involved in a domestic altercation. Mr. Vanarsdale entered his vehicle and went to leave the property with his girlfriend standing near his vehicle. As Mr. Vanarsdale was leaving, he struck his girlfriend with his vehicle and left the property. The victim was transported to the hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

As a result of the preliminary investigation, Tyron Vanarsdale was arrested and charged with the following charges:

• Assault 2nd Degree 
• Wanton Endangerment 1st Degree
• Leaving the Scene of an Accident - Failure to Render Aid 

Mr. Vanarsdale was lodged in the Adair County Detention Center. Trooper Trey Binder continues his investigation of this case.

Daniel Roberts, 46, of Russell Springs, KY was taken into custody by Officer Davis with the Russell Springs Police Department on Monday morning. Roberts was charged with Tampering with Physical Evidence and Possession of Controlled Substance 1st degree, 1st offense (Drug Unspecified). He was lodged in the Russell County Detention Center.

Russell County Schools will utilize NTI Day #6 on Tuesday, Janiuary 21st. Supt. Michael Ford says we are under a "Cold Weather Advisory" and Russell County also has some secondary roads that are concerning. Students will need to complete assignments online.

Jamestown PD Press Release...

NASHVILLE, TN - The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers today announced that it will waive day use fees at its more than 2,800 USACE-operated recreation areas nationwide in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, January 20.

The waiver covers fees for boat launch ramps and swimming beaches. The waiver does not apply to camping and camping-related services, or fees for specialized facilities (group picnic shelters) and events. Other agencies that manage recreation areas on USACE lands are encouraged, but not required, to offer the waiver in the areas that they manage.

Visitors are encouraged to contact USACE lake and river projects before visiting to ensure recreation areas are open. More information can be found at www.corpslakes.us.

The MLK Day fee waiver began in 2023 to honor the life and legacy of Dr. King, a national leader of the 1950s-1960s Civil Rights movement who continues to inspire the pursuit of civil rights today. MLK Day is the only federal holiday designated as a day of service to encourage all Americans to volunteer to improve their communities.

USACE also offers other fee-free days throughout the year to mark days of celebration and commemoration, including the USACE birthday; Juneteenth National Independence Day; Veterans Day; and National Public Lands Day.

The Nashville District welcomed over 23 million visitors in 2024 to its 10 lakes, 281 recreation areas and 1,760 campsites at 25 campgrounds. These lakes include Lake Barkley, Lake Cumberland, Laurel River Lake, and Martins Fork Lake in Kentucky; Cheatham Lake, J. Percy Priest Lake, Old Hickory Lake, Cordell Hull Lake, and Center Hill Lake in Tennessee; and Dale Hollow Lake in both Kentucky and Tennessee.

To discover a USACE Nashville District recreation site nearest you, please visit the district’s website at https://www.lrd.usace.army.mil/About/Districts/Nashville-District/ or www.recreation.gov.

A Russell Springs woman was lodged in the Russell County Detention Center early this morning on Numerous charges including Reckless Driving, Fleeing and Wanton Endangerment.

Jacqueling Moreno, 36, was arrested by Officer Miniard of the Russell Springs Police Department around midnight. Moreno was charged with Reckless Driving, Fleeing or Evading Police 1st degree, Fleeing or Evading Police 2nd degree, Wanton Endangerment 1st degree, Improper Start from Parked Position, Operating Motor Vehicle Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance – 3rd, and Failure of Owner to Maintain Required Insurance. She was lodged in the Russell County Detention Center.

COLUMBIA, Ky. (January 17, 2025) – Kentucky State Police (KSP) Post 15 Troopers have made an arrest in an ongoing sexual abuse investigation in Adair County. 

The preliminary investigation began on January 16, 2025, when KSP Troopers received a report that Nathan Rybicki, 21, of Columbia, was sending sexually explicit messages through social media platforms to a 15-year-old juvenile. Troopers also discovered that Mr. Rybicki had engaged in inappropriate sexual contact with the juvenile. As a result of the investigation, Troopers obtained information leading to the arrest of Mr. Rybicki, charging him with Rape 3rd Degree, Sodomy 3rd Degree and Procuring or Promoting the Use of a Minor by Electronic Means.

Mr. Rybicki was lodged in the Adair County Detention Center. Trooper Codie Ford is leading the investigation, which remains ongoing.
 

The Jamestown City Council met on Thursday evening at City Hall. Mayor Regina Hinton discussed with WAVE NEWS the new water tower in the City and where that project is at. Also the first Lakefest meeting will take place before next months Council meeting... 

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Jan. 16, 2025) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear and First Lady Britainy Beshear provided an update on economic development, funding awards to support communities recovering from flooding, winter weather, wildfires affecting Southern California, Human Trafficking Prevention Month, the Governor’s recent State of the Commonwealth Address and Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The Governor also named the Lincoln Trail Area Development District team members as this week’s Team Kentucky All-Stars.

Economic Development
The Governor recapped his announcement that Nitto – a global developer of state-of-the-art technology and provider of products and services for automotive, electronics, aerospace and other industries – will open a new facility in Frankfort, creating 220 full-time jobs.

Projects to Improve Communities
Gov. Beshear highlighted three communities receiving funds from Kentucky’s Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) program, which is administered by Kentucky’s Department for Local Government.

• The city of Jackson will use $4.8 million to conduct a study of stormwater movement to prevent future flooding events. The city will also use $3 million to replace waterlines along Quicksand Road that were damaged by the floods.
• Letcher County will use $4.2 million to replace over 8,000 feet of waterlines and replace two pump stations, improving water pressure.
• The city of Jenkins will use $5.2 million to conduct a study of stormwater movement to prevent future flooding events. The city will also use $1.4 million to make improvements to the city’s wastewater treatment plant.

In total, the Governor announced eight projects for a total of $21 million. Click here to view the full list of the projects that received funding.

Weather Update
Gov. Beshear sadly reported that Kentucky Emergency Management (KYEM) and the Department for Public Health have confirmed six deaths related to the ice and snow the commonwealth received from Jan. 5-11. The Governor said some of these deaths were related to overexertion followed by cardiac arrest that occurred while shoveling snow and ice. The Governor reminded Kentuckians that shoveling heavy, wet snow can cause back injuries and heart attacks, so take frequent breaks when shoveling, and don’t push yourself too far.

Gov. Beshear also provided an update on upcoming weather. Starting Jan. 19, the commonwealth is expecting arctic air to bring dangerously low temperatures that will remain until Jan. 22. Areas of Kentucky can expect wind chill conditions to be in the single digits and could drop below zero on Monday and Tuesday mornings. Warming centers will be available and a map of warming centers has been posted on the KYEM website.

California Wildfires
The Governor and First Lady expressed their support and love for Americans being affected by the Greater Los Angeles wildfires that have destroyed homes and lives. Gov. Beshear said California put out a call through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact for specific firefighting teams and equipment, and the Kentucky Division of Forestry answered. California is currently evaluating Kentucky’s proposal against other proposals before authorizing the assistance.

“If we are called on to help, we will be there. Kentucky stands ready,” said Gov. Beshear. “If you are in a position to help, you can make a donation to organizations that will be there for the long haul, helping to provide shelter, food and supplies as well as support for emergency responders. To everyone out there working to help – thank you. Our first responders make us all proud. Be safe and take care of yourself.”

“When our own state faced the worst tornadoes and floods in our history, people from across the country donated to our relief funds, and to our two Christmas toy drives,” the First Lady said. “Now, Team Kentucky can pay it forward by supporting families impacted by the wildfires as they rebuild their lives.”

The First Lady highlighted the impact of the World Central Kitchen and Baby2Baby and encouraged Kentuckians to donate to these organizations or other favorite charities supporting wildfire relief.

Human Trafficking Prevention Month
The First Lady also highlighted January as Human Trafficking Prevention Month, raising awareness about this crime and educating the public on how to identify and prevent it. The First Lady reminded Kentuckians about the Human Trafficking Hotline and discussed the different signs and types of trafficking.

“As First Lady, and as a mom, my top priority is protecting Kentucky’s children and young adults,” the First Lady said. “I’m proud of Team Kentucky’s efforts to rescue victims, hold criminals accountable and make sure survivors have the resources they need to heal.”

State of the Commonwealth Address
Gov. Beshear recapped his fifth State of the Commonwealth Address, which he delivered Jan. 8. The Governor said he was proud to report “the State of the Commonwealth is strong … and it’s growing stronger.” For his full address, click here.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Ahead of Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Jan. 20, the Governor paid tribute to and celebrated the legacy and work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

“Martin Luther King Jr. was a visionary, a true public servant committed to justice, equality and fairness for all people,” said Gov. Beshear. “I continue to be inspired by the words and wisdom of Dr. King and I remain committed to walking alongside every single Kentuckian so we can continue forward, building our New Kentucky Home, where prosperity reaches every community and every family.”

Team Kentucky All-Stars
The Governor named Lincoln Trail Area Development District team members as this week’s Team Kentucky All-Stars. On Jan. 16, the Governor visited the region to see their new aerial search and rescue drones, cutting-edge technology being used to prepare for weather-related and other disasters.

“We’ve seen our fair share of natural disasters in Kentucky, and we learned how important it is to be prepared, and how many lives that can save. So, it’s safe to say the work being done here is crucial,” said Gov. Beshear. “This achievement was made possible because of teamwork between the district, regional judge/executives, emergency managers and private sector partners. Thank you to everyone who made this possible. You are this week’s Team Kentucky All-Stars.”

Frankfort, KY (January 16, 2025)- This past week, Rep. Josh Branscum of Russell Springs filed House Joint Resolution 5, which would designate the entire route of U.S. Route 127 in Russell County as the “Deputy Sheriff Joshua Phipps Memorial Highway”.

“Deputy Sheriff Joshua Phipps was a hero who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect his community and its citizens,” said Branscum. “It was an honor to file the joint resolution designating the “Deputy Sheriff Joshua Phipps Memorial Highway” in Russell County to commemorate his legacy and sacrifice.”

Deputy Sheriff Joshua Phipps dedicated his life to serving and protecting the community. He first served with the Louisville Metro Police Department and then served as a Deputy Sheriff with the Russell County Sheriff’s Office. On September 16, 2024, he was tragically killed in the line of duty while trying to apprehend a suspect.

“Deputy Sheriff Joshua Phipps left an indelible mark on the Russell County community,” Branscum added. “His service and sacrifice will not be forgotten.” 

To keep track of this resolution during the 2025 Legislative Session, visit legislature.ky.gov or click here.
 

The regular monthly meeting of the Jamestown City Council will be held this evening at 6:00pmCT at Jamestown City Hall. The meeting is open to the public.

Jerry Rutherford, 54, of Burkesville, KY was arrested by Cumberland County Deputy Sheriff Watson on Wednesday night.

Rutherford was charged with Burglary 1st degree and Alcohol Intoxication in a Public Place (1st and 2nd offense). He was lodged in the Adair County Regional Jail.

The Columbia Police Department initiated a traffic stop on Greensburg Street on Tuesday night, January 14, 2025 just after 9:00pmCT. The operator fled on foot from his vehicle resulting in a brief foot pursuit before the individual was caught and taken into custody.

