The following press release is from the Russell County Coroner's Office...

*****UPDATE*****

The scene is safe. Anyone asked to evacuate earlier can return to their residence. We would like to thank everyone for their cooperation and understanding. Highway 127 is now open.

Law enforcement personnel are currently on scene in the area of Basket Factory Road due to a barricaded suspect.

Highway 127 is closed between Telephone Drive and Woolen Mill Road and will remain closed until further notice.

Motorists are strongly urged to avoid the area, seek alternate routes, and follow all directions from law enforcement.

Updates regarding the situation and roadway closures will be provided as they become available. Please follow the Jamestown Police Department for the latest information.

Russell County Middle School is in the process of selecting its next principal, and your input is important. The School-Based Decision Making Council is seeking your feedback to help guide this important decision. All responses will be carefully reviewed and considered and will be collected anonymously.

Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts.

Link to Survey:  https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/RCMS2026


NOTE: The survey will close at 4:00 PM on Thursday, July 23rd.
 

Columbia, KY – Adair County Ambulance Service is proud to announce it has been awarded a Rural Health Transformation Crisis to Care: EMS Training Equipment Grant in the amount of $438,418.00. This significant investment will strengthen emergency medical education in south-central Kentucky and position the service to become a regional leader in EMS training. The grant will fund the purchase of advanced EMS training equipment, including high-fidelity patient simulators (mannequins) and high-fidelity patient simulation technology. These systems provide realistic, immersive training experiences that allow EMTs, paramedics, nurses, and other
healthcare professionals to practice complex medical emergencies in a safe learning environment before responding to actual patients.

Director Chad Wheet said the award represents more than an investment in equipment—it is an investment in the future of rural healthcare.

"This grant gives us the opportunity to build something that will benefit not only Adair County but our entire region," said Wheet. "Our vision is to establish Adair County Ambulance Service as a regional EMS training site where first responders and healthcare providers can receive advanced, realistic simulation training close to home. Rural agencies often face challenges accessing this level of education, and we want to help bridge that gap." Wheet also credited the dedication of the agency's employees for helping make the grant award
possible. "This achievement would not have been possible without the hard work and commitment of some truly outstanding employees," Wheet said. "Their willingness to invest countless hours in planning, developing ideas, and supporting the grant application demonstrates their commitment to improving emergency medical care throughout our region. This is a team accomplishment, and I couldn't be prouder of what we've achieved together."

The new simulation equipment will allow providers to train for a wide variety of medical emergencies, including cardiac arrest, trauma, pediatric emergencies, respiratory failure, obstetrical complications, mass casualty incidents, and other high-acuity events. By recreating realistic patient scenarios, providers can improve clinical decision-making communication, leadership, and teamwork in an environment that mirrors real-world emergencies. Looking ahead, Adair County Ambulance Service plans to pursue additional grant opportunities to expand the program even further.

"Our long-term goal is to develop a mobile simulation training program," Wheet added. "By bringing this technology directly to EMS agencies, fire departments, hospitals, and healthcare organizations across rural Kentucky, we can eliminate travel barriers and make high-quality training more accessible. We believe every first responder, regardless of where they serve, should have access to the same advanced educational opportunities."

The grant represents a major step toward building a sustainable regional training program that will improve provider readiness, strengthen partnerships among emergency services, and ultimately enhance patient care throughout the Commonwealth. Adair County Ambulance Service remains committed to innovation, professional development, and delivering exceptional emergency medical services. Through strategic investments in education and collaboration, the agency continues to advance its mission of providing the highest standard of care to the communities it serves while helping shape the future of rural EMS.

On Thursday, July 16, 2026, VFW Service Officer Doc Cook will be at Columbia VFW Post 6097 beginning at 10:00amCT. This service is available to any veteran needing help with a claim. Please bring your recent paperwork from the VA for any other claims. If you wish to apply for admission into the VA system, bring a copy of your DD-214.

Remember, this is for any veteran or spouse. Should you have any questions or concerns about your eligibility, "Doc" is the man you need to see. All it will cost you is a little time as the service is absolutely free. 

VFW Post #6097 is located at 500 Greenhills Road, Columbia, KY.

