Bridget Compton, Adair Co. Deputy Judge Executive, and Pam Hoots, Mayor of Columbia, signed an official proclamation on Monday, April 29, 2024 at the Adair County Regional Jail, officially declaring May 5, 2024 through May 11, 2024 as National Correctional Officer's Week in Columbia and Adair County, Kentucky.

Bridget Compton says, "We value and appreciate the correctional officers who serve Adair County. Please remember Correctional Officer Eric Antle, who recently passed, for serving Adair County for over 17 years!"
 

Proclamation:

Whereas: In 1984, President Ronald Reagan signed Proclamation 5187 creating "National Correctional Officers" Week to be held the first full week in May.

Whereas: Correctional Officers have the difficult and often dangerous assignment of ensuring the custody, safety and well-being over inmates in our Nation's prisons and jails. Their position is essential to the day-to-day operations of these institutions; without them it would be impossible to achieve the foremost institutional goals of security and control.

Whereas: Historically, Correctional Officers have been viewed as "guards," occupying isolated and misunderstood positions in prisons and jails. In recent years, the duties of these officers have become increasingly complex and demanding. They are called upon to fill, simultaneously, custodial, supervisory and counseling roles. The professionalism, dedication and courage exhibited by these officers throughout the performance of these demanding and often conflicting roles deserve our utmost respect. The important work of Correctional Officers often does not receive the recognition from the public it deserves. It is appropriate that we honor the many contributions and accomplishments of these men and women who are a vital component of the field of corrections.

Therefore: I, Bridget Compton, Deputy Judge Executive of Adair County, along with Pamela Hoots, Mayor of the City of Columbia, in recognition of this event do hereby proclaim the week of May 5, 2024 through May 11, 2024 National Correctional Officer's Week.

Signed: Bridget Compton, Adair Co. Deputy Judge Executive
Signed: Pam Hoots, Mayor of Columbia

Commissioner of Agriculture Jonathan Shell has named five individuals to serve on the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure (RFSI) Program Review Panel, including Russell County Judge Executive Randy Marcum.

"This panel will be responsible for finding the best suited applicants for expanding and strengthening our food systems to improve our overall agricultural output," Commissioner Shell said. "This exciting grant opportunity for our producers throughout Kentucky will allow us as a state to find better and more reliant ways to protect our food systems. I'm excited for this panel to get to work and for our producers to benefit from this opportunity."

The Kentucky Department of Agriculture was awarded $8.6 million to strengthen local and regional food systems through the RFSI Program. The money was part of an overall $420 million awarded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The Program is aiming to build resilience in the middle of the food supply chain, to provide more and better markets to small farms and food businesses, to support the development of value-added products for consumers, and to provide fair prices, fair wages, and new and safe job opportunities.

The Kentucky Department of Agriculture has received 138 applicants requesting more than $32 million for infrastructure projects and more than $7 million for equipment-only projects. The RFSI Program Review Panel will help determine the projects best suited for the interests of promoting agricultural efficiency and diversification between Kentucky farms and marketing channels.

The program review panel members are:

Tyler Ferguson, Farmer and a State Director with the Kentucky Farm Bureau

Mike Jackson, Founder of Kentucky Greens Co. and Market Manager for Farm + House Louisville

Randy Marcum, Judge Executive, Russell County

Dr. Tim Woods, Extension Professor, University of Kentucky

Ashton Potter Wright, Executive Director, The Food Connection at the University of Kentucky

The review panel will begin scoring the applications soon. Recipients will be notified of awarded projects. To find more information about the RFSI program, visit here: https://www.kyagr.com/marketing/rfsi.html.

T.J. Samson Community Hospital earned an "A" Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group, a national nonprofit watchdog that sets standards for excellence in patient care. Leapfrog assigns grades from "A," to "F" to general hospitals across the country based on over 30 national performance measures reflecting errors, accidents, injuries and infections, as well as the systems hospitals have in place to prevent harm.

"We focus every day on fostering an environment where safety and quality care are paramount," said Neil Thornbury, CEO. "Our dedicated physicians, providers, management team, and all team members are deeply committed to the well-being of our patients, to each other, and to the communities we are privileged to serve. We are truly grateful for this recognition and remain steadfast in our efforts to provide a healthcare experience that is personal, compassionate, and of the highest quality to the residents of southcentral Kentucky."