Corey Sheppard, 24, of Jamestown, KY had a total of six active felony warrants between Adair and Russell counties ranging from theft, probation violations, and wanton endangerment. He has now additionally been charged with fleeing and evading police (on foot) as well as traffic violations.

Officer Elliot Smith made the arrest. He was assisted in apprehension by multiple officers from the Columbia Police Department and the Adair County Sheriff’s Office.

According to Sheriff Dereck Polston, 57-year-old Nancy Wisdom of Russell Springs, KY was driving a 2013 Jeep, when she left the roadway and struck a tree. Wisdom was taken by private vehicle to the Russell County Hospital where she was treated for her injuries.

Deputy Nathan Bradshaw investigated the accident. He was assisted by other deputies and the Jamestown Fire Department.

FRANKFORT, KY (Jan. 14, 2025) – Team Kentucky is calling on all teen drivers to participate in the Safe Teen Driving Challenge and compete for a share of $5,000 in cash prizes in an effort to improve highway safety and reduce crashes. Gov. Andy Beshear today (Tuesday) joined transportation officials and partners from AAA Blue Grass, AAA East Central and Cambridge Mobile Telematics to announce the registration start for the challenge.

Over the past three years, Kentucky roads have seen more than 47,000 crashes involving teen drivers, resulting in over 13,000 injuries and 210 tragic deaths. The Safe Teen Driving Challenge, managed by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC), aims to change that by encouraging young drivers to build better habits and stay focused behind the wheel.

“As Governor, but also as the dad of two teenagers who I love more than anything, making sure all our drivers are safe on the roadways is a top priority,” said Gov. Beshear. “This new contest is a positive incentive for new drivers to be as safe as possible and to win a cash prize and be named Kentucky’s safest teen driver. We want this generation to be leaders in helping us have fewer crashes and fatalities.”

The challenge rewards the top four drivers with cash prizes, sponsored by AAA Blue Grass and AAA East Central:

• 1st Place: $2,000
• 2nd Place: $1,500
• 3rd Place: $1,000
• 4th Place: $500

“It’s important for young drivers to be reminded of the dangers of driving distracted. The more good driving behaviors they can develop now, the more likely they are to exhibit safe driving behaviors throughout their lifetimes,” said Lori Weaver Hawkins, public and government affairs manager, AAA Blue Grass. “Driving distracted is just as dangerous as driving impaired. AAA Blue Grass urges teens to stay focused on the roadway, keeping themselves and other road users safe now – and in the future.”  

Winners will be announced in April, and their accomplishments will be celebrated as part of Kentucky’s ongoing efforts to improve road safety.

“The ultimate reward for safe driving is protecting yourself and others on the road,” said KYTC Secretary Jim Gray. “This challenge helps teens build habits that will last a lifetime and aid in our mission to reduce preventable crashes.”

How to Join
This challenge is open to 16-to-19-year-old drivers with a valid permit or driver’s license and a smartphone. Parental consent is required for drivers under 18. To join, teens simply:

1. Visit kentuckyhighwaysafety.com/safe-teen-driving-challenge/ to register between Tuesday, Jan. 14, and Friday, Jan. 24, 2025 (cut-off is 11:59 p.m.).
2. Download the DriveWell Go™ app, create a new account, and enter the contest token code.
3. Drive safe, track your performance, and compete for the chance to win a prize.

“We’re excited to merge a meaningful challenge, cool tech and cash prizes to encourage teens to be lifelong safe drivers,” said the Office of Highway Safety Executive Director Bill Bell. “Safer highways are a win-win for all Kentuckians and this challenge will help reveal areas of strength and areas of improvement while they are still early in their driving careers.”

How it Works
The app, powered by Cambridge Mobile Telematics (CMT), uses smartphone sensor data to identify risky behaviors like speeding, hard braking, harsh acceleration, cornering and phone use. Teens can track their progress and see how they rank on the app’s leaderboard, updated every two weeks, to provide valuable data to help young drivers become more aware of their habits behind the wheel.

Driving performance will be measured from Jan. 25 to March 31, 2025, giving participants plenty of time to compete for the top spots.

The app uses machine learning to identify driving behaviors from sensor data and transform them into insights. The platform automatically determines if a person is in a vehicle and calculates if they’re the driver or passenger with 97% accuracy.

"Kentucky's Safe Teen Driving Challenge has the potential to reduce risky driving behaviors like distracted driving - a leading cause of crashes, especially among teens,” said Ryan McMahon, SVP of Strategy at Cambridge Mobile Telematics. “By leveraging advanced technology and making safe driving fun with prizes, we’re equipping young drivers with the tools and awareness to build lifelong safe driving habits.”

For more information and to register, visit https://kentuckyhighwaysafety.com/safe-teen-driving-challenge/

The City of Columbia has had a tremendous response with the veterans banners program over the last three years. In 2024 we had close to 100 banners around the square and the area(s) immediate off of the square recognizing veterans from our community.

As mentioned when we started the program, we will be rotating the banners out after three years and those banners will be distributed to family members.

These banners will be rotated out this year:

Phillip Gaskins, Derek Cundiff, Randall Jones, Joe Payne, Leland Grant, Wallace Alexander, Bobby Kimbler, Bernard Dunn, Sammy hughes, Charlie Morrison, James Abell, John Burr, Paul Smith, Michael Callison, Orvin Grider, Travis Giles, Vince Giles, Ronald Burton, Brad Scholl, Joe Spires, Tommy Corbin, C.W. Grant, Bernard Janes, William Coy Turner, Joe Hare, Ronnie Holt, Russell Arnold, and Walter Gene Hoots.

Banners will be available to be picked up beginning on Tuesday, January 21.

“We appreciate everyone who has participated and taken part in this program honoring our local veterans,” said Mayor Hoots.

The Russell County Fiscal Court met on Monday for the Regular Monthly Meeting. Judge Executive Randy Marcum spoke with WAVE NEWS following the meeting to discuss what took place... 

A  2-vehicle accident on Ky 619 East at the Intersection of Clear Fork Rd. resulted in the arrest of an Arizona man. 

Jose Antonio Gomez Santiz of Mesa, Arizona was operating a 2013 Chevy Equinox when he disregarded a stop sign and struck a 2020 Nissan Rogue being operated by Ashley Durham, 27, of Russell Springs.

Santiz was arrested at the scene and charged with the following:

• No Operators License
• License to be In Possession
• Failure of owner to Maintain Insurance
• Disregarding a Stop Sign and
• Careless Driving.

Both drivers were checked at the scene by Russell County EMS. Deputy Chris Tweedy investigated the accident and made the arrest. He was assisted on scene by Constable Richard Wooldridge.

Tiffany Shorman, 32, of Columbia, KY was arrested by Deputy Canfield of the Adair County Sheriff’s Office on Sunday afternoon. Shorman was charged with Wanton Endangerment – 2nd Degree, Assault, 4th Degree (Domestic Violence) No Visible Injuries, and Terroristic Threatening 3rd Degree. She was lodged in the Adair County Regional Jail.

Emily Bernard, 48, of Columbia, KY was taken into custody by Officer Bell with the Columbia Police Department on Sunday afternoon. Bernard was charged with Theft by Unlawful Taking or Disposition (more than $10,000). She was lodged in the Adair County Regional Jail.

Steven McCormack, 31, of Russell Springs, KY was arrested by Officer Pearson with the Russell County Sheriff’s Office on Sunday night. McCormack was charged with Alcohol Intoxication in Public Place (1st and 2nd Offense), Disorderly Conduct 2nd Degree, and Resisting Arrest. He was lodged in the Russell County Detention Center.

Sheriff Derek Polston reports the arrest of an Edgefield, South Carolina man wanted on multiple warrants from Russell and Jefferson Counties.

Sheriff’s Deputies recieved a tip of that Individual wanted by Law Enforcement was at a Residense off Hwy 1729 on Sunday Evening before 1 PM. Upon arrival at the Location, Deputies were given permission to search the area and found James S Faller lll age 27 hiding under clothes in a Shed. Subject Attempted to Flee on Foot and was apprehended and Charged with the Following.

Resisting Arrest

Fleeing and Evading Police on foot 2nd Degree. In addition he was served with numerous warrants for Failing to appear and Contempt of Court. He was also served warrants for Escape 2nd Degree, Tampering with a Prisoner Monitoring Device, Theft by Failing to Make Reguired Disposition of Property. He was transported to the Russell County Derention Center. Deputy Chris Tweedy made the Arrest and was assisted on scene by Deputy Bill Greer and Deputy Devan Blakey.

The following individuals were arrested by various police agencies over the weekend. Every person is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

• Damion Boutwell, 26, of Russell Springs, KY - arrested on Saturday evening by the RCSO for Alcohol Intoxication in a Public Place, Disorderly Conduct 1st degree, and Terroristic Threatening 3rd degree. 
• Jeremy Boutwell, 27, of Russell Springs, KY - arrested on Saturday evening & charged with Alcohol Intoxication in a Public Place.
• Erin Carver, 39, of Columbia, KY - arrested on Friday night in Russell County by KSP. She was charged with Public intoxication of a Controlled Substance (Excludes Alcohol), Resisting Arrest, and Disorderly Conduct 2nd degree. 
• Timothy Helm, 40, of Russell Springs, KY - arrested on Friday morning by the RSPD on a Fugitive from Another State warrant. 
• John Doe, 26, of Somerset, KY - arrested on Friday morning by the RSPD for Assault 3rd degree (Police or Probation Officer), DUI (Aggravating Circumstances), Resisting Arrest, No Operators License, No Registration Plates, Possession of Marijuana, Failure of Owner/Operator to Maintain Insurance, and three counts of Failure to Appear.
• Jordan Milby, 33, of Russell Springs, KY - arrested on Friday by KSP for Theft of Mail Matter.

All one hundred members of the Kentucky House took this oath as we officially convened the 2025 Regular Session on January 10. The oath itself is just 30 words, but they held great meaning as Chief Justice of the Kentucky Supreme Court Debra Lambert delivered them and meant so much as men and women from across the state gathered to consider both the opportunities and challenges facing our Commonwealth. The legislature has spent the last six months preparing for the session and we are excited to get to work on your behalf.

Because this is an odd-year, this a short session and it is divided into two parts. With the first week behind us, we adjourned on Friday until we reconvene in early February for the remaining 26 legislative days. I am happy to report that we hit the ground running during our first week and I am proud to report on the work we have already accomplished.

On Thursday, members of the House voted overwhelmingly to pass HB 1, legislation that would lower the state’s individual income tax another half a percentage point to 3.5% in 2026. Lawmakers have already cut the individual income tax by a third, from 6% to 4% today. While the work to make Kentucky’s tax code more competitive began more than six years ago, this latest step was put into motion with the passage of HB 8 in 2022. That bill lays the groundwork to eliminate the individual income tax entirely, but includes preset triggers that must be met before the legislature can move to decrease the tax in half a percentage point increments. These triggers ensure that the tax cuts do not endanger funding for state programs and agencies. HB 1 now heads to the Senate, where it is expected to pass when we return in February.

