Lake Update: One step closer. Pumping is expected to begin Monday.

This past week, crews finished fusing and laying the pipeline from the Green River and completed setting up the pump. Pumping from the river is expected to begin on Monday.

Although we’ve had some much-needed rain, our lake level is currently down 16 feet, 5 inches.

As pumping begins, those who receive their water from Lake Liberty will be under a boil water advisory for at least one week as a standard safety precaution while the new water source is introduced into the system.

For the latest and most accurate updates, continue following the City of Liberty Facebook page. As always, Thanks for your patience and support

On Saturday, July 11, 2026, your local Russell County girls are heading to the STATE TOURNAMENT in Marion County! They are making HISTORY as the FIRST 8u softball team to qualify for the state tournament. Anything they do from this point forward is literally icing on the cake; we are so proud of them! They have worked so hard every day bettering themselves and their team. This week we even put in four practices in hopes that we can show the state what some small town girls from Russell County can do.

Show them your love and support by watching them on GC tomorrow. Our first game is at 11:45amCT. Here is the link - https://web.gc.com/teams/aWEKzo9htNTI/live?pid=Copy&c=team_share_link

Let’s go Lady Lakers!!

The following is an announcement from Russell County School Supt. Michael Ford...

I am pleased to announce that Mrs. Susan Stringer has been selected as the district’s new District Assessment Coordinator.

Mrs. Stringer brings many years of experience in education, including extensive classroom teaching experience and several years of administrative experience serving as both an assistant principal and principal. She holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in mathematics and is certified in K–12 school administration.

In this district-level leadership role, Mrs. Stringer will oversee state assessment and accountability programs, coordinate personnel services, support educator certification and recruitment efforts, and serve as the district’s primary liaison for School-Based Decision Making Councils. She will also assist with school improvement initiatives, data analysis, professional learning, educator preparation partnerships, grant opportunities, and other administrative responsibilities.

Mrs. Stringer has extensive experience coordinating state and local assessments, training staff, analyzing student achievement data, supporting teachers in using assessment results to guide instruction, and ensuring compliance with state requirements. Her background in instructional leadership, personnel management, accountability, and school improvement has prepared her well for the broad responsibilities of this position.

Mrs. Stringer is committed to supporting students and staff, strengthening district operations, and helping schools use data and effective practices to improve student outcomes.

Please join me in congratulating Mrs. Susan Stringer and wishing her continued success in her new role as District Assessment Coordinator.

The Russell Springs City Council met on Thursday evening in regular session. Mayor Eddie Thomas shares with WAVE liseners what took place, including details on a new golf course coming to R.S... 

The Russell Springs Police Dept. Activity Report for June 2026...

The Boil Water Advisory for Little Louisville Road and Bunny Trail Road in Jamestown, KY has been lifted. You no longer have to boil your water.

A second Boil Water Advisory has been issued in Jamestown. On Thursday afternoon, the City of Jamestown issued a boil water advisory for Tall Timber Drive to the end of Scotts Chapel Road (including all side roads). Until further notice, boil all water used for drinking and cooking purposes, bringing the water to a rolling boil for 3 minutes.

Crews are hard at work fusing and laying the pipeline that will bring water from the Green River to the lake in Liberty, KY. Every day gets us one step closer to pumping water in.

We’d also like to thank everyone for doing their part to conserve water. Thanks to your efforts, water system output dropped to just 800,000 gallons earlier this week! Now we’re all hoping Mother Nature lends a hand with some much needed rain tomorrow and heading into the weekend.

Thanks for your continued patience and support as we keep making progress. Progress is happening every day, and we’ll continue to keep you updated along the way.

The Russell County Fiscal Court will meet on Monday, July 13, 2026 at 10:00 A.M. The meeting is open to the public.