T.J. Samson is one of only 10 hospitals in Kentucky to achieve an "A" grade in spring 2024.

Brandon Dickey, Chief Quality Officer for T.J. Regional Health said, "This "A" is just one that shows that we live our mission every single day. Patients come first in every decision and action. We want our patients to get the highest quality of care as close to where they live as possible....and this signifies how important quality of care is to each of us."

The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade is the only hospital ratings program exclusively based on hospital prevention of medical errors, infections and injuries. The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade is peer-reviewed, fully transparent and free to the public. Grades are updated twice annually in the fall and spring.

"Everyone who works at T.J. Samson Community Hospital should be proud of this 'A' Hospital Safety Grade," said Leah Binder, president and CEO of The Leapfrog Group. "It takes complete dedication of at every level, and an ironclad commitment to putting patients first. I thank T.J. Samson, its leadership, clinicians, staff, and volunteers for caring so deeply for its patients and their safety."

To see T.J. Samson's full grade details and to access patient tips for staying safe in the hospital, visit HospitalSafetyGrade.org and follow The Leapfrog Group on Twitter, Facebook and via its newsletter.

An Adair County woman was arrested Wednesday for Exploitation

Leslie Cusinotta, age 44, of Columbia, was taken into custody by Deputy Thomas of the Adair County Sheriff’s Office, just after 10 a.m.

She was charged with Knowingly Exploiting Adult by Person (greater than 300 dollars).

She was lodged into the Adair County Regional Jail.

COLUMBIA, Ky. (May 1, 2024) – 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.

As many of our April and May renewal customers have found, the Kentucky Department of Transportation was late mailing your renewal notices (which they do as reminders). We understand that it is now the end of April, and many are just receiving their notices.

These notices are not sent out by your local County Clerk, but by the State. We apologize for any inconvenience, and we are working hard to serve you in our best capacity. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

If you have not received your renewal notice, you can bring in the following:

• One of these: plate number, vin number, proof of registration, or title number
• Proof of insurance
• Proof of ID

Reminder: Boats are due in April; you will need your KY# for renewal.

Robert Ellis, 35, of Columbia was taken into custody by Officer Cross with the Columbia Police Department on Wednesday night, April 30, 2024.

Ellis was charged with Operating a Motor Vehicle Under the Influence of Alcohol, Careless Driving, and Possession of Open Alcoholic Container in Motor Vehicle. He was lodged in the Adair County Regional Jail.

On the morning of Thursday, May 2, 2024 Adair County High School, in conjunction with several community first responders, will stage an activity for Adair Couty High School students that will involve a staged car accident. The activity, entitled Operation 10-46, which is emergency personal radio communication code for an automobile accident with injuries, will take place at the Adair County Middle School Football field. The purpose of this activity is to reinforce the importance of smart decisions in and around prom weekend. Distracted and impaired driving is a concern across age levels, and organizers feel that this activity will drive home the importance of making good decisions, staying away from drinking or impaired driving, and never texting while behind the wheel. Each of these poor decisions can have dire consequences and Operation 10-46 will communicate this in a very real manner.

Please be prepared to hear sirens in and around Adair County Schools campus on the morning of May 2^nd. There will be a variety of emergency personnel involved in and around the automobile accident scene. Medical evacuation helicopters will also be landing on campus as well.

The morning’s events will conclude with a Ghost Out program at ACHS. Once again, this very real and emotional program aims to show the importance of making good decisions and how wrong decisions can impact lives forever. Ann Young, which has been pivotal in planning this year’s Operation 10-46, says, “With summer activities and prom approaching, Adair County High School hopes to promote safe driving and educate students on the hazards of impaired driving. Operation 10-46 and the Ghost Out program educates students on the dangers of driving and the impact that car accidents can have on their lives.”

Adair County High School Prom is scheduled for Saturday, May 4^th.

A mock accident will be held Thursday, May 1st, 2024 at RCHS...

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

On Tuesday, April 30. 2024 Adair County Public Schools Superintendent Jason Faulkner announced the hiring of Mrs. Sarah Burton as the newly appointed principal for Adair County Primary Center for the 2024-2025 School year.