In addition to HB 1, members of the House Health Services Committee held an information-only meeting to discuss the impact of the Hospital Rate Improvement Program (HRIP). The program was passed by the legislature in 2019 and updated in 2021 with the intention of increasing the state’s Medicaid reimbursement rate to hospitals at no cost to our budget. Low reimbursement rates are an ongoing issue with Medicaid, as the rate is often significantly less than the standard reimbursement and even the actual cost of the medical care. Simply put, it allows the state to draw down more federal money.

According to testimony, HRIP provides Kentucky hospitals with $2.2 billion in annual funding by paying closer to the average commercial rate for Medicaid services. Members also discussed the federal hospital transparency rules requiring hospitals to publicly post pricing for shoppable and common services. Finally, members considered several Administrative Regulations, differing two related to community mental health center behavioral health services.

I am eager to continue working for the people of our district and make Kentucky a state where people wish to live, grow businesses, and raise families. In addition to filing and passing legislation, legislative committees also began meeting. I am pleased to share that I will be serving on the Health Services, Licensing, Occupations, and Administrative Regulations, Local Government, and Transportation committees.

We already know that this will be a historic session, as it is the last session in the State Capitol Building for several years. The entire campus is undergoing renovations aimed at maintaining the facility’s historic integrity while making it safer and more accessible for those who work and visit. The project also incorporates modern technology. Since the Kentucky Constitution also requires that all sessions be held in the state capital (except in case of war, insurrection, or pestilence, may I add), next session we will meet in a temporary facility on the Capitol campus.

As always, I can be reached anytime through the toll-free message line in Frankfort at 1-800-372-7181. You can also contact me via email at Amy.Neighbors@kylegislature.gov and keep track through the Kentucky legislature’s website at legislature.ky.gov.

On Saturday morning, January 11, 2025 just before 2:00amCT, the Jamestown Fire Dept. was dispatched to a fire on Cape Road in southern Russell County.

Cold weather and bad road conditions hampered efforts. Limited access to the structure due to the location, added additional problems.

One occupant of the home was transported to Russell County Hospital by Russell Co. EMS for treatment of burns.

Twelve firefighters were on the scene for approximately 3 hours.

Joaquin Puente, 38, of Columbia, KY was arrested by Deputy Keith of the Adair County Sheriff’s Office on Thursday night.

Mr. Puente was charged with Terroristic Threatening 3rd degree and lodged in the Adair County Regional Jail. 

Micah Abbott, 42, of Columbia, KY was arrested by KSP on Thursday night. Abbott was charged with Reckless Driving, Failure to Produce Insurance Card, Possession of a Controlled Substance, 1st degree, (Methamphetamine), Tampering with Physical Evidence, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Mr. Abbott was lodged in the Adair County Regional Jail.

Austin Coomer, 26, of Columbia, KY was taken into custody by Russell County Deputy Pearson early Friday morning. Mr. Coomer was charged with License Plate not Legible, Rear License Not Illuminated, Failure to Produce Insurance Card, No Registration Receipt, No Registration Plates, Driving on a DUI Suspended License, and Failure to Wear Seatbelt.

He was lodged in the Russell County Detention Center.

The Russell Springs City Council met on Thursday evening for the first regular meeting of 2025.

Mayor Eddie Thomas sat down with WAVE News following the meeting and discussed what took place... 

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Jan. 9, 2025) – Today, Gov. Beshear is urging Kentuckians to remain weather aware as forecasts show Kentucky could receive 3 to 6 inches of snowfall beginning around midnight in Western Kentucky and moving east across the state on Friday. Ice is not anticipated in this round of storms.

The snow will affect Kentuckians’ morning commute, primarily along the Louisville-Frankfort-Lexington corridor. Snowfall is expected to hit Central Kentucky during rush hour, around 9:00 AM EST.

“Kentucky has gotten through a severe winter storm this week without a single major injury. We have another round of rough weather moving in late tonight and into tomorrow, so it’s important Kentuckians pay attention to their local forecasts and are careful tonight and tomorrow. Be weather aware, take it slow and look out for one another. We’ll get through this second round of storms, together.”

Gov. Beshear announced that state offices will be closed tomorrow, but Executive Branch agencies will work from home to provide services to the citizens of the Commonwealth.

Kentucky Driver Licensing Regional Offices will be closed and all appointments rescheduled. Remote driver’s license renewal options are available online and by mail. More information about these services can be found at drive.ky.gov.

Drivers are urged to check traffic conditions before traveling at GoKy.ky.gov. For additional preparedness tips, visit kyem.ky.gov.

If you, or someone you know, is dealing with the emotional distress of compounding traumatic weather events, please call or text the Disaster Distress Helpline at 800-985-5990.

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Jan. 9, 2024) - Unemployment rates rose in 119 counties between November 2023 and November 2024, and fell in Russell County, according to the Kentucky Center for Statistics (KYSTATS), an agency within the Kentucky Education and Labor Cabinet. 

Woodford County recorded the lowest jobless rate in the commonwealth at 3.6%. It was followed by Cumberland County, 3.8%; Marion, Scott and Washington counties, 3.9% each; and Carroll, Fayette, Oldham, Shelby and Spencer counties, 4% each.

Martin County recorded the state’s highest unemployment rate at 11.8%. It was followed by Magoffin County, 9.9%; Harlan County, 9.3%; Breathitt County, 8.9%; Leslie County, 8.7%; Elliott County, 8.6%; Lewis County, 8.2%; Clay County, 8.1%; Letcher County, 8%; and Knott and Owsley counties, 7.9% each. (Lake Cumberland District jobless rates are posted below)

Kentucky’s county unemployment rates and employment levels are not seasonally adjusted because of small sample sizes. Employment statistics undergo sharp fluctuations due to seasonal events such as weather changes, harvests, holidays, and school openings and closings. Seasonal adjustments eliminate these influences and make it easier to observe statistical trends. The comparable, unadjusted unemployment rate for the state was 4.8% for November 2024, and 4% for the nation.

Kentucky’s seasonally adjusted November 2024 unemployment rate was released on Dec. 19, 2024, and can be viewed here. The state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased from October to November 2024. This increase is due to more workers entering the labor force and searching for a job rather than fewer workers being employed. On a seasonally adjusted basis, both the number of people in the labor force and the number of people employed in Kentucky increased in November 2024.

In that release, Kentucky’s statewide unemployment rate and employment levels are adjusted to observe statistical trends by removing seasonal influences such as weather changes, harvests, holidays, and school openings and closings. For more information regarding seasonal fluctuations, visit the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics here.

Unemployment statistics are based on estimates and are compiled to measure trends rather than actually to count people working. Civilian labor force statistics include non-military workers and unemployed Kentuckians who are actively seeking work. They do not include unemployed Kentuckians who have not looked for employment within the past four weeks. The data should only be compared to the same month in previous years.   

Learn more about Kentucky labor market information here.

SOMERSET, Ky. (Jan. 9, 2025) – The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) District 8 crews are gearing up for another round of winter weather expected to impact the region Friday.

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a winter storm warning for District 8, forecasting 4 to 6 inches of snow starting Friday and continuing into Saturday. 

Crews from all counties within District 8 will report for duty early Friday. Teams will operate in 12-hours shifts, working around the clock to plow and treat roadways throughout the storm.

KYTC's mission is to keep traffic moving in a safe manner with an emphasis on maintaining mobility along critical corridors and priority routes. KYTC uses a priority system based on the amount and nature of traffic within each individual county. Priority A routes include major through routes and are those most heavily traveled. Priority B routes include other important, but lesser traveled, state routes. Other roads fall into Priority C. 

The Cabinet’s snow and ice information website, http://snowky.ky.gov, provides details about priority routes, helpful winter weather tips, fact sheets and videos on salt application and snow removal. 

Motorists are advised to exercise caution, reduce speeds, and allow extra travel time if traveling during winter weather. Remember to provide plenty of room for snowplows and other equipment.

Stay informed of road conditions by visiting go.ky.gov or following KYTC District 8 on social media.

Be Prepared!

The following measures will help keep motorists safe and prepared:

• Put yourself in emergency mode
• Pay attention to weather advisories. Weather will impact your commute on some level
• Travel only as necessary during major snow events. It’s better to be stuck at home than to be stuck on the road
• Maintain a safe distance from snowplows and other heavy highway equipment
• Do not pass snowplows on the shoulder
• Allow time for a slower commute
• Winterize vehicles
• Supply vehicles with blankets, flash light and an emergency supply kit
• Know before you go. Visit goky.ky.gov and download the free Waze app to check traffic conditions before you travel. You can also get traffic information for the District 8 counties at www.facebook.com/KYTCDistrict8 or by following us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/KYTCDistrict8. 
• Eliminate distractions (e.g. operating phone and eating) while driving
• Cooperate with the expectations of the Quick Clearance law, which requires drivers to move vehicles to the shoulder in the event of a non-injury crash

KYTC District 8 is responsible for maintaining state highways in Adair, Casey, Clinton, Cumberland, Lincoln, McCreary, Pulaski, Rockcastle, Russell and Wayne counties.

The WAVE Polar Report is brought to you by Barger Insurance in Columbia, Jack & Jack Insurance in Jamestown, and Duo Broadband.

• No School in Adair County Friday - NTI Day
• No School in Russell County Friday - NTI Day
• No School in Green, Casey, Pulaski & Clinton Counties on Friday
• Adair Co. Senior Center - Closed Friday (No Meals)
• Somerset Christian School - Closed Friday (traditional snow day)
• Offices on Lindsey Wilson College’s A.P. White Campus in Columbia will be closed on Friday. Essential staff members who work in the college’s Physical Plant at the Cranmer Dining Center and in Public Safety will report on time. All other staff members will work remotely.
• God's Food Pantry of Russell County - Closed Friday
• Little People's Childcare - Closing at 12 noon on Friday. If you can't pick up your child by that time, please make other arrangements for your child on Friday, Jan. 10th.
• The Adair County Annex building and all offices within will be closed due to inclement weather and hazardous road conditions on Friday. Doors will remain open (on barber shop side) to use Annex basement as warming station. 
• Active Day Center in R.S. - CLOSED TODAY
• Russell County Public Library Closed Friday and Saturday 
• Burton’s Garbage will not be running on Friday
• Columbia Laundry & Tanning will close at 12:00 (noon) on Friday, January 10th.