AGENDA 

• WELCOME, OPENING PRAYER & PLEDGE
• MINUTES 
• PAY BILLS 
• DETENTION CENTER REPORT 
• SHERIFF’S REPORT 
• TREASURER’S MONTHLY, QUARTERLY & FISCAL YEAR END SETTLEMENT REPORTS & AE TRANSFERS 
• TRANSFER $350,000.00 FROM GENERAL TO ROAD FOR TONY SLOAN WAY 
• TRANSFER $250,000.00 FROM GENERAL TO JAIL 
• TRANSFER $15,000.00 FROM ABC TO JAI
• TRANSFER $168,268.00 FROM GENERAL TO 91
• TRANSFER $15,000.00 FROM GENERAL TO AIRPORT 
• TRANSFER $1,500.00 FROM GENERAL TO EMERGENCY SHELTER
• AE TRANSFERS APPROVAL 
• FY 26-27 OPIOID FUND RESOLUTION 
• 26-08 KYTC LARP PROGRAM
• OTHER BUSINESS 
• ADJOURN 

The Russell Springs City Council will meet on Thursday, July 9, 2026 at 6:00pmCT at City Hall. Meetings are open to the public.
 

AGENDA

PRAYER

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

MEETING CALLED TO ORDER

ROLL CALL

ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES

ACCEPTANCE OF CASH DISBURSEMENTS & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

OLD BUSINESS

NEW BUSINESS

ANCHOR AWARD

WALK-BIKE PLAN PRESENTATION

LOCAL ASSISTANCE ROAD PROGRAM FUNDING (LPADF14) RESOLUTION

EXECUTIVE SESSION – KRS 61.810(1)(b) – DELIBERATIONS REGARDING THE POSSIBLE ACQUISITION OR SALE OF REAL PROPERTY, WHERE PUBLIC DISCUSSION WOULD LIKELY AFFECT THE VALUE OF THE PROPERTY

FIRE DEPARTMENT UPDATE

POLICE DEPARTMENT UPDATE

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT UPDATE

MAYOR’S UPDATE

ADJOURNMENT

Columbia, KY – T.J. Health Columbia has earned Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® and the American Stroke Association’s Heart-Check mark for Acute Stroke Ready Hospital Certification.

T.J. Health Columbia underwent a rigorous, onsite review. During the visit, a team of Joint Commission reviewers evaluated compliance with related certification standards, including delivering and facilitating clinical care. Joint Commission standards are developed in consultation with healthcare experts and providers, measurement experts, and patients. The reviewers also conducted onsite observations and interviews.

“Acute Stroke Ready Hospital Certification recognizes healthcare organizations committed to striving for excellence and fostering continuous improvement in patient safety and quality of care,” says Ken Grubbs, DNP, MBA, RN, executive vice president of Accreditation and Certification Operations and chief nursing executive, Joint Commission. “We commend T.J. Health Columbia for using Joint Commission’s certification process to reduce variation in clinical processes and to strengthen its clinical program to drive safer, higher-quality and more compassionate care for individuals served.”

“We congratulate T.J. Health Columbia for this outstanding achievement,” says Nancy Brown, chief executive officer, the American Stroke Association. “This certification reflects its commitment to providing the highest quality of care for stroke patients.”

“Time is critical for stroke patients, and minutes count. By going through this process of accreditation, we are able to offer these patients high-quality care efficiently and expeditiously,” stated Brandon Dickey, Chief Quality Officer and Chief of Hospital Operations at T.J. Health Columbia. “Our patients deserve this, and we are excited to be able to offer the same level of care in the Emergency Department at T.J. Health Columbia as we do at T.J. Samson Community Hospital in Glasgow. This is a huge step for our patients in Adair County.”

This certification confirms that the T.J. Health Columbia team is prepared 24/7 to provide high quality, life-saving stroke care close to home.

The City of Jamestown Water Department has issued a Boil Water Advisory for Little Louisville Road and Bunny Trail Road. Until further notice, boil all water used for drinking and cooking, bringing the water to a rolling boil for 3 minutes.

Congratulations to the Russell County Hospital on receiving the Rural Stroke Silver Award American Heart Association “Get with the Guidelines” achievement award. The award is for demonstrating a commitment to following up-to-date, research-based guidelines for the treatment of heart disease and stroke, helping save lives, support recovery and reduce hospital readmissions.

