On Wednesday, May 1, 2024 at 11:00amCT, Adair County Deputy Sheriff Gary Roy was dispatched to Oak Grove Road, approximately 6 miles east of Columbia. The accident occurred when 84-year-old Morgan Reece of Columbia lost control of his 1991 Chevy truck, ran off the right side of the roadway and struck a tree.

Mr. Reece was treated on scene by Adair EMS and transported by Air Evac helicopter to the University of Kentucky Hospital in Lexington, KY.

Deputy Roy is continuing the investigation.

In honor of National Small Business Week, April 28 through May 4, 2024, a proclamation was signed by Columbia Mayor Pam Hoots and Adair County Judge Executive Larry Russell Bryant, declaring Small Business Week in Adair County.

Judge Bryant and Mayor Hoots met with a number of small business owners, with an emphasis on women-owned busineses, at the Courthouse Annex Basement on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, for the signing cermemony.

Those in attentance included Dr. Lynda Wilkerson from The Support Agency, Netty Grider from Blessed Billing, Credentialing, and Consulting, Tia White from TECE Title Services, Cecelia Bunch and Ashley Hardwick from Serenity Counseling Services, Tiffany Priddy from Breath of Grace Wellness, Tammy Stotts from Southern Nest Realty, Crystal Stapleton and Shelby Smith from The Coffee Hut, and Susan Loy from Barger Insurance Agency.

The Russell County Board of Education met yesterday afternoon in Special Session. 

Superintendent Michael Ford tells WAVE NEWS what took place... 

Jamestown Mayor Regena Hinton tells us more about the grant, and Movie Night in Jamestown... 

The following 2024 election reminders are from Lisa Greer, Adair County Clerk...

Kentucky is a closed primary state. The voter must vote the party they are registered at the May Primary Election. 

CHECK VOTER INFORMATION AND/OR LOCATION
Not sure of your party, address on your voter information, or where to vote?  Visit govote.ky.gov (review voter registration) OR call the clerk’s office at 270-384-2801.

ABSENTEE MAIL-IN BALLOT

• An absentee mail-in ballot can be requested through Wednesday, May 7, 2024 at the close of business. These can be requested at: Govote.ky.gov (request absentee ballot) OR by calling the Adair County Clerk’s Office: 270-384-2801.
• You must have one of the designated reasons to request an absentee Mail-In Ballot. You must request every election if you qualify and want a ballot mailed. Be prepared to provide required information.
• Ballots can be returned by mail OR the ballot drop-off box located in the Adair County Clerk’s Office during normal business hours.
• All ballots, regardless of mail or drop-off, must be returned by Election Day, Tuesday, May 21st, 2024 by 6:00pmCT. 

(EXCUSED) IN-PERSON ABSENTEE
Qualified voters may vote in person during this time frame.  
Dates:  May 8th, 9th, 10th (Wednesday- Friday) and May 13th, 14th, and 15th (Monday- Wednesday). No voting on Saturday, May 11th.
Time:  8:00am-4:00pmCT
Location:  Adair County Clerks Office, 424 Public Square, Suite 3  
Must bring proof of ID!

IN PERSON - NO EXCUSE EARLY VOTING
Voters may vote during this time regardless of their precinct location.
Dates:  Thursday, May 16, Friday, May 17, and Saturday, May 18, 2024 
Time:  8:00am-4:00pmCT
Location:  Adair County Annex Basement, 424 Public Square, Columbia, KY - When you come in the front doors, go straight ahead and take the elevator or steps to the basement
Reminder:  Bring proof of ID!

There is no voting on Monday, May 20th.

ELECTION DAY

Date:  Tuesday, May 21, 2024   
Time:  6:00am-6:00pmCT
If you have not voted by this day, you have to vote at your precinct of record.

FILING DEADLINE FOR NON-PARTISAN CANDIDATES WHO'LL BE ON GENERAL BALLOT
The last date to file is Tuesday, June 4, 2024 by 4:00pmCT 

RACES:

• Columbia City Council
• Adair County School Board: SD2, SD4 and SD5 - (Remember, this requires additional paperwork)
• Soil Conservation

Packets can be picked up at the Adair County Clerk’s Office during normal business hours OR online at https://www.govote.ky.gov (candidate filings). Regardless if you pick up in the clerk's office or print from online, papers must be filed with the Adair County Clerk's Office by the close of business on June 4th, 2024.

QUESTIONS
Call the Adair County Clerk’s Office at 270-384-2801 OR email Lisa Greer at: lisa.greer@ky.gov OR Nadalie Inscho at: nadalie.inscho@ky.gov.

The Russell Springs Police Dept. is looking for information on a pickup truck (pic below) that was involved in a hit & run accident on Wednesday, May 1, 2024. If anyone knows driver or tag information, please contact the RSPD on Main Street in Russell Springs or by calling 270-866-3636.

FRANKFORT, Ky. (May 2, 2024) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear provided updates on economic development; Small Business Week; the groundbreaking for a new recycling center in Paris; and Mental Health Awareness Month. He also named everyone involved in making the 150th Kentucky Derby possible as this week’s Team Kentucky All-Stars.