Mrs. Burton has accumulated two decades of experience in the education sector, working as a Primary school teacher at Colonel William Casey and Adair Primary Center. Transitioning to the role of Instructional Coach at Adair County Primary Center in 2015, she has been instrumental in offering instructional assistance to teachers from PREK to 2nd Grade. Mrs. Burton has also led Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) and actively sought out instructional materials to enhance the educational experience for ACPC students.

Mrs. Burton, an alumnus of Adair County High School, has a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Lindsey Wilson College, a Master's degree in Elementary Education from Western Kentucky University, a Master's degree in Education Administration from Eastern Kentucky University, and a National Board Certification.

“Mrs. Burton is an exceptional educational leader, and I am confident that she will be able to lead Adair County Primary into a new era. I am excited to have her as part of our leadership team.” said Superintendent Faulkner.

Mrs. Burton will take over from Mrs. Debbie Bradshaw starting on July 1st. After 30 years of service, Mrs. Bradshaw will retire at the end of the current school year. Faulkner expressed gratitude for Mrs. Bradshaw's dedication to the public-school system, noting, "I want to thank Mrs. Bradshaw for her years of service. She will be greatly missed, and it has been a pleasure working with her this school year."

Congratulations to Russell County SRO Deputy Jackie Grider on being named the SRO "Officer of the Year" of the South Region for the 2023-2024 school year!

On Monday morning, April 29, 2024 it was reported to Officers within the Adair Judicial Center that a male subject was in the parking lot exposing himself inside a vehicle.

Contact was made with the individual while he was still in his car. It was determined the subject was under the influence and K9 Unit Cally was deployed and alerted on the subject's vehicle. A search of the auto yielded findings of drug paraphernalia and suspected narcotics.

Gov. Andy Beshear announced that the Kentucky State Police is accepting applications from individuals who want to join an exemplary law agency that is "Built by Tradition. Trained to be the Best," with a mission of creating a better, safer Kentucky.

"For over 75 years, the Kentucky State Police has safeguarded our great commonwealth, and today we call upon a new generation to carry that torch by applying to become a state trooper," said Gov. Beshear. "As a cadet, you will receive the training, tools, equipment, knowledge and skills needed to be among some of the most elite law enforcement officers in the nation, leading our state into the future. I commend all our current and future troopers for the work they do day in and day out."

Individuals accepted to join Cadet Class 105, which is slated to begin in November 2024, will earn $67,500 annually and have access to an improved retirement system with a sick leave buyback program. Interested applicants should visit the online portal to submit their application. This portal allows individuals to apply from any electronic device.

Adair County High School junior Ben Kingrey has been accepted to the Governor's School for Entrepreneurs for summer 2024. Ben is the son of Jonathan and Crystal Kingrey.

GSE is an intensive, non-traditional three-week Summer Startup program designed to develop entrepreneurial skills with lifelong impact. The goal is to help foster economic growth across the commonwealth by supporting the business dreams of students who have the drive and passion to be entrepreneurs and create jobs in Kentucky.

Ben says, "Business and entrepreneurship as a whole have always been a deep passion of mine. Being a driving force for my local FBLA chapter for years, all of that hard work came together for this amazing opportunity."

Adair County FBLA director J.R. Thompson has seen Ben's work firsthand. Mr. Thompson says, "Ben Kingrey is an extremely bright and talented young leader driven towards reaching success in business and entrepreneurship. Being selected into the prestigious Governors School for Entrepreneurship is a huge accomplishment and we are grateful that Ben was chosen to represent Adair County High School. He has most certainly earned this amazing opportunity. We are so proud of Ben's accomplishments in reaching his dreams and goals."

Kentucky was one of the first states in the nation to create a Governor's School for Entrepreneurs. To date, 941 high school students have graduated from GSE's summer program since it began in 2013. Graduates qualify for millions of dollars in scholarships at colleges and universities across Kentucky. Dozens of businesses have been launched in Kentucky by GSE graduates and several patents have been filed.

After high school, Ben says he plans on attending the University of Kentucky and majoring in Finance, "with my overall objective being able to run and manage my own business."

On Friday, April 26, 2024 at approximately 6pmCT, the Adair County Sheriffs Office was dispatched to Edmonton Road (KY80), two miles west of Columbia to a reported auto collision.   
   