92.7 the WAVE appreciates the hospital's commitment to our community! 

The Adair County Sheriff's Department has released their Activity Report for June 2026:

• 22 Warrants of Arrest served
• 7 Criminal cases opened
• 4 Call Response Reports written
• 7 Domestic abuse cases worked
• 19 Accidents worked
• 8 Out-of-County transports
• 32 Citations written for criminal activity
• 85 Civil process papers served
• 2 Criminal summonses served
• 50 Subpoenas served
• 195 Hours of court security provided
• 538 Vehicle inspections done
• 29 Animal complaints investigated
• 11 Motorists Assisted
• 935 911 Calls and
• 18 Alcohol or drug-related

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The following is the monthly activity report from the Columbia Police Dept. for the month of June 2026...

Mayor Pamela Hoots discussed with Wave News what took place at Monday's Columbia City Council meeting...

LIBERTY, KY (July 6, 2026) – Kentucky State Police (KSP) Post 15 Troopers responded to a two-vehicle injury collision on KY 70 near Pruitt Lane in Casey County, just before 3:00 P.M. CDT yesterday afternoon.

The preliminary investigation revealed that Ronnie Lee, 69, of Liberty, was traveling south on KY 70 in a 2000 Mazda pickup.  Mr. Brown crossed the centerline and entered the northbound lane of KY 70 into the path of a 2007 Chevrolet Silverado traveling north on KY 70, operated by Christina Baker, 38, of Waynesburg.  The vehicles collided in a head-on manner, and the Chevrolet overturned in a ditch along the roadway.

Ronnie Lee was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Casey County Coroner.  Christina Baker, along with an adult passenger and three juvenile passengers, were transported from the scene to the hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

KSP Post 15 Troopers were assisted at the scene by the Casey County Sheriff's Office, Casey County Fire/EMS and the Casey County Coroner’s Office.  Senior Trooper Trevor Sagrecy is investigating the collision.

We'll See You at the Fair!

MARION COUNTY, KY - An 18-year-old Campbellsville man is dead following an early morning shooting in Marion County.

According to Marion County Sheriff Ray Gardner, deputies were dispatched to 1259 Penick Road in Lebanon at approximately 2:30 a.m. Sunday morning following a report of a possible shooting. When deputies arrived, they found 18-year-old Jaron J. Johnson of 103 Carden Street, Campbellsville, KY deceased at the scene.

According to Sheriff Gardner, the preliminary investigation indicates a large party was being held at the residence when a fight broke out. During the altercation, a firearm was reportedly produced and shots were fired, resulting in Johnson's death.

The Marion County Sheriff's Office is continuing its investigation into the shooting. No additional information, including any potential suspects or charges, has been released at this time.

2026 Lakefest Beauty Pageant winners...

On Thursday night around 10:30 PM, Russell County Search & Rescue was called out to assist Kentucky Fish & Wildlife on the Cumberland River, approximately one mile downstream from Wolf Creek Dam. Two individuals and their dog were reported stranded after running out of fuel on the river. Responders were met with dense fog on the water, making the search extremely difficult and dangerous in the dark.

After hours on the water, the Russell County team located the boaters — still in their vessel, banked along the riverbank. Cold but safe, them and their dog were back at the ramp by 1:00 AM. 

We’re grateful for the coordination with Kentucky Fish & Wildlife and proud of our team for getting out there in tough nighttime conditions to bring those folks home safely, said RC Search & Rescue.

Stay safe on the water — always carry extra fuel and a way to call for help!

COLUMBIA, KY. (07/01/2026) Longtime Kentucky college athletics administrator Chris Wells has been named commissioner of the Mid-South Conference.

Wells, who has served as the conference's interim commissioner since May 2025, is the sixth person to lead the Mid-South Conference, which includes schools in Kentucky and Tennessee.

Wells has been an athletics administrator for the last 25 years at Lindsey Wilson (Kentucky) University, most recently serving as the school's associate director of athletics.