• Little Wonders Daycare in Russell County

  Another tots Landing in Russell County

  Little Lakers Daycare in Russell County &

  Kingdom Kids in Russell County - all closed Friday

• Russell County Health Department - closed Friday and the septic installers class has been canceled

• Health First Pharmacy CLOSING at 10 a.m. today

• Snap’s Soda Shop – Closed Friday
• Southern Rays – Closed Friday
• Perk Up Cafe – Closed Friday
• Innovative Business Concepts- Closed Friday
• Doggie Stylz- Closed Friday
• Russell County Senior Center - Closed Friday - Seniors are asked to utilize their Emergency Meal #2 
• Rowena Landing Restaurant - closing after lunch service at 2:00pmCT today
• Cooper Chiropractor -  Closed Today
• Community Thrift Shop at the Catholic Church in Jamestown-  Closed Friday & Saturday
• All Somerset Community College locations  - Closing at Noon Today 
• Russell County Courthouse – Closed Friday.
• Get Spiffy Dry Cleaning – Closed Friday
• Mammy Frog’s Diner – Closed Friday.
• First Choice Immediate Care in Adair County – Closed Friday
• Mighty Dollar – Closed Friday
• Nifty Thrifty Bargains Thrift and Variety Store – Closed Friday
• Russell County Judicial Center – Closing Friday at 10 a.m.
• Passmore Recycling – Closing at noon Friday
• Lake Cumberland Vendors Mall – Closed Friday
• Russell Springs City Hall – Closed Friday
• Esto Country Store & Cafe – Closed Friday
• Pretty Creekside Boutique – Closed Friday
• Russell County Extension Office – Closed Friday
• Russell County Hospital Business Office- Closed Friday
• Primary Care Associates- Closing at noon Friday
• Russell County Hospital After Hours/Walk in Clinic- Closed Friday
• Family Practice Associates- Closing at noon Friday
• S.C.O.R.C.H- Closed Friday
• Russell County Hospital Wound Care- Closed Friday
• Grider Insurance and Sheldon Stephens CPA – Closing at 10 a.m. Friday
• Java Springs – Closing at 10 a.m. Friday
• Bank of Jamestown – Closing at 3 p.m. Friday. Still plan to have regular drive-thru hours on Saturday.
• Due to the weather, Barn Lot Theater offices are closed today. Auditions for Beauty and the Beast Bed and Breakfast are moved to next Saturday, January 18 2-4pm.

• Jones Garbage will not be running today. It will be next Friday for both weeks

• Due to deteriorating weather conditions, the RC Courthouse and all offices within will be closing effective immediately.

• All LCDHD offices & clinics - closed Friday 

• T.J. Regional Health clinics and the T.J. Health Pavilion will close today by 11 a.m. or as soon as the last patient is complete. Patients who have appointments affected by the changes will be contacted to reschedule.

  T.J. Urgent Care and the Pavilion Pharmacy will close at Noon today and will reopen Saturday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Jan. 9, 2025) – Building on the New Kentucky Home initiative, Gov. Andy Beshear announced that 87 tourism marketing organizations across 80 counties are receiving $2 million through the Regional Marketing and Matching Funds Program.  

“Kentucky’s $13.8 billion tourism industry is essential to our economic success, helping create vibrant communities that people love to visit and call home,” said Gov. Beshear. “This program helps tourism organizations by providing the marketing resources needed to showcase our commonwealth’s unique experiences and rich heritage, which will bring even more visitors to our New Kentucky Home.”

The breakdown of funding by region is as follows: 

• $574,956 – Louisville Lincoln Region 

• $361,123 – Bluegrass Region  

• $257,969 - Western Waterland Region 

• $233,048 – Northern Kentucky Tourism Region 

• $197,775 – Cave Region 

• $104,341 – Eastern Highlands South Region 

• $98,094 – Green River Region 

• $96,675 – Southern Kentucky Region 

• $76,019 – Eastern Kentucky North Region 

“The Kentucky Department of Tourism’s Matching Funds Program has helped further our access to new visitor markets and keep up with emerging trends in our industry. We are able to entice more visitation to our region, thereby increasing local economic impact from tourists,” said Bowling Green Area Convention and Visitors Bureau Executive Director Sherry Murphy. “From small business-owners to restaurant entrepreneurs, the more visitors we can bring into our area, the more support is given to these important, community-building businesses. Tourism in Kentucky has become a positive and necessary building block for our state and region development.”

“This program is invaluable to communities like Owensboro, enabling us to multiply and amplify our message effectively,” said Visit Owensboro President Mark Calitri. “The program provides a vital opportunity to share our story and extend our reach to broader audiences.”

“The Tourism Regional Marketing and Matching Funds Program is a vital resource that empowers Rowan County and the Kentucky Appalachians to showcase the unique beauty, culture, and experiences our region has to offer,” said Morehead-Rowan County Tourism Executive Director Joy Brown. “These funds allow us to create impactful marketing campaigns that attract visitors, support local businesses and strengthen our economy. Through this program, we can continue to share our story and welcome travelers to discover the heart of Kentucky.” 

The Regional and Matching Funds Program, administered by the Department of Tourism, provides local nonprofit tourism organizations with financial assistance for marketing. The matching funds allow organizations to develop and implement marketing strategies, attract travelers and showcase the unique cultural, historical and natural attractions of their regions. From fiscal year 2022-2024, the program has distributed $5.5 million.

“In addition to the statewide impact, tourism significantly influences communities across the commonwealth, many of them rural,” said Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet Secretary Lindy Casebier. “We are thrilled to support our local tourism organizations in doing what they do best: promoting their communities and all they have to offer.”  

“Over the years, the Matching Funds program has continued to be a valuable resource for our tourism partners,” Kentucky Department of Tourism Commissioner Mike Mangeot said. “Through the program, we empower local organizations to amplify their storytelling, draw more travelers and boost the economies of communities across the commonwealth. Together, we’re making Kentucky a must-visit destination for everyone.”

To capitalize on Kentucky’s historic economic momentum and record-breaking tourism success, Gov. Beshear recently?announced?New Kentucky Home, a strategic initiative to further drive economic investment, attract and retain talent and increase tourism across the commonwealth. 

Earlier this year, the Governor?announced that 2023 was the best year on record for tourism, with $13.8 billion in economic impact and 95,222 jobs. This followed a record-breaking 2022, when he announced that tourism had generated more than $12.9 billion in economic impact and secured 91,668 jobs in Kentucky that year. 

Kentucky’s impressive economic success over the last five years is a direct reflection of the Beshear administration's continued investments in the tourism industry.

In December 2024, Gov. Beshear?announced?that the commonwealth achieved another historic milestone, marking a new record with 10 new tourism development projects set to generate an estimated $2561 million in economic investment. These projects also are expected to create 1,696 jobs once operational.  

The state’s bourbon and spirits industry recorded its?best year?for growth in 2022, with over $2.1 billion in new investments and approximately 700 new jobs for Kentucky residents. The sector followed with a strong 2023, including $713.8 million in new investments and 229 full-time jobs. Since the start of his administration, Gov. Beshear has announced roughly 100 new location and expansion projects within the bourbon and spirits sector, contributing to over $4.2 billion in new investments and more than 1,800 full-time jobs for Kentuckians. 

In 2022, Gov. Beshear?announced?$75 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding to boost the state’s tourism industry and economy. Previously, the Governor dedicated?$5.3 million in federal funding?to 103 tourism and destination marketing organizations in 88 Kentucky counties. 

Since the beginning of his administration, Gov. Beshear has announced more than 1,000 private-sector new-location and expansion projects totaling nearly $34 billion in announced investments, creating roughly 57,500 jobs. This is the highest investment figure secured during the tenure of any governor in the commonwealth’s history. 

For more information on the Regional Marketing and Matching Funds program and Kentucky Tourism, visit www.KentuckyTourism.com.  

For the latest?Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet?updates, follow the cabinet on?Facebook,?X,?Instagram?or?LinkedIn. To learn more about tourism and arts in Kentucky, visit?tah.ky.gov.

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Louisville KY
228 AM CST Thu Jan 9 2025

Ohio-Grayson-Hardin-Nelson-Washington KY-Mercer-Jessamine-Larue-
Marion-Boyle-Garrard-Madison-Butler-Edmonson-Hart-Green-Taylor-
Casey-Lincoln-Logan-Warren-Simpson-Allen-Barren-Monroe-Metcalfe-
Adair-Russell-Cumberland-Clinton

Including the cities of Campbellsville, Burkesville, Hartford,
Tompkinsville, Greensburg, Stanford, Scottsville, Nicholasville,
Elizabethtown, Liberty, Albany, Bardstown, Lebanon, Edmonton,
Glasgow, Columbia, Springfield, Harrodsburg, Jamestown,
Morgantown, Danville, Franklin, Richmond, Leitchfield,
Hodgenville, Lancaster, Bowling Green, Russellville, Brownsville,
Providence, and Horse Cave

...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 3 AM CST /4 AM EST/ FRIDAY TO
6 AM CST /7 AM EST/ SATURDAY...

* WHAT...Heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 3 to 6
  inches are expected.  Along the Kentucky and Tennessee border, 4
  to 6 inches with locally higher amounts are expected.

* WHERE...Portions of east central, north central, northwest, and
  south central Kentucky.

* WHEN...From 3 AM CST /4 AM EST/ Friday to 6 AM CST /7 AM EST/
  Saturday.

* IMPACTS...Roads, and especially bridges and overpasses, will
  likely become slick and hazardous. The Friday afternoon commute
  will be negatively impacted.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in
your vehicle in case of an emergency. In Indiana, for Indiana Road
Conditions please visit http://511in.org In Kentucky, for Kentucky
Road Conditions please visit http://goky.ky.gov.

Rodger Shearer, 77, of Jamestown, KY was arrested by Chief Jeff Kerns of the Jamestown Police Department on Wednesday afternoon. Shearer was charged with Operating Vehicle Under the Influence of Alcohol (Aggravated Circumstances) and Operating on a Suspended or Revoked Operator License. He was lodged in the Russell County Detention Center.

Gregory Hines, 42, was taken into custody by Officer Barber with the Russell Springs Police Department on Wednesday night. Hines was charged with Operating Motor Vehicle Under the Influence of a Substance – 1st, License to be in Possession, Failure to Produce Insurance Card and Criminal Mischief 2nd degree. He was lodged in the Russell County Detention Center.

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Jan. 8, 2025) – Tonight, Gov. Andy Beshear delivered his annual State of the Commonwealth Address to Kentucky families and said he was proud to report “the State of the Commonwealth is strong … and it’s growing stronger.”

Throughout the address, the Governor spoke about how Team Kentucky is building a New Kentucky Home thanks to record-breaking economic and job growth. Gov. Beshear has now announced over $35 billion in private sector investment, which marks the largest investment amount under any Kentucky governor. He has also announced over 59,800 new, good, full-time jobs and that Kentucky broke its all-time exports record and celebrated the two best years for tourism. The Governor touted the state’s low cost of living, utilities and child care.

“Put simply: We’re not looking at the same Kentucky anymore,” Gov. Beshear said. “That’s why now is the time to reintroduce ourselves to the world, to leave the stereotypes of the past behind us and to welcome the world to our New Kentucky Home. Our New Kentucky Home is a place where the pace of business is fast, but the pace of life is just right. Our New Kentucky Home is a place where our economy is booming and our people live good lives.”

Over the next three years, the Governor promised to stay laser-focused on working with others to address the real-life worries of Kentuckians. Worries like having a good job, more affordable and accessible health care, safer roads and bridges, the best public education and safe communities.

“In Kentucky, we’ve made progress by pushing out the national noise, by working together, by setting politics aside and focusing on what is most important to our families,” Gov. Beshear said.

