A Russell County jury has convicted a local man on felony charges stemming from explicit messages sent to a teenager over social media.
Zachary Grider, of Russell Springs, was found guilty in Russell Circuit Court of using electronic means to induce a minor to engage in sexual activity, a Class C felony.
The conviction follows a December 28, 2024, arrest by the Kentucky State Police. Investigators determined Grider used social media to send sexually explicit messages to a 15-year-old victim. 

Following the guilty verdict, the jury recommended a 7½-year prison sentence. Formal sentencing by the circuit judge is scheduled for November 24, 2026.

 

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Sept. 14, 2026) — The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources continues to implement strategies during the fall hunting seasons designed to monitor and prevent the spread of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD).

 

The strategies are designed to both limit the introduction of CWD from other states and to alert wildlife officials to any new detections of the infectious disease, which is always fatal to white-tailed deer, elk and other members of the deer family.

 

Strategies include:

• A special antlerless-only season in the CWD Surveillance Zone
• Restrictions on transporting deer carcasses
• Restrictions on the use of certain types of feeders
• And sampling requirements, in some cases mandatory

 

“Kentucky continues to work hard in the fight against CWD,” said Ben Robinson, director of Wildlife for the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. “Every decision made is aimed at ensuring we maintain a quality deer herd for our children and grandchildren.”

 

Kentucky’s CWD Surveillance Zone currently includes 23 counties in four distinct areas where CWD was detected either in Kentucky or nearby in a bordering state. The counties are Ballard, Breckinridge, Calloway, Carlisle, Casey, Fulton, Graves, Hardin, Henderson, Hickman, Laurel, Lincoln, Marshall, McCracken, McCreary, Meade, Pulaski, Rockcastle, Russell, Union, Wayne, Webster and Whitley.

 

For a map of the surveillance zone (and information on CWD restrictions), see Kentucky Fish and Wildlife’s website at fw.ky.gov/CWD or the 2026-27 Kentucky Hunting and Trapping Guide.

 

THE FOLLOWING REGULATIONS ARE IN EFFECT FOR THE 2026-27 DEER HUNTING SEASON:

SPECIAL ANTERLESS HARVEST:  A four-day season, Sept. 25-28, 2026, will allow hunters in CWD Surveillance Zone counties also located in Deer Zones 1-3 to take antlerless deer. Firearms, bows or crossbows may be used during this season but only antlerless deer may be harvested. Zone bag limits apply, as do mandatory sampling requirements described below.

 

The season is double the length of last year’s two-day CWD Antlerless Season, when 576 deer were harvested in 14 counties in the CWD Surveillance Zone as it existed at the start of the 2025-26 season.

 

CARCASS TRANSPORT RESTRICTIONS: Chronic Wasting Disease, which is caused by misfolded proteins, is spread by deer via contact with infected bodily fluids (such as saliva, blood, spinal fluid, urine and feces) or through contaminated food, soil and water. It can be spread by live deer as well as by the movement of carcasses and high-risk carcass parts. To block the spread of the disease, the following restrictions are in place:

• Hunters can bring into Kentucky from other U.S. states or Canadian provinces only the following parts from any member of the deer family (deer, elk, moose, or caribou, etc.): deboned meat, antlers, antlers attached to clean skull cap, clean skulls, clean teeth, hides and finished taxidermy products. It is illegal to transport whole carcasses or high-risk parts (head, intact skull or skull cap with brain material, or spine).
• Hunters who harvest a deer inside Kentucky’s CWD Surveillance Zone can take only the following parts outside the zone: Deboned meat, antlers and antlers attached to a clean skull cap, clean skulls and teeth, hides, and finished taxidermy products. It is illegal to take whole deer carcasses and high-risk parts, including head, intact skull or skull cap with brain material, or spine outside the zone.

 

BAITING/FEEDING RESTRICTIONS: The baiting of deer is allowed with restrictions in the CWD Surveillance Zone. Hunters may use grain, corn, salt, minerals or other attractants intended to be ingested. However, contact-style feeders (such as troughs, funnels, gravity feeders without spreading capabilities, etc.) are prohibited.

 

Feeders such as troughs and funnel feeders are considered contact-style feeders because they encourage deer to come into close contact at a single point, increasing the risk of CWD transmission through contaminated body fluids and feces. Broadcast feeders are allowed because they scatter out the feed, spreading out the deer and potentially reducing direct contact. Hunters may still use scent attractants and deer urine products.

 

Note: Feeding and baiting are illegal on public lands at all times.

 

SAMPLING REQUIREMENTS: As part of monitoring efforts, Kentucky uses a variety of strategies to collect samples of harvested deer for CWD testing. Within the CWD Surveillance Zone, requirements depend on the season and county and may include mandatory in-person checks of harvested deer and mandatory drop-offs of deer heads or submission of a sample. Requirements apply to all hunters, including landowners, youth and license-exempt hunters.
 

• Mandatory drop-offs: Testing is mandatory for deer harvested during the special antlerless season Sept. 25-28, 2026. This requirement applies no matter what method of take is used. Hunters must drop off that deer’s head to an unstaffed CWD Sample Drop-off Site or submit a sample using a CWD Sample Mail-In Kit. To request a mail-in kit, go to the CWD Sample Mail-In Kit webpage. Hunters can request a kit ahead of the season.

 

A list of sites as well as instructions can be found on page 14 of the fall hunting guide or online at the CWD Sample Drop-off Sites webpage.