"The Mid-South Conference Council of Presidents is delighted to welcome Chris Wells as our new full-time conference commissioner," said Cumberland (Tennessee) University President Paul C. Stumb, who is chair of the Mid-South Conference Council of Presidents. "As a graduate of two universities within our conference, Chris has certainly demonstrated the requisite academic acumen, but also more broadly he has an outstanding track record of commitment and professionalism within the higher athletic administration sector."

Wells said that he's "incredibly humbled" to lead the Mid-South Conference.

"I'm proud to have the support of the Mid-South Conference Council of Presidents, along with the conference's athletic directors and coaches," said Wells. "I look forward to working with them to create even more opportunities for our student-athletes."

Wells will inherit the leadership of a conference that is among the best of the 20 NAIA conferences. In 2025-26, two Mid-South members finished in the top five of the NAIA Learfield Directors' Cup, the annual award presented by the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics to U.S. colleges and universities with the most successful overall athletic programs. University of the Cumberlands (Kentucky) won the NAIA Learfield Directors' Cup for the third year in a row, and Lindsey Wilson finished fifth. Overall, Mid-South Conference members won four NAIA team national titles during the 2025-26 school year.

The Mid-South Conference has seven full members from colleges and universities in Kentucky and Tennessee who compete in 12 men's sports, 12 women's sports and three coed sports: Bethel (Tennessee) University, Campbellsville (Kentucky) University, Cumberland, Cumberlands, Freed-Hardeman (Tennessee) University, Georgetown (Kentucky) College and Lindsey Wilson.

The conference also has 16 affiliate members from schools in Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, North Carolina, Ohio and Tennessee.

As an example of the conference's high level of competition, six of the seven Mid-South Conference women's basketball teams qualified for this year's national tournament, and five of the tournament's final 16 teams were from the Mid-South Conference. In addition to the four national championships, MSC teams earned 24 top-five finishes at their respective national championships and 40 top-10 finishes.

"I truly believe that from top to bottom, the Mid-South Conference is the strongest conference in the NAIA," said Wells. "Any of our full members can win at any point. More importantly, they're also successful academically."

Wells said that another strength of the Mid-South Conference is a strong spirit of cooperation and camaraderie among members' leadership.

"I love the fact that our seven presidents and ADs are willing to take off their institutional hats and get in a room together to work on what's best for the conference and student-athletes," he said. "The fact that we work so well together makes it a very special conference."

Before his current position at Lindsey Wilson, Wells was the school's sports information director. He led the communication efforts for four men's soccer national championships (2001, '05, '09, '11); four women's soccer national championships (2004, '06, '12, '14); a women's volleyball national championship (2017); a football national championship (2020); and a pair of USA Cycling national championships (2001, '12).

Wells was named the 2015 Clarence "Ike" Pearson recipient by the NAIA Sports Information Directors Association (NAIA-SIDA). The lifetime achievement award is presented annually to those who make outstanding contributions to the profession. He has also served as president of the NAIA-SIDA Board.

A Burkesville, Kentucky, native, Wells holds a bachelor of arts degree in journalism from Lindsey Wilson and a master of arts in sports administration from Cumberland.

The Columbia-Adair Utilities District boil water advisory that was issued earlier this week has been lifted...

The following boil water advisory was issued Friday morning...
 

The Columbia City Council will meet on Monday, July 6, 2026 at 5:00pmCT at City Hall for a Regular Called Meeting.

AGENDA

CALL TO ORDER

ROLL CALL

OPENING PRAYER

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE AMERICAN FLAG
 

1^ST ITEM:  MOTION TO APPROVE MINUTES OF JUNE 15, 2026 SPECIAL CALLED MEETING.
 

2^ND   ITEM:  DISCUSSION & AUTHORIZATION TO SIGN RESOLUTION 2026-05.
 

3^RD ITEM:  AUTHORIZATION TO SIGN RESOLUTION 2026-06.
 

4^TH ITEM:  AUTHORIZATION TO SURPLUS CITY PROPERTY.
 