As part of the rehabilitation of the spillway gates at Wolf Creek Dam, both lanes of US 127 across the Dam will be closed  Thursday, July 23, 2026 from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Message boards will be placed at predetermined sites to provide additional information.

Accommodations will be made for emergency and school traffic as required.

American Bridge will turn off the message boards when the road can be opened should it not require the full duration.

7 days prior to the closure the message boards will show:

Screen 1        Screen 2          

US 127 @       Closed

Wolf Creek      July 23

Dam                8 AM- 4 PM

Day of the closure the boards will show:

Screen 1         Screen 2              

US 127            XX Miles (distance dependent on where board is placed)

Closed             Ahead   

FRANKFORT, Ky. (July 14, 2026) – The Kentucky State Police (KSP) invites Kentuckians to pull up a seat and join the conversation with the launch of its new podcast, Trooper Talk. Each episode will give listeners an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the agency through candid conversations with the men and women who serve while also offering crime prevention tips, public safety insights and information about career opportunities with KSP.

Trooper Talk will feature officers and employees from across the state, with two 20-plus-year veterans hosting the debut episode. Trooper Corey King, Post 16 Henderson, joins Trooper Scottie Pennington, Post 11 London, to pull back the curtain on their journeys as state troopers.

“Trooper Talk goes beyond the flashing lights and headlines to talk about the people behind the badge,” Trooper King said. “Every member of the Kentucky State Police has a story to tell – what inspired them to serve, the challenges they've faced, and the moments that have shaped their careers. Through real conversations, we hope listeners gain a better understanding of who we are and why serving Kentucky means so much to us.”

Future episodes will expand to highlight historic solved cases and revisit current cold cases – showcasing KSP’s investigative successes while encouraging the public to share information that could help bring long-awaited answers to unsolved cases.

Episode one of Trooper Talk, “Shining the Brass,” is available today on KSP's website, Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Episodes will be released every other Tuesday, with episode two, “The Great Honey Bun Fail,” being available July 28.

The Beshear-Coleman administration’s top priority is the safety of all Kentuckians. The Governor’s public safety actions are creating safer communities and a better Kentucky.

The 2025 Crime in Kentucky report, released last month, showed the second consecutive decrease in reports of serious crime in the commonwealth. From 2024 to 2025, reports of serious crime decreased by 8.14%.

Since Gov. Beshear took office, more than 2,700 officers have graduated from one of Kentucky’s law enforcement training academies. As of the beginning of this month, 1,876 officers have graduated from the Department of Criminal Justice Training Basic Training Course and 307 have graduated from the Kentucky State Police Training Academy.

To continue increasing the amount of law enforcement officers protecting the commonwealth and to support the work of KSP, the Governor recently signed Senate Bill 102 to make it possible for retired KSP troopers appointed to Trooper R Class or commercial vehicle enforcement to return and serve the agency within specific timeframes. 

In April, Team Kentucky broke ground on the Department of Criminal Justice Training’s new Madisonville campus. When completed, the $50 million project will house two buildings – a 42,800-square-foot classroom and administration building providing learning space, offices and recruit showers and changing areas, as well as a 30,625-square-foot high bay building, which will house an open training area, additional classroom space and gym equipment. The recently passed 2026-2028 state budget also allocates $13.1 million to construct a driving track at the new facility. The General Assembly did not include the full $64.8 million requested by the Governor in his executive budget proposal to construct both a driving track and an indoor firing range at the Madisonville facility. 

For four straight years, overdose deaths have decreased in Kentucky. In 2025, the commonwealth saw 22.9% fewer overdose deaths than the year prior. 

Since Gov. Beshear took office, fewer Kentuckians have returned to prison after their release. For two years in a row, recidivism rates in the commonwealth have decreased, meaning that nearly 70% of those released from state custody have not returned. 

In December, the Governor joined KSP and first responders in Mayfield to bring local agencies onto the new Kentucky State Police radio system. In his 2026-2028 executive budget proposal, Gov. Beshear requested funding to finish the project and ensure statewide coverage. The budget recently passed by the General Assembly did not provide the funding needed.