The preliminary investigation shows that 16-year-old Jack Fishback of Columbia, KY was operating a 2004 Ford Ranger traveling west on Edmonton Rd. Fishback dropped off the right-hand shoulder of the highway and in an attempt to recover the vehicle, overcorrected. He then lost control of the vehicle, crossed over into the eastbound lane, and ran off the roadway down an embankment.

  
Evidence suggests that Fishback had wrecked almost an hour before he was found. A passing motorist thought he seen a reflection of the sun over the embankment as he drove by, and thankfully turned around and went back to see what it was.  

Jack Fishback was treated on scene by Adair EMS then transported to TJ Health Columbia where he was airlifted by Air Evac to the University of Kentucky Hospital in Lexington.

Deputy Jason Camfield is continuing the investigation. In addition to the Adair County Sheriffs Office, Adair 911, the Columbia-Adair County Fire Department, and Adair EMS also responded to assist at the scene.

Russell County Search and Rescue (RCSAR) responded to a boating accident in the early hours of Saturday, April 27, 2024 on Lake Cumberland. The incident, which occurred at approximately 1:30amCT, involved two individuals, one of whom was rescued with injuries while the other was tragically found deceased. Reportedly, their boat hit a rock wall near Cemetery Island. 

Upon receiving the distress call, RCSAR deployed seven members and two marine units to the scene. The first unit, consisting of two RCSAR personnel accompanied by two emergency medical services (EMS) staff, arrived promptly at the location. A diver from the team entered the water and within three minutes, located the second victim, 36-year-old Anthony J. Williams of Lexington, who died as a result of injuries sustained in the accident.

The rescued individual received immediate medical attention for injuries sustained during the accident. The RCSAR diver secured the deceased victim until the coroner’s arrival. The coroner, transported by the second marine unit, facilitated the retrieval of Mr. William's body from the water.

Russell County Search and Rescue extends its deepest condolences to the families affected by this tragedy. We commend the swift actions of our team members and EMS personnel in their rescue efforts. RCSAR remains dedicated to ensuring the safety of our community and stands ready to respond to all emergencies with professionalism and care.

About RCSAR: Russell County Search and Rescue is a volunteer organization committed to providing rapid, skilled, and compassionate emergency response services. Our team is trained in a variety of rescue techniques, ensuring preparedness for any situation.

Adair County Sheriff Josh Brockman initiated an investigation on April 11, 2024 after he was contacted by a property owner in the Sano community of Adair County. The victim stated that diesel fuel used in their agricultural business was pumped from their tank and stolen.   

After an investigation and identification of the suspect, Sheriff Brockman obtained an arrest warrant for 48-year-old Coy Turner of Columbia. He was arrested on Thursday, April 25, 2024 by the Adair County Sheriff's Office after turning himself in. 

Turner was lodged in the Adair County Regional Jail for Theft by Unlawful Taking. 

The Adair County Sheriff's Office is continuing the investigation.

Courtney Gray, 31, of Jamestown, KY was taken into custody just before noon on Thursday, April 25, 2024 by Jamestown Police Chief Jeff Kerns on charges of Unauthorized Use of Motor Vehicle, Disorderly Conduct and Resisting Arrest. She was lodged in the Russell County Detention Center.

The Columbia Police Department initiated a traffic stop at FiveStar at the intersection of Hudson Street and Burkesville Street. After making contact with the operator, it was found the male had a suspended license. A subsequent search of the vehicle yielded findings of suspected methamphetamine. 

James Oswald, 41, of Greensburg was placed into custody and charged with Possession of Methamphetamine, Driving on a DUI Suspended License, Failure to Wear Seatbelt, and Failure to Maintain Insurance.

Detective Evan Burton made the arrest. He was assisted on scene by Officers Jay Williams, Holly Necessary, and Tyler McKinney.

The following is a message from Michael Ford, R.C. School Superintendent regarding the new principal at RCMS...

Dear Russell County Schools:

I'm delighted to share the exciting news that, following an exhaustive search process, I've appointed a new principal for Russell County Middle School. Join me in extending heartfelt congratulations to Mrs. Susan Stringer, who will be assuming the role of principal. Mrs. Stringer, a resident of Russell County along with her husband Barry and their four children – Shelby, Travis (wife Kalie), Trace, and Tanner – brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her new position.