The Governor recapped how the administration has worked to expand access to health care, cleaner water and high-speed internet, while securing funding for new roads and bridges. In 2024, Gov. Beshear secured additional state and federal funds to speed the completion of the long-awaited Mountain Parkway. The project will provide a safer, faster commute and support economic development throughout Eastern Kentucky.

Gov. Beshear also recognized businesses and special guests who he applauded for supporting job growth or helping others in their community.

The Governor highlighted Shelbyville Battery Manufacturing, which made the third-largest jobs announcement of his administration. In November, the company announced it was moving into a 1 million-square-foot building where Kentuckians will make the large-scale storage batteries that will bring reliability to our power grid and that powered last year’s Super Bowl. This project is creating 1,572 skilled, high-tech jobs.

Elisabeth Galvin – part of the incredible mother-daughter duo who own Stellar Snacks – was in attendance and applauded for opening a $137 million pretzel manufacturing facility last year, bringing 350 full-time jobs to West Louisville.

The Governor recognized University of Louisville President Kim Schatzel and Ryan Quarles, president of the Kentucky Community and Technical College System, for supporting Kentucky’s workforce.

When the Governor spoke about rapidly expanding access to health care across the state and record funding to support childhood cancer research, he recognized Elizabeth Turner, president of the Kentucky Pediatric Cancer Research Trust Fund Board.

“I got to know her, and her son, David Turner Jr., as he heroically fought a brain tumor. Now, in David’s memory, she advocates for all families impacted by cancer,” Gov. Beshear said.

Berry Mayor Keith Ison also attended and was recognized for a milestone secured in May, when Berry, in Harrison County, became Spectrum’s 10,000th community with high-speed internet in the United States.

“We know that the internet is no longer a luxury – it’s a necessity for education and health care and for our economy. And I’m proud to report, we have now approved projects that will connect 80,229 additional homes to high-speed internet,” said Gov. Beshear.

When it came to protecting our communities, the Governor recognized Kentucky State Police Commissioner PJ Burnett Jr. and highlighted KSP’s seizure of more than $26 million worth of illicit drugs in 2024.

The Governor also highlighted the work being done to help rebuild lives and homes following devastating natural disasters in Western and Eastern Kentucky. Mayfield Mayor Kathy O’Nan and Perry County Judge/Executive Scott Alexander were in attendance and recognized for their leadership throughout the rebuilding process. Jim King from Fahe, a nonprofit serving Appalachia, was also recognized for building and repairing homes for flood survivors.

Derek Darnell, a Kentucky Transportation Cabinet District 7 employee, was applauded for joining over 330 of his co-workers to help North Carolina clear and fix roads following Hurricane Helene.

Finally, the Governor recognized members of the Kentucky National Guard, Sgt. Grayson Johnson and Specialist William Price of the 138th Field Artillery Brigade. Both heroically served at Tower 22 in Jordan, where a drone attack killed several soldiers from Georgia. Both received the Purple Heart medal. This year, 700 Kentucky National Guard soldiers returned from overseas deployments.

Also, during Wednesday’s speech, the Governor continued to push for pay raises for educators and universal pre-K for all Kentucky 4-year-olds, as well as a statewide talent attraction program.

He also called on lawmakers to help keep Kentucky’s momentum going by simply taking the way Kentuckians live their daily lives and applying it to Frankfort. He provided examples of how Kentuckians are always ready to help one another without asking who someone voted for or where they get their news.

“These small acts of love – they grow. The kindness we show others – it compounds,” Gov. Beshear said. “So, Kentucky, this year, let’s double-down. Let’s push out all the toxic noise we hear on TV and social media. But let’s do more. Let’s all show more compassion and forgiveness to one another.”

Finally, he urged the General Assembly to be thoughtful, even prayerful, about the bills they choose to pass this session. He talked about the recent Christmas season and the story of how God chose Mary, an unwed teenager, whom he favored above all others.

“He chose someone people in those days would judge, would look down on, would pass legislation against,” Gov. Beshearsaid. “To me, God’s selection of Mary is a profound statement about how we should treat one another, about being able to see the face of God in those others might judge.”

The Governor continued: “So, please be thoughtful of how legislation treats those suffering from poverty or addiction, how it treats the homeless or the hopeless. Do we make more room at our tables – or in our prisons? Do we recognize the difference between the carrot or the stick is the difference between feeding or beating? I hope and pray that God grants us the wisdom to see beyond the anger of today to the possibility and promise of tomorrow.”

The Governor was joined by First Lady Britainy Beshear, former Gov. Steve Beshear and former First Lady Jane Beshear.

For the complete text of the Governor’s address, which was delivered before a joint session of the General Assembly, click here. The speech can be viewed on the Governor’s YouTube channel and Facebook page. To read more about the Governor’s accomplishments over the past year, click here.
 

As of right now, school will be in session Thursday and Friday in RC...

"J.O.Y. Ministries wishes to extend a heartfelt Thank You to their supporters for a hugely successful Christmas Campaign. God is so good and we continue to be humbled by the graciousness of our community," says Vice President Hannah Peck. This year's campaign raised a record high of $90,416 and 38 new monthly donors!

This years campaign offered the opportunity for supporters to pledge a monthly donation to J.O.Y. Ministries in the new year. New monthly pledges of any size would be matched by a $2,000 donation to the Christmas campaign up to $50,000 (by an anonymous donor). J.O.Y. asked that 25 individuals or businesses commit to a monthly donation in 2025, but 38 people/businesses joined the charge!

"Every year we launch into our campaign and our year and wonder how we will meet all the needs. It never seems possible, but it happens - with abundance and often in unexpected ways," shares Maggie Coleman, J.O.Y. Treasurer. The J.O.Y. Christmas Campaign funds roughly a third of the J.O.Y. operating budget. J.O.Y. is a completely donation based Ministries serving those stricken by food insecurity, poverty, homelessness, addiction and more.

In 2024, J.O.Y. Ministries worked with 332 identifying as homeless, while housing 98 of those in one of their two shelters.They assisted 16 people in this group with obtaining employment, 16 obtained permanent housing, two were placed in rehab, and 14 successfully received government assistance.

J.O.Y. provided 2,556 food bags, 212 holiday meal boxes (Thanksgiving and Christmas), and 1,260 Feeding America Senior Boxes for 130 Senior Citizens. They sponsored 147 youth with Christmas gifts, had 33 students attend Camp H.O.P.E., 75 attended Mission Week and had 97 student volunteers at their Back-to-School-Bash.

50 people received furniture from J.O.Y. five LWC students who couldnt make it home for the holidays were provided a home-cooked Christmas dinner, dozens of people were provided with clothing, and over 60 people were assisted in some other way.

While there is certainly overlap in these categories, J.O.Y. has assisted over 800 people in some capacity during 2024 and this is ONLY made possible because of God working through this community. Your generosity makes this ministry possible.

Thank you for your continued support!!!

For more information, or to donate to J.O.Y Ministries, visit Joy-ministries.org.

JOY Ministries
114 PO Box
Columbia, KY 42728

The JOY Crisis Resource Center is located at 411 Greensburg Street and is open Monday through Thursday from 10amCT to 4pmCT and Fridays 10amCT to 3pmCT.

(

Article from our Friends at Columbia Magazine) 

USPS is reminding customers of the importance of keeping walkways, sidewalks, and areas around mailboxes clear from snow and ice so letter carriers can provide safe and timely mail delivery.

Snow and patches of ice in front of mailboxes can make it difficult for letter carriers to safely deliver the mail. Residents maintaining a clear path to the mailbox — including steps, porches, walkways, and street approach — will help letter carriers maintain consistent delivery service. Customers receiving curbside delivery should also ensure clear access to their mailboxes for letter carriers who deliver from the street.

Postal employees make every reasonable effort to deliver mail in many difficult weather conditions. With your help, we can keep our letter carriers, your neighbors, and your property safe. Thank you for protecting our letter carriers as we continue to bring packages and correspondence to your door each day.

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Jan. 7, 2025) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear provided an update on Winter Storm Blair. The commissioner of the Kentucky Department for Public Health, Dr. Steven Stack, joined the news conference to discuss the Our Healthy Kentucky Home initiative and kynect open enrollment. The Governor also provided an update on economic development, previewed his upcoming State of the Commonwealth Address, announced awards to support tourism in the commonwealth, announced the second winner of the New Kentucky Home giveaway, paid tribute to the late former President Jimmy Carter, provided an update on high-ground homes in Eastern Kentucky and updated Kentuckians on medical cannabis. The Governor also named road and utility crews and emergency personnel working to keep Kentuckians safe during the storm as this week’s Team Kentucky All-Stars.

Weather Update
The Governor provided an update on weather as the commonwealth continues to deal with the aftereffects of Winter Storm Blair. Thankfully, there are still no known reports of significant injuries or loss of life-related to the storm. However, there are multiple reports of motor vehicle and traffic related incidents.

Kentucky Emergency Management is currently activated at Level 3 and is evaluating next steps. Regions of the commonwealth should expect single-digit temperatures along with sub-zero wind chills beginning today through the rest of the week. Later in the week, the commonwealth is also expecting another blast of wintry weather, with the potential for snow across the entire state.

Icy conditions are causing power outages, with recent outage numbers fluctuating around 30,000 customers without power statewide. Warming centers are open in counties with more than 1,000 outages, which at last report included Henderson, Johnson, Morgan and Spencer counties. Find a warming center on the Kentucky Emergency Management website.

Our Healthy Kentucky Home and kynect Open Enrollment
Dr. Stack provided an update on Our Healthy Kentucky Home, a one-year initiative to promote simple, positive and attainable goals to inspire and motivate Kentuckians on a journey to health and wellness. For January, the initiative is highlighting diabetes prevention, and Dr. Stack provided diet and exercise tips and more for Kentuckians to manage their blood sugar and prevent diabetes.

Dr. Stack also provided an update on kynect, the state-based marketplace for quality, affordable health coverage. Dr. Stack said that over 93,000 Kentuckians have already enrolled in a plan, which greatly exceeds last year’s total of 75,000. This is by far the strongest open enrollment numbers since kynect relaunched in November 2021. The deadline to enroll is Jan. 15. If you need assistance, or if you are ready to enroll, please go to kynect.ky.gov or call 855-459-6328.

Economic Development
The Governor recapped his announcement that he has accepted an invitation to speak Jan. 20-24 at the World Economic Forum in Switzerland, a global event that brings together business, government and academic leaders to improve the state of the world. The Governor and a delegation from Team Kentucky will travel for the event and also visit with business leaders in Spain to promote our New Kentucky Home and encourage future investment and job-creation in the commonwealth.

Upcoming State of the Commonwealth Address
On Jan. 8, the Governor will deliver the fifth State of the Commonwealth Address of his administration. The Governor will speak before a joint session of the Kentucky General Assembly, highlighting the incredible progress Kentucky made last year – and across the five years of his administration – as well as the road ahead. The Governor will deliver the address at 7 p.m. EST in the House Chambers, and it will be streamed live on KET as well as on his official Facebook page and YouTube channel.

Awards To Boost Tourism
Building on the New Kentucky Home initiative, Gov. Beshear announced today that 87 tourism marketing organizations across 80 counties are receiving $2 million through the Regional Marketing and Matching Funds Program.