Last September, Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman joined KSP to break ground on a new, state-of-the-art Drivers’ Skills Pad at the agency’s training academy in Frankfort. The $2.7 million project will provide troopers, officers and cadets with a facility dedicated to safely practice and refine advanced driving techniques. 

In April of last year, Gov. Beshear was joined by members of the Cash family, the Kentucky law enforcement community and the Department of Criminal Justice Training to officially open the doors to the new law enforcement training facility named in honor of Jody Cash, who lost his life in the line of duty. The facility is a 42,794-square-foot facility with a 50-yard, 30-lane firing range designed for officers to learn intensive and specialized training that will support training all of Kentucky’s law enforcement agencies. 

As the Governor recommended in January 2022, $12.2 million was included in the state budget for KSP to purchase body cameras, which is the first time in the commonwealth’s history that funding has been allocated for this much-needed expense. 

For more information about KSP’s commitment to creating a better Kentucky by making the commonwealth’s streets safer, communities stronger and the nation more secure by providing exceptional law enforcement, 

The City of Russell Springs Utilities has issued a Boil Water Advisory for Hwy. 1870 beginning at 558 Hwy. 1870 to the Adair County line, including all side roads.

Until further notice, customers in the affected area should bring all water used for drinking, cooking, making ice, brushing teeth, and food preparation to a rolling boil for at least 3 minutes before use.

The City will notify residents as soon as the advisory has been lifted. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

The Adair Counry Board of Education met last evening in executive session for the yearly evaluation of Superintendent Jason Faulkner. The Board praised Faulkner for his performance as Superintendent. 

Wave News spoke to Supt. Faulkner following the meeting...

Russell County Judge Exec. Randy Marcum spoke to Wave News about the projects... 

The projects include work on West Sulphur Creek Road, South Todd Road, Half Acre Road, Beech Ridge Road, Pumpkin Creek Road, Decatur Road, Armilous Road, Sugar 2 Road, Bates Road, East West Wilson Road, Lakeway Hills, and two sections of Ramsey Creek Road.

On Sunday, July 12, 2026 the Adair County Sheriff's Office conducted a traffic stop that led to a drug arrest.
 

John Norton, 55, of Columbia was arrested and charged with the following:

• Operating a motor vehicle under the influence 2nd offense
• Driving on DUI suspended license 2nd offense 
• Possession of a controlled substance, 1st degree, 2nd offense (methamphetamine) and 
• No registration plates

On Sunday, July 12, 2026 the Adair County Sheriff's Office responded to Neat Hollow Rd in reference to a welfare check. Deputies located a vehicle parked near the roadway with a male slumped over the steering wheel.
 

Following a roadside investigation, David Miller, age 55, of Columbia was arrested and charged with the following:

• Possession of a Controlled Substance 1st degree, 2nd offense (methamphetamine)
• Possession of a Controlled Substance 1st degree, 1st offense (cocaine)
• Drug paraphernalia - possession and 
• Tampering with physical evidence.

The Kentucky Agricultural Finance Corp. (KAFC) approved eight agricultural loans totaling $1,483,476 for projects across the Commonwealth at its monthly board meeting, including a $250,000 BFLP loan in Russell County.

Beginning Farmer Loan Program (BFLP)
Seven Beginning Farmer loans totaling up to $1,233,476 were approved. Loan recipients were in Breckinridge ($141,151 and $112,500), Clinton ($232,000), Madison ($117,500 and $130,325), McCreary ($250,000), and Russell ($250,000) counties.

The BFLP is designed to assist individuals with some farming experience who desire to develop, expand, or buy into a farming operation. Beginning farmers may qualify for financing to purchase livestock, equipment, or agriculture facilities; to secure permanent working capital; for the purchase of farm real estate; or to invest in a partnership or LLC.

Large/Food Animal Veterinary Loan Program (LFAVLP)
One LFAVLP loan totaling $250,000 was approved for a recipient in Bourbon County.

LFVALP is designed to assist individuals licensed to practice veterinary medicine in Kentucky who desire to construct, expand, equip, or buy into a practice serving large animal producers, including goat, sheep, swine, and other smaller food animals.

For more information on KAFC participation loans, contact your lender or Bill McCloskey at Kentucky Office of Agricultural Policy at (502) 382-6093 or email kafc@ky.gov.

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!