With a remarkable background, Mrs. Stringer has been an integral part of Russell County Middle School since 2019, serving as assistant principal. Prior to that, she showcased her expertise as a math teacher and department chair at Casey County High School, as well as at Russell County High School. Her dedication to education extends beyond the classroom, having also served as an adjunct and dual credit instructor for Campbellsville University, along with being a regional teacher partner with PIMSER out of Eastern Kentucky University. Mrs. Stringer's track record speaks volumes, and we are confident that she will apply her extensive experience for the betterment of Russell County Middle School.

While transitions can often evoke uncertainty, Mrs. Stringer's leadership skills and unwavering commitment to creating a positive learning environment, driven by data-driven student success, will undoubtedly propel Russell County Middle School along its already promising trajectory.

Please join me in extending a warm welcome to Ms. Stringer as she steps into her new role as head principal of Russell County Middle School. We eagerly anticipate the positive impact she will have on our students under her guidance and leadership.

I also want to thank Russell County Middle School's council for their dedication and cooperative spirit throughout the principal selection process!

FRANKFORT, KY (April 25, 2024) - Sen. Max Wise, R-Campbellsville, and Rep. Amy Neighbors, R-Edmonton, have secured millions of dollars supporting local projects in Adair County over the next two years.

Included in House Bill (HB) 1, which leverages $2.7 billion from the state’s $3.7 billion budget reserve trust fund to support transformative one-time projects across the commonwealth, the Adair County Fiscal Court will receive $1 million to support facility improvements at the Adair County Historic Courthouse.

A provision of HB 1 proposed by Wise and the Senate placed $450 million from the BRTF into the state’s biennial road plan, HB 266.

Neighbors and Wise helped secure over $4.3 million for planning, designing, obtaining rights-of-way, utility work, and construction of various projects in the county including

• Over $2.6 million to improve safety and mobility along KY Highway 55 near Doc’s Market,
• $940,000 to install a turning lane on KY Highway 55 at Betty’s OK Country Cooking,
• $700,000 to provide access to Green River Commerce Park along KY Highway 55 to promote economic growth, and
• $58,000 to install guardrail on KY Highway 1702 in 2026.

House Joint Resolution (HJR) 92 provides $264,000 to support the county's priority efforts to resurface Coffey Road Bird, Road and Lancaster Street.

Additionally, HJR 91 includes scheduled projects and anticipated needs for the remaining four years of the six-year highway construction plan. Find HJR 91 HERE. Adair County-specific projects can be found on page 2.

The 2024 Legislative Session concluded on Monday, April 15.

On the morning of May 2, 2024 Adair County High School, in conjunction with several community first responders, will stage an activity for Adair County High School students that will involve a staged car accident. The activity, entitled Operation 10-46 - which is emergency personal radio communication code for an automobile accident with injuries, will take place at the Adair County Middle School Football field. The purpose of this activity is to reinforce the importance of smart decisions in and around prom weekend. Distracted and impaired driving is a concern across age levels, and organizers feel that this activity will drive home the importance of making good decisions, staying away from drinking or impaired driving, and never texting while behind the wheel. Each of these poor decisions can have dire consequences and Operation 10-46 will communicate this in a very real manner.

Please be prepared to hear sirens in and around Adair County Schools campus on the morning of May 2^nd. There will be a variety of emergency personnel involved in and around the automobile accident scene. Medical evacuation helicopters will also be landing on campus as well.

The morning’s events will conclude with a Ghost Out program at ACHS. Once again, this very real and emotional program aims to show the importance of making good decisions and how wrong decisions can impact lives forever. Ann Young, which has been pivotal in planning this year’s Operation 10-46, says, “With summer activities and prom approaching, Adair County High School hopes to promote safe driving and educate students on the hazards of impaired driving. Operation 10-46 and the Ghost Out program educates students on the dangers of driving and the impact that car accidents can have on their lives.”

Adair County High School Prom is scheduled for Saturday, May 4^th.

1. James Combs Jr. - Possession of Methamphetamine and Drug Paraphernalia
2. Jessica Hensley - Possession of Methamphetamine and Drug Paraphernalia
3. Ashley McGuffin - Trafficking in Fentanyl, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Controlled Prescription Not In Original Container.