New Kentucky Home Giveaway
As part of the New Kentucky Home initiative, everyone who shares positive Kentucky photos or videos on social media using the hashtag #NewKYHome will be entered to win a free, two-night stay at a Kentucky State Park. Today, the Governor announced that the second winner is Daniel Hunt, who shared several photos of a hike with friends at Raven’s Run Nature Sanctuary in Lexington. Team Kentucky will continue drawing one name per month through April 2025.

Tribute to President Carter
Gov. Beshear took a moment to acknowledge the life and work of former President Jimmy Carter, who died just over a week ago, on Dec. 29, at age 100. The Governor highlighted the former president’s long service to the American people, particularly his work with Habitat for Humanity, and his deep faith in God. Gov. Beshear invited Kentuckians to join him in celebrating Carter and his worthy legacy.

High-Ground Homes in Eastern Kentucky
Gov. Beshear recapped his visit to Eastern Kentucky last week and provided an update on progress building high-ground homes for flood survivors. The Governor encouraged Eastern Kentucky flood survivors to apply for recovery housing support through a newly launched online form at HousingCantWait.Org.

Medical Cannabis
The Governor provided an update on medical cannabis in the commonwealth. At 12:01 a.m. Jan. 1, 2025, the Office of Medical Cannabis launched the portal for patient medical cannabis card applications. To apply, Kentuckians will need to obtain an electronic written certification from an authorized practitioner. Once they have their certification, they can submit an application and, if approved, receive a digital registry ID card.

There are currently over 267 authorized, registered practitioners in the commonwealth located in 68 counties across Kentucky. Since Dec. 1, 2024, over 3,359 Kentuckians have seen a practitioner and received their electronic written certification. As of Jan. 6, 2025, over 760 Kentuckians have applied for a medical cannabis card. Under Kentucky law, the Office of Medical Cannabis has 30 days to review each application for a medical cannabis card. Those applications submitted are currently under review.

The program has also launched a hotline for Kentuckians needing assistance with applying for a card: 833-727-2828. If you or someone you know is interested in learning more, the Office of Medical Cannabis will be holding monthly webinars for Kentucky patients. Visit KYMedCan.ky.gov and register for one of the available webinars to learn more about this program.

Team Kentucky All-Stars
The Governor named road and utility crews, law enforcement, National Guard members, emergency personnel and all those working to keep communities safe during this storm as this week’s Team Kentucky All-Stars.

“Your work to clear roads, restore power and keep people safe is truly heroic,” said Gov. Beshear. “You all represent the best of Team Kentucky. Thank you for helping us get through this storm.”

CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. (January 7, 2025) - Kentucky State Police (KSP) Post 15 Troopers arrested an Adair County man last night on drug trafficking charges after a vehicle pursuit.

On January 6, 2025, at 10:26 P.M. EST, a KSP Trooper attempted to perform a traffic stop on a 2018 Ford Escape on Blue Hole Road in Taylor County for a traffic violation. The vehicle did not stop when the Trooper activated his emergency equipment, and a pursuit ensued. The pursuit continued onto Crooked Creek Road in Adair County, concluding when the vehicle left the roadway and entered a field. Upon termination of the vehicle pursuit, the operator exited the vehicle and fled on foot. After a short foot pursuit, Troopers apprehended the individual, identified as Bradley Dale Streeval, 46, of Knifley. 

Bradley Steeval was arrested and lodged in the Taylor County Detention Center. Mr. Steeval was charged with the following charges:

• Fleeing or Evading Police - 1st Degree (Motor Vehicle)
• Fleeing or Evading Police - 1st Degree (On Foot)
• Trafficking Controlled Substance - 1st Degree (Methamphetamine)
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
• Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon
• Wanton Endangerment - 1st Degree (Police Officer) (4 Counts)
• Criminal Mischief - 2nd Degree
• Speeding 26 or More Over Speed Limit
• No Seat Belt
• And other traffic violations

The case remains under investigation by Trooper Daniel Smith. Trooper Smith was assisted by other KSP Troopers, Kentucky Fish and Wildlife, Taylor County Sheriff’s Office and the Adair County Sheriff’s Office.

Russell County Schools will be in session tomorrow (Wednesday), regular schedule.

Update!!!

The Russell County Sheriff’s Office today Located the Vehicle, and one of the Suspects involved in the Burglary in the Esto Area. Joshua Broughton age 45 of Indiana was arrested on Burglary 3rd and Public Intoxication charges by Deputy Tyler Pearson. More arrest are forthcoming as the Investigation Continues. Deputy Pearson was assisted by other members of the Russell County Sheriff’s Office, Jamestown Police Department and Russell Springs Police Department. Any tips please call the Sheriff’s Office @ 270-343-2191 M-F or 270-343-6600 ask to speak with a Deputy on Duty

Earlier release from yesterday... 

The Russell County Sheriff’s Department is seeking public Information on a break in the Esto Community. Any information contact 270-343-2191 Mon-Fri 8-4. Or Russell County Dispatch at 270-343-6600 all callers will remain anonymous. Home builders please if at all possible take your tools with you, or write your serial number down on all your tools or equipment so they can be entered as stolen if you intend to leave said tools.

Joshua Broughton, 45, of Madison, Indiana was taken into custody by Deputy Pearson of the Russell County Sheriff’s Office on Monday afternoon. Broughton was charged with Burglary 3rd Degree and Public Intoxication – Controlled Substance (Excludes Alcohol). He was lodged in the Russell County Detention Center.

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Jan. 6, 2025) – Today, after declaring a state of emergency Saturday ahead of Winter Storm Blair, Gov. Andy Beshear provided an update on the state’s ongoing emergency response.

The Governor urged as many Kentuckians as possible to stay off roadways – especially today – to give transportation and utility workers the best opportunity to clear roads and restore power before extremely cold temperatures arrive tomorrow.

“The good news is we are not aware of any major injuries thus far. We also haven’t had any reports that we’ve lost anybody right now. And for a state that’s been through tornadoes, flooding, polar plunges and so much more, we were ready for this. So, thanks to everyone out there doing their part – like our media and meteorologists and a lot of others,” Gov. Beshear said. “We had a lot of prep time, but there is still a lot of work to do. And the best thing people can do is stay home, stay safe.”

The Governor continues to thank all the emergency response, transportation and utility personnel as well as Kentucky National Guard members who left their families to help others during the storm.

Key Weather Updates

• Still in the midst of a very significant winter weather event.
• Had 6 to 8 inches of snow followed by at least half an inch of ice across many parts of Kentucky, more than was originally expected.
• A half-inch of ice can and has brought down tree limbs and power lines.
  • About 93,400 people without power, but the number is constantly fluctuating.
  • Local utility companies are working to restore power as quickly as possible.
• Expect another 1-to-3 inches of snow today across much of the state.
• While about 2,300 Transportation Cabinet staff are working to clear the roadways, the level of ice means almost every single road is icy.
  • Drivers are urged to check traffic conditions before traveling at GoKy.ky.gov.
  • Please do not call 911 for road conditions. Those lines need to remain open for emergency calls.
• Wind gusts up to 30 mph are expected today, which makes repairing utility lines dangerous.

“The bottom line is – we’ve got one day to try to get power back to as many Kentuckians as possible before the wind chill gets down close to zero,” said Gov. Beshear.

State highway crews continue to clear roads ranging from wet or slushy along Kentucky’s southern borders to snow-packed along the I-64 central corridor and northern river counties.

“While we’ve made progress, this storm’s not over, and our hard-working crews remain out in force to keep roads passable for all Kentuckians as we expect more snow today,” said Transportation Cabinet Secretary Jim Gray. “They’re doing a great job, and you may see bare pavement, but please don’t let your guard down – it’s icy and slick, and the best way to stay safe is to stay home. If you must be out, make sure to slow down, buckle up and leave a safe space between other vehicles.”

Warming Centers
Counties with the most power outages have warming centers open. Those include Anderson, Bullitt, Clark, Fayette, Floyd, Hardin, Henderson, Johnson, Meade, Spencer and Union. This list is subject to change, and Kentuckians in need may contact their local emergency manager for further assistance.

“We’re working with local officials to get the word out to those who have lost power and have medical devices that need to run. We need those folks to be moving toward a warming center,” Gov. Beshear said. “If you don’t have power by midday today – you need to be looking at finding a warming center or location that has power.”

Director of Kentucky Emergency Management Eric Gibson, addressing Kentuckians seeking a warming shelter, said, “If you are in need of assistance, know that your first call would be to your local emergency management official. They’re working very long hours to make sure your community is safe, and they are working hand in hand with your judge executive and your local police and sheriff’s departments. If you need additional information, please contact us we will do our very best to provide the information and help you need.”

On Saturday, the Governor activated units of the Kentucky National Guard to stand ready to respond. State transportation workers also prepared to act, and local emergency management officials worked to open needed warming centers. The Governor also activated the state’s emergency operations center and implemented the state’s price gouging laws to protect Kentuckians from overpriced goods and services as they clean up and recover from the storm. Consumers should report price gouging to the Office of the Attorney General.

For additional preparedness tips, visit kyem.ky.gov. To read more about the state of emergency, click here.

If you, or someone you know, is dealing with the emotional distress of compounding traumatic weather events, please call or text the Disaster Distress Helpline at 800-985-5990.
 

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Jan. 6, 2025) – Today, after declaring a state of emergency Saturday ahead of Winter Storm Blair, Gov. Andy Beshear provided an update on the state’s ongoing emergency response.

The Governor urged as many Kentuckians as possible to stay off roadways – especially today – to give transportation and utility workers the best opportunity to clear roads and restore power before extremely cold temperatures arrive tomorrow.

“The good news is we are not aware of any major injuries thus far. We also haven’t had any reports that we’ve lost anybody right now. And for a state that’s been through tornadoes, flooding, polar plunges and so much more, we were ready for this. So, thanks to everyone out there doing their part – like our media and meteorologists and a lot of others,” Gov. Beshear said. “We had a lot of prep time, but there is still a lot of work to do. And the best thing people can do is stay home, stay safe.”

The Governor continues to thank all the emergency response, transportation and utility personnel as well as Kentucky National Guard members who left their families to help others during the storm.

Key Weather Updates

• Still in the midst of a very significant winter weather event.
• Had 6 to 8 inches of snow followed by at least half an inch of ice across many parts of Kentucky, more than was originally expected.
• A half-inch of ice can and has brought down tree limbs and power lines.
  • About 93,400 people without power, but the number is constantly fluctuating.
  • Local utility companies are working to restore power as quickly as possible.
• Expect another 1-to-3 inches of snow today across much of the state.
• While about 2,300 Transportation Cabinet staff are working to clear the roadways, the level of ice means almost every single road is icy.
  • Drivers are urged to check traffic conditions before traveling at GoKy.ky.gov.
  • Please do not call 911 for road conditions. Those lines need to remain open for emergency calls.
• Wind gusts up to 30 mph are expected today, which makes repairing utility lines dangerous.

“The bottom line is – we’ve got one day to try to get power back to as many Kentuckians as possible before the wind chill gets down close to zero,” said Gov. Beshear.