5^TH ITEM:  AUTHORIZATION TO SIGN COLUMBIA LARP 26/27 AGREEMENT.
 

6^TH ITEM:  AUTHORIZATION TO SIGN COLUMBIA LARP 26/27 RESOLUTION 2026-07.
 

7^TH ITEM:  DONANTION REQUEST FROM BREEDING AREA FIRE DEPT.
 

8^TH ITEM:  MOTION TO ENTER EXECUTIVE SESSION PER KRS 61.810(1)(g). 

DISCUSSIONS BETWEEN A PUBLIC AGENCY AND A REPRESENTATIVE OF A BUSINESS ENTITY AND DISCUSSIONS  CONCERNING A SPECIFIC PROPOSAL, IF OPEN DISCUSSION WOULD JEOPARDIZE                    THE SITING, RETENTION, OF UPGRADING OF THE BUSINESS.

9^TH ITEM:  MOTION TO RESUME EXECUTIVE SESSION.

MAYOR’S ANNOUNCEMENTS

COUNCIL COMMENTS

CITIZENS COMMENTS:  LIMIT 3 MINUTES PER CITIZEN OR ORGANIZATION

MOTION TO  ADJOURN 

FRANKFORT, Ky. (July 2, 2026) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear provided updates on emergency response efforts following recent storms and flooding, economic development, state parks and tourism, projects to improve local bridges, housing in Eastern Kentucky and upcoming Independence Day celebrations. First Lady Britainy Beshear provided an update on the commonwealth’s efforts to fight domestic violence. Dr. Steven Stack, secretary of the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, provided an update on the Our Healthy Kentucky Home initiative. The Governor named first responders and volunteers who have helped with emergency response and recovery efforts this past week as Team Kentucky All-Stars.

Emergency Response and Recovery Efforts Following Recent Flooding
The Governor provided an update on the dangerous flooding that impacted most of the state over the weekend. Yesterday, Gov. Beshear visited with families and toured the damage in two of the hardest hit areas: Cumberland and Madison counties.

On Saturday, the Governor declared a state of emergency for the commonwealth. Twenty-six cities and counties also declared a local state of emergency. Large amounts of rainfall hit during short periods of time, with some areas receiving more than 8 inches. Over 63 water rescues and evacuations have been conducted.

Currently, emergency management teams are conducting damage assessments in affected areas. Team Kentucky asks that people who were impacted fill out a damage assessment survey. The Governor noted that flooding has left behind debris and advised Kentuckians to proceed with caution, especially boaters on lakes or rivers this holiday weekend. Additionally, many roadways and bridges are closed due to damage. Visit goky.ky.gov for up-to-date road conditions.

If you would like to support Kentuckians affected by this severe weather event, please visit the Team Kentucky Emergency Relief Fund. All donations go directly to survivors of emergency events in the commonwealth.

The Governor also provided an update on current weather conditions, as much of the commonwealth is still under an extreme heat warning. Team Kentucky encourages Kentuckians to stay hydrated, wear light clothing, stay in the air conditioning as much as possible, avoid going outdoors during the warmest hours, bring pets inside, and check vehicles before locking the doors to make sure no children or pets are inside. Team Kentucky has also set up cooling centers across the state.

Economic Development
Yesterday, Gov. Beshear joined local officials and leadership from Horse Soldier Bourbon to celebrate the grand opening of the company’s new $200 million distillery and full-scale bourbon tourism attraction in Pulaski County, adding another signature project to Kentucky’s growing bourbon and tourism industries. 

Kentucky State Parks and Tourism
Gov. Beshear announced that Kentucky State Parks generated $1.1 billion in economic impact in 2024, supporting 8,600 jobs and helping fuel economic growth across the commonwealth. 

Since the beginning of his administration, the Governor has signed legislation allocating $213 million for state parks renovations to ensure this success continues.