Economic Development
Gov. Beshear recapped his recent travel to Germany and Switzerland to meet with leaders at existing Kentucky companies and businesses considering future investment in the United States. During his trip, the Governor talked with leaders from more than 100 companies that employ more than 15,000 Kentuckians across 80 facilities in the commonwealth. Gov. Beshear also visited more than 25 companies that employ tens of thousands of Kentuckians. Germany is one of the largest European investors in Kentucky, with over 90 companies operating in the state. He met with leaders from Mubea, Freudenberg Filtration Technologies, Henkel, Eberspächer Group and BFW Envirotec. Of the companies visited, 10 have their North American headquarters in Kentucky.

“Not only is it important to say thank you to these companies for employing Kentuckians, but I also want to thank the German and Swiss governments and people for being wonderful hosts during this trip,” said Gov. Beshear. “The commonwealth’s ties are strong, and I look forward to even more exciting economic and jobs investments in the years ahead.”

The Governor congratulated a vital Kentucky automotive manufacturer, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky (TMMK), on the company receiving a 2024 Corporate Investment & Community Impact (CiCi) Award from Trade & Industry Development magazine.

Gov. Beshear announced continued momentum within the state’s manufacturing sector as leaders at EPC-Columbia Inc., an industry-leading plastic injection molding company, will be expanding the company’s manufacturing operation in Lebanon with a $3.6 million investment creating 21 full-time, Kentucky jobs.

The Governor congratulated Epic Flight Academy on cutting the ribbon for its new FAA Part 147 aircraft mechanic school at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG).

Gov. Beshear highlighted new growth in Kentucky’s booming manufacturing sector as KOI Superior Walls announced plans to locate a new manufacturing facility in Boone County, a project that is creating 73 new full-time jobs.

The Governor announced further site and building development across the state as three Kentucky Product Development Initiative projects were approved for nearly $2.6 million in state funding.

Since the beginning the Beshear administration, more than 1,000 private-sector new-location projects have been announced, totaling over $30.6 billion and creating more than 52,700 jobs for Kentuckians.

Small Business Week
For National Small Business Week, Gov. Beshear emphasized the importance of small businesses in the commonwealth. Kentucky is home to more than 363,000 small businesses which employ over 700,000 Kentuckians.

“This week, we are recognizing all of the small businesses across our state, which are truly the backbone of our economy,” said Gov. Beshear. “We simply could not have achieved the incredible record of economic success we’ve had over the past few years without the support of these companies.”

The Governor highlighted several programs that support these businesses, including the Kentucky Small Business Tax Credit, the State Trade Expansion Program and the Kentucky Small Business Credit Initiative. To learn more about how Team Kentucky can help your small business, visit kyinnovation.com.

Paris Recycling Center Groundbreaking
The Governor joined community members in Paris Monday to break ground on a new recycling convenience center. The new recycling center will replace the current waste transfer station located in the West Side neighborhood. The new center will be away from residential areas. The project received $2 million in funding from Kentucky’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. Gov. Beshear and the General Assembly approved an additional $1.5 million for the project.

Mental Health Awareness Month
For Mental Health Awareness Month, the Governor highlighted the steps Team Kentucky is making to ensure Kentuckians can get the help they need and deserve. Since its launch in July 2022, the 988 lifeline, connecting those facing a risk of suicide, mental health distress or an addiction crisis to counselors who can help, has received more than 67,500 calls, 18,500 text messages and 13,000 online chats from Kentuckians. Calls are currently being answered within an average of 24 seconds, which is 8 seconds faster than the national average.

“In Kentucky, we recognize that it’s okay to not be okay,” said Gov. Beshear. “Thankfully, now we have more tools to help people when they need it. It is our job, based on our faith and values, to do everything we can to help our fellow human beings, and that’s exactly what the people who are answering the 988 hotline, and so many more, are doing.”

Team Kentucky All-Stars
Gov. Beshear recapped events that have been held leading up to the 150th running of the Kentucky Derby. Yesterday, the Governor joined leaders of Churchill Downs and the Ed Brown Society to sign a proclamation naming April 29–May 3 Ansel Williamson Week in the commonwealth and recognized the contributions of Black horsemen to Thoroughbred racing ahead of the Kentucky Derby.

Gov. Beshear also named everyone involved in making the Derby possible as this week’s Team Kentucky All-Stars.

“As record crowds come to Churchill on this historic event, I want to thank everyone across Kentucky for helping to make Derby so special,” said Gov. Beshear. “To everyone who is in any part of the hospitality that is the Kentucky Derby, from anybody taking bets at Churchill Downs to anybody trying to keep it clean to those working our hotels that are welcoming so many people to the servers in our restaurant workers: Thank you. Thank you for making this one of the most sought-after destinations and events in the world and helping us do it year after year.”

Adair County Fire Department was dispatched to a structure fire at 1:07amCT on Thursday morning, May 2, 2024 to 390 Dwight Curry Road, Columbia, KY.

Upon arrival, firefighters found a shed type structure fully engulfed in flames. Firefighters quickly extinguished the blaze; however, the structure was deemed a total loss. The fire was started from a controlled burn that the homeowner had started earlier in the evening.

There were 14 firefighters on the scene for approximately an hour and a half. No injuries occurred as a result of the fire. 

Assisting Agencies: Adair County E911 Center & the Adair County Ambulance Service

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, Russell County Judge Executive; Dr. Tim Woods, Extension Professor, University of Kentucky; and Ashton Potter Wright, Executive Director of 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: 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.

Leslie Cusinotta, age 44, of Columbia, KY was taken into custody the Adair County Sheriff’s Office on Wednesday morning. She was charged with Knowingly Exploiting an Adult by (greater than $300). She was lodged in 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."