State highway crews continue to clear roads ranging from wet or slushy along Kentucky’s southern borders to snow-packed along the I-64 central corridor and northern river counties.

“While we’ve made progress, this storm’s not over, and our hard-working crews remain out in force to keep roads passable for all Kentuckians as we expect more snow today,” said Transportation Cabinet Secretary Jim Gray. “They’re doing a great job, and you may see bare pavement, but please don’t let your guard down – it’s icy and slick, and the best way to stay safe is to stay home. If you must be out, make sure to slow down, buckle up and leave a safe space between other vehicles.”

Warming Centers
Counties with the most power outages have warming centers open. Those include Anderson, Bullitt, Clark, Fayette, Floyd, Hardin, Henderson, Johnson, Meade, Spencer and Union. This list is subject to change, and Kentuckians in need may contact their local emergency manager for further assistance.

“We’re working with local officials to get the word out to those who have lost power and have medical devices that need to run. We need those folks to be moving toward a warming center,” Gov. Beshear said. “If you don’t have power by midday today – you need to be looking at finding a warming center or location that has power.”

Director of Kentucky Emergency Management Eric Gibson, addressing Kentuckians seeking a warming shelter, said, “If you are in need of assistance, know that your first call would be to your local emergency management official. They’re working very long hours to make sure your community is safe, and they are working hand in hand with your judge executive and your local police and sheriff’s departments. If you need additional information, please contact us we will do our very best to provide the information and help you need.”

On Saturday, the Governor activated units of the Kentucky National Guard to stand ready to respond. State transportation workers also prepared to act, and local emergency management officials worked to open needed warming centers. The Governor also activated the state’s emergency operations center and implemented the state’s price gouging laws to protect Kentuckians from overpriced goods and services as they clean up and recover from the storm. Consumers should report price gouging to the Office of the Attorney General.

For additional preparedness tips, visit kyem.ky.gov. To read more about the state of emergency, click here.

If you, or someone you know, is dealing with the emotional distress of compounding traumatic weather events, please call or text the Disaster Distress Helpline at 800-985-5990.
 

DUNNVILLE, Ky. (January 5, 2025) – Kentucky State Police (KSP) Post 15 in Columbia investigated an animal cruelty complaint reported in Casey County on Saturday, January 4, 2025. As a result of the investigation, 54 individuals have been charged for their involvement in the incident yesterday morning in the Dunnville community of Casey County. 

On Saturday at 11:10amET, KSP Post 15 received a call from an individual stating an organized chicken-fighting event was currently active at a property on Riffe Creek Road. Troopers responded to the property and made contact with numerous individuals involved in a chicken-fighting event.

Troopers shut down the event while at the property. 54 individuals were charged with Cruelty to Animals 2nd Degree and cited to appear in Casey County District Court.

FRANKFORT, KY, Jan. 3, 2025 – The Supreme Court of Kentucky will have formal investiture ceremonies next week for Chief Justice of the Commonwealth-elect Debra Hembree Lambert and incoming justice Pamela R. Goodwine. The events will take place in the historic Supreme Court Courtroom on the second floor of the Capitol.

The investitures mark several historic events for the Supreme Court. Justice Lambert will become the commonwealth’s first woman chief justice. Judge Goodwine will be the first Black woman to serve on the Supreme Court. And this will be the first time the court will be made up of a majority of female justices.

The investitures are open to the public, but seating is limited. Stream the investitures live or view them later on demand at ket.org/supremecourt.

Justice Lambert, who now serves as deputy chief justice, will be sworn in as chief justice at 2:30 p.m. EST Tuesday, Jan. 7, by Chief Justice of the Commonwealth Laurance B. VanMeter. The chief justice is the administrative head of the court system and is responsible for its operations.

Justice Lambert is the justice for the 3rd Supreme Court District, which is made up of 25 Eastern Kentucky counties. She was elected as a justice in November 2018 and was the first chair of the Kentucky Judicial Commission on Mental Health, a groundbreaking commission that focuses on improving the judicial response to cases involving mental health, substance use and intellectual disabilities. 

Speakers will include Gov. Andy Beshear, Senate President Robert Stivers, Speaker of the House David W. Osborne, Circuit Judge Gregory A. Lay (Knox and Laurel counties) and Justice Lambert’s son, attorney Joseph P. Lambert.

Judge Goodwine will be sworn in as a justice at 1:30 p.m. EST Friday, Jan. 10, by Chief Justice VanMeter.

Judge Goodwine was elected in November to succeed Chief Justice VanMeter as the justice for the 5th Supreme Court District, which is made up of Bourbon, Clark, Fayette, Franklin, Jessamine, Madison, Scott and Woodford counties. She was serving as deputy chief judge of the Court of Appeals when she was elected to the Supreme Court.

Speakers will include Gov. Beshear and attorney Barbara Edelman, a partner at Dinsmore & Shohl. Fayette County District Court Judge Melissa Moore Murphy will lead a singing of “Lift Every Voice and Sing.”

Supreme Court of Kentucky

The Supreme Court of Kentucky is the state court of last resort and the final interpreter of Kentucky law. Seven justices sit on the court and all seven justices rule on appeals before the court. The justices are elected from seven Supreme Court districts and serve eight-year terms. A chief justice, chosen for a four-year term by his or her fellow justices, is the administrative head of the state court system and is responsible for overseeing its operations. In addition, the Supreme Court establishes rules of practice and procedure for all Kentucky judges and attorneys.

Pamela R. Goodwine

Debra Hembree Lambert

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Jan. 4, 2025) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear declared a state of emergency ahead of a severe winter storm system set to affect much of the commonwealth. The storm is expected to begin Sunday, Jan. 5, and bring snow, freezing rain, ice and arctic temperatures.

The storm could cause widespread power outages, and freezing temperatures will persist throughout the week, making roads treacherous.

The Governor is taking action by activating units of the Kentucky National Guard to stand ready to respond. State transportation workers are also preparing to act, and local emergency management officials are working to open needed warming centers. The Governor also activated the state’s emergency operations center and implemented the state’s price gouging laws to protect Kentuckians from overpriced goods and services as they clean up and recover from the storm. Consumers should report price gouging to the Office of the Attorney General.

“This winter storm will likely cause significant disruption and dangerous conditions on our roads and could cause significant power outages – just 24 hours before it gets dangerously cold,” Gov. Beshear said. “We care about every Kentucky family and those traveling through our great state, and we want to make sure everyone has the information and resources needed to stay safe.”

The Governor’s executive order directs the Kentucky Division of Emergency Management to coordinate the state’s response across agencies and private relief organizations.

“The state emergency operations center will be activated tonight at midnight and will stay open for the duration of this event,” Kentucky Emergency Management Director Eric Gibson said. “During that time, we’ll have state agencies from across the commonwealth and the representatives there to coordinate their response.”

Director Gibson also urged Kentuckians to be careful if using a generator. Many households run generators during a power outage, and homeowners should take extra precautions to avoid injury. Gasoline- or diesel fuel-powered generators can produce potentially deadly levels of carbon monoxide and should be operated only in well-ventilated, covered, unheated areas – never inside.

Team Kentucky state highway crews have been monitoring weather conditions, prepping equipment to clear snow and debris, and began some pretreating activities as early as Thursday in parts of the state where conditions allowed. Kentuckians are urged to avoid nonessential travel and to plan extra time for their Monday morning commute if they must travel.

“This winter storm is serious, and the extreme cold we’re facing days afterward will make travel more hazardous and impact the speed of even our best road treatments, especially after dark,” said Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) Secretary Jim Gray. “Our focus is to keep priority routes open, like interstates and parkways, before moving to other routes. Our force of state and contracted crews are ready and will be active. Motorists should exercise caution if they must be on the roads by driving distraction-free and slowing down.”

As part of the emergency declaration, Secretary Gray issued an official order aimed at maintaining supplies of propane, fuel, oil and kerosene. Among the provisions, the order temporarily suspends certain drive time and weigh station restrictions on motor carriers engaged in transporting emergency relief supplies or involved in power restoration activities.

KYTC offers the following tips for drivers:
 

• Give plows plenty of space on the roads, and increase your distance between you and the car ahead of you.
• Avoid unessential travel. If returning to Kentucky from a holiday trip, travel today or make alternate plans.
• If travel can’t be avoided, make sure you have an emergency car kit to keep yourself and other passengers safe for long hours.
• Remember, roads often aren’t clear until after a storm passes, and bridges/overpasses freeze faster than roads.
• Drive alert and slow down.
• Treat dark traffic signals as a four-way stop.
• Do not touch or drive over downed power lines.

Drivers are urged to check traffic conditions before traveling at GoKy.ky.gov.

For additional preparedness tips, visit kyem.ky.gov.

By Representative Amy Neighbors

While most of our Commonwealth is wondering if the forecast of a major winter storm is going to become reality, members of the Kentucky General Assembly are preparing to convene on Tuesday, January 7 at Noon. While the issues we consider are often complex, the legislative process and session can be boiled down to the basic who, what, when, where, and how that we all learned in middle school writing classes.

Who: The legislature is required to divide the state into 100 House districts and 38 Senate districts. That process, referred to as legislative redistricting, is guided by the constitution, state laws, and precedents set by court cases. The redistricting process must take place every ten years and lead to districts that are as nearly equal in population as possible. To serve in the Kentucky House of Representatives, an individual must meet specific eligibility requirements outlined in the Kentucky Constitution. Candidates must be at least 24 years old at the time of election and must have been a citizen of Kentucky for at least two years. Additionally, they must reside in the district they seek to represent for at least one year before the election. Members of the House are elected to two-year terms.

What: The first week of odd-year sessions is generally reserved for administrative work, including our official swearing in and oath of office, formal election of constitutional officers like the House Speaker, adoption of rules and procedures to follow for the consideration of bills and resolutions, and mandatory ethics training. I do expect that we will consider one bill, legislation that will lower the state’s individual income tax by another half a percent, to 3.5% in January of next year.

When: Our convening is set by the Kentucky Constitution, which requires that we begin session on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in January. The Constitution, after an amendment passed 24 years ago, also establishes that in odd years we have 30 legislative days to complete our work before we must adjourn by midnight on March 30. The session schedule is divided into two parts, the first takes place in January, then we adjourn for several weeks to reconvene in early February.

Where: The Constitution requires that all sessions be held in the state capital city (except in case of war, insurrection, or pestilence). Legislative sessions have taken place in our historic State Capitol Building since the building was dedicated in 1910. However, we already know that this will be a historic session, as it is the last session in the State Capitol Building for several years. Next session we will meet in a temporary facility on the Capitol campus as the entire campus is undergoing renovations aimed at maintaining the facility’s historic integrity while making it more functional and safer and more accessible for those who work and visit.

How: All legislation begins with an idea. A lawmaker works with staff and other stakeholders to write the legislation, then files it with the clerk of either the House or Senate (depending on which chamber they serve in). Once the bill is filed, all members are made aware of it, then it can be assigned to a committee for consideration. If it passes the committee, it comes back before the full House or Senate for a vote. If approved, it then must repeat the process in the other chamber. Changes can be made throughout the process as bills can be amended in committee or before the entire House or Senate. Hundreds of bills are filed each session, some are duplicates, others may require more work.

