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

 

 

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

 

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

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

Columbia/Adair Utilities District Boil Water Advisory...

 

 

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

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

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

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

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

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

 

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

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

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

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

 

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

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

 

 

 

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

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

 

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

 

 

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

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

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

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

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

Good luck, stay safe, and enjoy.

 

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Link:

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

 

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Adair County Clerk’s Office

 

 

Effective as of 11:40amCT on Thursday, September 3, 2026, the boil water advisory for West Highway 80 in Russell Springs, starting at Tonkin Drive to the Adair County line, Gentry Mill Road from Woodland Drive to Highway 80, Shepherd Drive from Sherry Lane to the end of the road, Jewel Street and Rose Street has been lifted.

 

 

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Sept. 3, 2026) -Gov. Andy Beshear today announced more than $18.8 million in grant funding for 18 transportation projects across the commonwealth that will improve safety and accessibility for Kentuckians. From walking to biking, wheelchairs and more, Team Kentucky is committed to making our commonwealth more accessible for everyone.

 

“Transportation isn’t just about the work we are doing to improve roads and bridges across our state; it’s about creating communities that support every Kentuckian and their needs,” said Gov. Beshear. “These projects will help give peace of mind to parents knowing their kids can walk safely to school, while improving access to local businesses and more.”

 

The funding is from the federal Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP), which reimburses local governments for 80% of the costs of non-motorized transportation projects that focus on bicycle and pedestrian pathways, compliance with the Americans with Disabilities (ADA) Act, the Safe Routes to School program, and safety enhancements for vulnerable roadway users.

 

Today’s most recent round of funding includes 18 projects in the cities of Auburn, Beattyville, Benton, Brooksville, Columbia, Elkton, Hodgenville, Jackson, Jenkins, Lexington, Morgantown, Mortons Gap, New Haven, Paintsville and Prestonsburg, and in Bath, Kenton and Robertson counties.

 

Project funding ranges from $4.7 million for the construction of phases four and five of the Town Branch Trail project in Lexington to $80,000 each for pedestrian improvements in Hodgenville and Main Street sidewalk design in New Haven.

 

The city of Columbia, in south-central Kentucky, was awarded nearly $1.4 million for a sidewalk improvement and expansion project as part of the Safe Routes to School program. That project will create a safe, continuous and accessible pedestrian route from downtown to the Adair County school complex, where nearly 200 students regularly walk to class.

 

“We are so excited to be a recipient of a TAP grant,” said Columbia Mayor Pam Hoots. “This will bring sidewalk connectivity to our school complex. Thank you for caring about Columbia and Adair County.

 

The city of Prestonsburg, in Eastern Kentucky, will use its $976,000 funding award to construct a pedestrian and bicycle bridge to safely connect the city’s Passage Rail Trail to the Middle Creek National Battlefield, creating a safe link between the city, the battlefield and the community of David. This project will eliminate a key gap in the trail network, improve safety and expand access to a nationally significant Civil War site.

 

“The Middle Creek Battlefield linkage project is a great service to the city,” said Prestonsburg Mayor Rick Hughes. “It is linking three entities: Archer Park, the Passage Trail, and the historic battlefield area. So, this helps not only our local residents, but all of our visitors, especially when reenactments are going on.”

 

 

Russell Springs City Hall will be closed Friday, September 4, 2026 for cybersecurity updates to their computer system. The online payment portal will remain available for payments.

 

The City apologizes for the inconvenience and appreciates your patience.

 

 

42-year-old Jeremy Owens of Liberty, KY was arrested by KSP on Wednesday night in the Sano community near the Adair/Russell County line. Owens was charged with Possession of Methamphetamine and Failure to Comply with Sex Offender Registration (2nd or greater offense).

 

The Columbia Police Dept. Activity Report for August 2026...

 

Calls for Service/Contacts: 828

Citations: 50

Motorist Assists: 16

Escorts: 7

Accidents Investigated: 27

Injury Accidents: 2

E-Calls/Incident Reports: 15

Criminal Cases Opened: 8

 

Department Updates & Activities

Corey Meyer was hired as an ACHS School Resource Officer (SRO) and Patrol Officer. Congratulations and welcome, Officer Meyer!

 

Colton Nunn was hired as a Patrol Officer. Congratulations and welcome, Officer Nunn!

 

Lieutenant Justin Cross completed four (4) hours of Kentucky Department of Criminal Justice Training (DOCJT) online training in Emergency Vehicle Operations.

 

Chief Evan Burton attended a Human Trafficking Awareness Seminar in Russell Springs, Kentucky.

 

Chief Evan Burton participated in the DOCJT Law Enforcement Leadership Quarterly Conference Call.

 

Officers provided extra patrol coverage for Morgan Smith Industries LLC and conducted a Rand Paul visit.