In June, Team Kentucky cut the ribbon on a $3.8 million campground renovation at Carter Caves State Resort Park. Click here for a Good News update on this project. Team Kentucky also invested $7.4 million at Lake Cumberland State Resort Park to renovate the lodge and conference center. Click here for a Good News update on this project. To follow the progress of Kentucky State Parks renovation projects, visit parks.ky.gov/improvements. 

Gov. Beshear also announced that seven Certified Local Government Program communities received $113,500 in federal grant funding to support projects focused on preservation efforts, including public education, documentation and community revitalization. 

Domestic Violence Dashboard and Annual Report
Today, to further protect against domestic violence, combat human trafficking and support survivors, the First Lady announced that Team Kentucky has launched an interactive data dashboard for the public to more easily view data; compare statewide statistics by county and area development district; and gather specific information on offenders, domestic violence shelters and support services, as well as law enforcement-related outcomes. The dashboard includes data from each of Kentucky’s annual domestic violence data reports.

Today, Team Kentucky also released the 2025 Domestic Violence Data Report, which is reflected in the new dashboard. For more, see the full release.

Awards To Improve Local Bridges 
The Governor announced $5.5 million to repair or replace 10 bridges across eight Kentucky counties and two cities. The funding will reconnect and restore safe traffic flow on previously closed or weight-restricted routes. 

Eastern Kentucky Housing
Gov. Beshear provided an update on housing for communities affected by flooding in the east. The Governor announced that Team Kentucky is providing over $1.7 million to the Perry County Fiscal Court to build five homes out of the flood plain, along with the necessary infrastructure, in the Chavies community. The Governor also noted progress being made at Chestnut Ridge, one of the eight high-ground sites in Eastern Kentucky. At Chestnut Ridge in Knott County, three more homes will be framed and sided by the end of this week. Eight high-ground communities will eventually provide over 500 new homes for flood survivors out of the flood plain.

Our Healthy Kentucky Home
Dr. Stack provided an update on Our Healthy Kentucky Home, an initiative to promote simple, positive and attainable goals to inspire and motivate Kentuckians on a journey to health and wellness. Dr. Stack highlighted important resources such as the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, the Office for Children with Special Health Care Needs and kynect.

Independence Day
The Governor noted that this Saturday, July 4, is Independence Day, as well as a celebration of 250 years of our democracy. Team Kentucky is hosting a celebration in Frankfort on the Kentucky Historical Society campus. For more, visit history.ky.gov.

Team Kentucky All-Stars
Following recent storms and flooding, the Governor named first responders and volunteers who have helped with emergency response and recovery as this week’s Team Kentucky All-Stars.

“From our swift water teams who conducted more than 63 rescues and evacuations, to our state and local emergency management, KSP, law enforcement and more, these teams helped save lives and we are grateful,” said Gov. Beshear. “This is the spirit of Team Kentucky. This is who we are. We lead with kindness and love, and our resilience and strength help us overcome. These heroes are true Team Kentucky All-Stars.”

Tompkinsville Chief of Police Channing Cain met with Columbia Chief of Police Evan Burton at the Columbia Police Department earlier this week, to discuss current law enforcement operations, public safety initiatives, and trends each agency is experiencing while on patrol within their respective communities.

Chief Cain and Chief Burton attended the Kentucky Department of Criminal Justice Training together in 2012, where they were classmates and roommates.

“I would like to congratulate Chief Channing Cain on being sworn in as the Chief of Police for the Tompkinsville Police Department.”

“Partnerships between law enforcement agencies are essential to enhancing public safety, sharing ideas, and working together to better serve our communities.”

Evan Burton
Chief of Police

Boil water advisory issued Thursday morning at 7:25amCT...
 

The Russell County High School SBDM Council will have a Special Called Meeting on Thursday, July 2nd, 2026 at 3:30 PM at RCHS in Room 100.

AGENDA

The Jamestown Police Department would like to welcome Corey Meyer as the departments newest officer. Meyer is a 2020 graduate of the Kentucky Department of Criminal Justice Training. Meyer was sworn in by Mayor Regena Hinton and is looking forward to serving the City and the citizens of Jamestown.