Want to follow along? Legislative committee meetings and House Floor proceedings are open to the public. If you are not able to visit in person, we use a variety of tools to keep the legislature’s work accessible and transparent. The Legislative Research Commission (LRC) is the legislature’s administrative arm and maintains a helpful, information-packed website. It contains every bill and resolution, schedules, contact information, and information about the legislative process. For decades, Kentucky Educational Television (KET) has televised committee meetings and the work we do on the House Floor. In addition, the legislature now offers a YouTube channel and broadcasts live from all committees. To access the KET and YouTube coverage, visit www.legislature.ky.gov and click on “Live Coverage.”

When we return in February, the legislature will consider, debate, and vote on the bills and resolutions filed for consideration this session.  Members worked throughout last summer and fall to lay the groundwork on issues like growing housing and labor shortages, skyrocketing use of artificial intelligence, expanding access to affordable health care, protecting Kentucky children and most vulnerable, honoring our veterans, and strengthening our communities.

As always, I can be reached anytime through the toll-free message line in Frankfort at 1-800-372-7181. You can also contact me via email at Amy.Neighbors@kylegislature.gov and keep track through the Kentucky legislature’s website at legislature.ky.gov.

The Columbia Police Department initiated a traffic stop on Jamestown Street on HWY 55 South on Friday night, January 3, 2025.

After making contact with the operator and passenger, it was found both were in possession of suspected methamphetamine and marijuana. 

Tyler McLean, 34, of Columbia has been charged with traffic violations as well as possession of drug paraphernalia and methamphetamine (3rd offense).
 

A passenger, Jimmie Gosser, 26, of Russell Springs was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia and marijuana as well as and possession of methamphetamine (2nd offense). 

The Russell Springs Police Department would like to formally recognize Officer Blake Adamson for being the recipient of this year’s Governor’s Award for DUI enforcement. Officer Adamson has worked diligently this year to make sure to keep our streets safer from drunk drivers. Good job Blake!

Frankfort, Ky. (January 3, 2025) - Kentucky Secretary of State Michael Adams is warning those with Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) filings against a new scam that tries to sell UCC-1 records that are available online for free.

“My Office does not solicit Kentuckians to purchase records, or charge exorbitant fees,” said Adams. “Beware of any third-party solicitation to purchase documents from our Office.” 

This recent scam from “KY UCC Statement Service” asks debtors listed on the UCC-1 finance statement to send $98 to receive a copy of their UCC financing statement form. UCC records, along with most records on file with the Secretary of State, are available for free or at little cost to the public on the Secretary of State’s website.

Suspected fraudulent mailings may be reported to the Attorney General’s Office.
 

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Jan. 3, 2025) – Team Kentucky highway crews are geared up ahead of a forecast winter storm. Significant impacts, including hazardous driving conditions, are expected across much of the state beginning Sunday morning, Jan. 5, and continuing into Monday, Jan. 6. Travel impacts could extend beyond Monday due to ongoing cold temps. Kentuckians are encouraged to avoid non-essential travel, and exercise caution if on the roads by driving distraction-free and slowing down.

“When we receive a warning of significant and impactful weather, we want Kentuckians across the state to be prepared,” said Gov. Andy Beshear. “The same way state highway crews have their plans in place, I want to encourage every Kentuckian to do the same by monitoring the weather, avoiding unnecessary travel, and packing an emergency car kit.”

The National Weather Service (NWS) forecasts a winter storm will bring a mix of snow, ice and freezing rain across Kentucky with moderate ice accumulations anticipated in portions of the state, especially the north central region. Ice increases the risk of tree damage and power outages, which can further complicate travel and delay emergency response times.

“As this storm has continued to evolve and increase in expected severity, our crews will be relying on the public to avoid unnecessary travel so they can keep roads passable for emergency personnel. The threat of ice will elevate dangerous road conditions and increase the likelihood of downed tree limbs which pose a greater challenge to the state's snowfighting and emergency crews,” said Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Secretary Jim Gray.

KYTC maintains most roads, streets and bridges that are part of the State Highway System, including interstates, parkways, and U.S. route designations. KYTC operates on a four-tier priority system to keep people and commerce moving in the most effective way.

Emergency Car Kit Suggested Items For Drivers

• First aid kit
• Extra coat, gloves, and blankets or sleeping bag
• Non-perishable food and water
• Baby formula, diapers, wipes
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• Portable phone chargers
• Pet food, water, leash, bowl
• Medications
• Ice scraper and jumper cables
• Shovel, and a bag of sand or litter

What to Do if Traffic Signals are Not Working:

• Flashing yellow, proceed with caution
• Flashing red, treat as a stop sign
• No signal lights, treat as a 4-way stop

What to Do When a Downed Power Line is on the Roadway:

• Never touch or drive over a fallen power line; report the issue to the power company
• If a power line has fallen on your vehicle, STAY INSIDE, do not exit, and call 911
• Assume all downed power lines are live and DO NOT attempt to move

Visit snowky.ky.gov for snow and ice resources, like priority route maps, tips and highway district updates.

The Columbia City Council will meet on Monday, January 6, 2025 at 6:00pmCT at City Hall for the Regular Monthly Meeting, which is open to the public.

AGENDA

CALL TO ORDER

ROLL CALL

OPENING PRAYER

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE AMERICAN FLAG

1^ST ITEM:    MOTION TO APPROVE MINUTES OF DECEMBER 2, 2024 REGULAR CALLED MEETING.

2^ND ITEM:   FIRST READING OF ORDINANCE NO. 230.55

AN ORDINANCE REPEALING ORDINANCE NO. 230.53, THE CITY OF COLUMBIA PERSONNEL POLICIES, ADOPTING THE CITY OF COLUMBIA PERSONNEL POLICIES AS A MUNICIPAL ORDER.
 

3^RD ITEM:   FIRST READING OF ORDINANCE NO. 230.56

AN ORDINANCE UPDATING THE PAY/CLASSIFICATION PLAN FOR COLUMBIA.
                            

4^TH ITEM:   AUTHORIZATION TO SIGN A RESOLUTION FOR CDBG ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FUNDING.

MAYOR’S ANNOUNCEMENTS

COUNCIL COMMENTS

CITIZENS COMMENTS: LIMIT 3 MINUTES PER CITIZEN OR ORGANIZATION

ADJOURN 

The Columbia Police Department began an investigation on the morning of December 16, 2024 after receiving a call that Columbia Tobacco and Vape Shop’s door had been shattered. Nearly $4,000 in inventory was stolen from the business, located at 201 Dohoney Trace, Suite 2, in the Walmart area.

SOMERSET, Ky. (Jan. 3, 2025) – The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) District 8 highway crews are prepared to respond to the significant winter storm forecasted to bring freezing rain, snow, and ice to the region starting Sunday and continuing through the day on Monday.

Potential ice accumulations across much of the area could result in damage to trees and power lines, posing challenges for road crews and impacting response efforts. Single-digit temperatures could also limit the effectiveness of road salt, which performs best above freezing.

Motorists are urged to avoid unnecessary travel during this storm.

District 8 crews have spent the day preparing for an extended winter weather response, loading salt, sharpening chainsaws, and ensuring equipment is ready.

“We take snow and ice response very seriously,” said Chief District Engineer James Jones. “Our highway crews dedicate long hours away from their families to keep roadways clear and safe during winter storms. We appreciate their commitment and encourage the public to avoid travel unless absolutely necessary.”

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s snow and ice removal operations prioritize roadway safety and mobility. Crews work in 12-hour shifts to plow and treat roads using a priority system:
 

1. Priority A: Major through routes and heavily traveled roads.
2. Priority B: Important but less-traveled state routes.
3. Priority C: All other routes.

Snow priority maps for each county can be viewed online at http://SnowKY.ky.gov.

Be Prepared

• Motorists should take the following precautions:
• Pay close attention to weather advisories.
• Limit travel to essential trips during major snow events.
• Maintain a safe distance from snowplows and avoid passing them on the shoulder.
• Allow extra time for slower commutes.
• Winterize vehicles and prepare an emergency kit with blankets, a flashlight, and supplies.
• Check road conditions before traveling using GoKY.ky.gov or the free Waze app.
• Eliminate distractions, such as phone use, while driving.
• Follow the Quick Clearance law, which requires moving vehicles to the shoulder during non-injury crashes.
• Stay Updated: For updates on road conditions in District 8 counties (Adair, Casey, Clinton, Cumberland, Lincoln, McCreary, Pulaski, Rockcastle, Russell, and Wayne), follow KYTC District 8 on Facebook at facebook.com/KYTCDistrict8 or Twitter at twitter.com/KYTCDistrict8.

The City of Columbia would like to extend their appreciation to all businesses, organizations, and individuals that participated in the annual Christmas in the Park.

This activity is a free event held annually for the community. The City began taking down their Christmas decorations on Thursday, January 2nd. If you do have a display, we encourage you to take it down this week if possible due to inclement weather being expected next week.

The City would also like to thank all of the participants in the Christmas Caroling and Live Nativity scenes at Citizens Park.

If you have questions, please contact Columbia City Hall at 270-384-2501.

Russell County Sheriff's Deputy Nick Barber was recognized at a ceremony in Lexington, KY with hundreds of officers from across the state, for keeping impaired drivers off Kentucky's roadways. Barber had the most impaired driving arrests for the Russell County Sheriff's Office in 2024.

From Daniel Hedges... 
 

Due to impending weather, I can't risk having little league games on Sunday, January 5, 2025. They are cancelled.

As of right now, games on Monday, January 6, 2025 are still scheduled.

An Adair County Grand Jury has returned indictments against several individuals:

Indictments #1

Indictments #2

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

The Russell County Sheriff’s Office would like to welcome Deputy Chris Tweedy. Chris worked at the Cumberland County Sheriffs Office for 2 1/2 Years under Sheriff Scott Daniel’s, and Worked for 3 Years at the Adair County Sheriff’s Office under Sheriff Josh Brockman. Deputy Tweedy recently worked a Short time at the Columbia Police Department. Chris and his wife Amber and Children recently moved to Russell County where they now call Home. If you see Chris or his wife out give them a Big welcome greeting. Deputy Tweedy looks Foward to Serving and Protecting the People of Russell County. 

The City of Columbia would like to extend their appreciation to all the businesses, organizations, and individuals that participated in the annual Christmas in the Park.

This activity is a free event annually for our community. The city will begin taking down their Christmas decorations beginning this Thursday, January 2. If you do have a display, we encourage you to take it down this week due to the inclement weather being expected next week.

The City would also like to thank all the participants in the Christmas caroling and Live Nativity scenes at the Citizens Park.

If you have questions, please contact City Hall.

Russell Springs Police Department is continuing an Investigation into a recent Burglary and asking for assistance on the Indentification of an Indiviual 

According to the department, the burglary occurred earlier this week at a building owned by Shevawn Foley in Russell Springs.

Police are seeking the community’s help with identifying the suspect. Anyone with information is asked to call the police department at 270-866-3636.

Video pinned  to the top of our Facebook page...