 

Officers provided extra patrol coverage for the Adair County Fair.

 

Officers provided extra patrol coverage for the Adair County High School Marching Band Mark Twain event.

 

Officers provided extra patrol coverage for Adair County Schools and Lindsey Wilson University.

 

 

 

 

 

The Adair County Sheriff’s Department handled 951 emergency calls in August, according to Sheriff Gary Roy’s monthly activity report.

Along with logging 280 hours of court security for Adair Circuit and District courts, deputies managed the following workload: Legal Papers & Process: Served 76 arrest warrants, 60 civil process papers, 50 subpoenas, and 16 criminal summonses.

Investigations & Cases: Opened four criminal cases, worked 14 domestic abuse incidents, investigated 16 traffic crashes, and responded to 11 alcohol- or drug-related offenses.

Enforcement & Community Assistance: Issued 32 criminal citations, fielded 21 animal complaints, completed 12 motorist assists, and conducted eight out-of-county transports.

 

 

 

 

First National Bank of Russell Springs is warning customers that scammers are spoofing local bank phone numbers to steal personal and financial data.

The Threat: Caller ID can be faked to display a trusted bank number.

What to Avoid: Never share online banking logins, debit card numbers, PINs, or account details with unexpected callers.

What to Do: Hang up immediately on suspicious calls and dial the bank directly at 270-866-4343.

 

 

 

 

Russell County Hospital recently donated Emergency Gear Bags to three local volunteer fire departments: Jamestown VFD, Eli VFD, and Russell Springs VFD.

These dedicated organizations play a vital role in keeping Russell County safe, stepping up whenever neighbors need help most. Their commitment and service form a critical part of the area's emergency response network, and the community is deeply grateful for everything they do to protect and serve Russell County every single day.

 

No injuries reported in a Casey County School Bus crash...

 

A Casey County school bus collided with an internet service truck on Tuesday afternoon along the 1800 block of Kentucky Highway 1859, according to the Casey County Sheriff’s Office.

Six students and the bus driver were on board at the time of the collision. Local officials confirmed that no injuries were reported.

 

Following the incident, the school district issued a social media statement thanking local first responders for their swift action and reinforcing that student and staff safety remains their highest priority.

 

 

Kentucky State Police Post 15 will be conducting periodic traffic safety checkpoints in the Post 15 area, which includes Green, Taylor, Marion, Washington, Russell, Casey, Adair, Metcalfe, Monroe, Clinton, and Cumberland counties.  
 

These checkpoints will be conducted as part of Post 15’s highway safety efforts. Troopers will be checking for violations of Kentucky traffic and regulatory laws including, but not limited to, motor vehicle equipment safety, licensing of drivers, motor vehicle registration, child restraints, and operation of motor vehicle while under the influence of intoxicants.   

 

A complete list of traffic safety checkpoint locations can be found at the following link:

https://www.kentuckystatepolice.ky.gov/post15checkpoints

 

BOIL WATER ADVISORY UPDATE

 

The boil water advisory currently in effect for Jewel Street and Rose Street has been expanded to include the following areas:

• West Highway 80, from Tonkin Drive to the Adair County line
• Gentry Mill Road, from Woodland Drive to Highway 80
• Shepherd Drive, from Sherry Lane to the end of the road

 

The advisory will remain in effect until further notice. Boil all water for at least 3 minutes used for drinking and cooking.

 

Wolf Creek Dam Marks 75 Years Standing Guard Over Lake Cumberland

 

Our hometown landmark just hit a major milestone. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Lake Cumberland celebrated Wolf Creek Dam’s 75th birthday on Tuesday—just a day before closing down lanes across the dam for upcoming upgrades.

Locals know the long history behind the structure. Ground was first broken right here in Russell County on September 1, 1941, though World War II paused construction for roughly three years. The dam was officially dedicated a decade later on September 1, 1951.

That massive effort gave birth to Lake Cumberland, shaping our local economy, recreation, and daily life with 101 miles of water and 1,255 miles of shoreline stretching right through our backyard.

For 75 years, Wolf Creek has stood as an important part of our community and our region. We are proud of its history, proud of the work that happens here every day, and especially proud of the people, past and present, who have helped keep it operating and serving generations," Lake Cumberland officials shared.

Standing 258 feet tall and spanning over a mile wide (5,736 feet), the dam remains the giant holding up our local lake life—75 years and counting.

 

Photo and details on story from the US Army Corp of Engineers 

 

The Columbia City Council held a special called meeting this week.

 

Items approved:

• First Reading of Ordinance No. 220.198 regarding the 2026 ad valorem tax levy and collection.
• Resolution No. 2026-09 authorizing a mayoral request for an economic development grant via the Kentucky Development Finance Authority.

Audio Courtesy of Adair County Community Voice