 

Note: Hunters in Zone 4 CWD Surveillance Zone counties – McCreary and Whitley – cannot use a firearm during those four days, are not restricted to antlerless deer, and do not have to drop off samples for testing.

• Mandatory check: All deer harvested during the first three days of modern firearms season (Nov. 14-16, 2026) in Henderson, McCreary, Pulaski and Wayne counties must be taken by the hunter to a staffed CWD check station in those counties. Stations will be open 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time. See the hunting guide or go online for the locations of the two staffed CWD check stations in each of those four counties. Hunters will need their Telecheck confirmation number, license information and harvest location (see the note below).
• Voluntary sampling: In CWD Surveillance Zone counties other than those four counties, Kentucky Fish and Wildlife staff will be at various processors during weekends of the modern firearms season asking hunters for voluntary samples.

 

Outside the CWD Surveillance Zone, testing is free and voluntary. Hunters can have their deer tested by dropping off its head at a CWD Sample Drop-off Site or by requesting a CWD Sample Mail-in Kit. Hunters who submit a head or sample for CWD testing using these two methods will be entered into the Shoot for Samples giveaway.

 

Hunters should be aware that they will need to provide a general harvest location when taking a deer for CWD testing. This information is critical for monitoring CWD over time and will not be shared publicly. The information is general in nature – i.e. a one-mile-square box on a grid – and thus won’t identify any hunter’s “spot.”

 

Hunters can find the grids online ahead of their hunt on the Know Before You Go webpage. To find their hunting spot, hunters can either type the address or enlarge the map, then click on that location. The grid ID appears as a seven-character number that includes two letters and five numerals. Hunters can also find their grid number using the KY Deer & Elk App available on Apple and Android.

 

For questions or to get more information about CWD, go online at the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Chronic Wasting Disease webpage or contact the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Information Center by emailing info.center@ky.govor calling (800) 858-1549 during office hours, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Eastern) weekdays.

The public can report sick or dead deer (and elk) by filling out an online form at Report Wildlife Disease or by contacting the Information Center.

 

 

There is a boil water advisory for Lakeway Drive in Russell Springs, KY starting at the intersection of Highway 127 to 570 Lakeway Dr., Cade Rd., Lake Trail Landing and Thrasher Court. Until further notice, boil all water used for drinking and cooking, bringing the water to a rolling boil for 3 minutes. 

 

The advisory is due to a water main break associated with the City’s ongoing water line replacement project.

 

Residents in the affected area should boil all water used for drinking, cooking, brushing teeth, and food preparation until the advisory is lifted.

 

 

An emergency response unfolded in Pulaski County on Sunday night when a three-vehicle collision at a busy intersection sent multiple people to the hospital.

 

First responders were dispatched to Traffic Light 25—the intersection of Highway 27 and Highway 914—following reports of a severe crash. Firefighters from the Burnside Fire Department had to perform an extrication to free one trapped victim through the rear hatch of their vehicle.

Somerset-Pulaski County EMS transported four individuals from the scene to the hospital. The extent of their injuries has not yet been released.

 

 

 

Russell County Judge Executive Randy Marcum talked with Wave News following the Monday morning meeting...

 

 

 

COLUMBIA, KY. (09/14/2026) Members of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6097 in Columbia are joining forces with Lindsey Wilson University to give veterans and their immediate family members a helping hand with higher education.

 

The post's members and friends have started the VFW Post 6097 Endowed Scholarship at Lindsey Wilson.

 

The need-based VFW Post 6097 Endowed Scholarship is open to an immediate family member of a U.S. military service member who died in the line of duty, known as a Gold Star family; a recipient of the Purple Heart, another military valor award or a recipient's immediate family members; a combat veteran; or a veteran's immediate family members.

 

Recipients of the scholarship are expected to maintain a minimum 3.0 grade point average on a 4.0 scale.

 

VFW Post 6097 Commander Russell Lunsford said he got the idea for the scholarship when he and his wife, Janice, supported an endowed scholarship of the late Lindsey Wilson Hall of Fame men's basketball coach Don Green, who Lunsford played for.

 

"It's an opportunity for us to help veterans with their higher education, their spouses and their children," said Lunsford, who is a 27-year Army veteran.

 

The VFW Post 6097 already sponsors college scholarships for graduates of Adair and Russell County high schools, but Lunsford said the post wanted to start a scholarship connected to Lindsey Wilson.

 

"The guys really like the idea of doing it," he said.

 

Lunsford, who attended Lindsey WIlson from 1969-70, gave former post Commander Joe Hare credit for helping turn the scholarship from an idea into reality.

 

"Joe had a big hand in it," said Lunsford. "He's how I get a lot of things done."

 

Hare said he was glad to play a part in creating the scholarship.

 

"A scholarship to help any veteran is a legacy well left by any of us," said Hare, a Vietnam War combat Army veteran who received the Purple Heart and attended Lindsey Wilson in 1968. "I said if this is a way we can help veterans, then that's what we need to do."

 

Lunsford said he likes that the VFW Post 6097 Endowed Scholarship also received contributions from area residents who are not military veterans.

 

"Anyone can contribute to it," he said. "It's such a great way to honor a member of the family or a friend who was a veteran and had a big influence on your life."

 

For more information about the Lindsey Wilson VFW Post 6097 Endowed Scholarship, contact LWU Director of Annual Giving Travis Smith '05 at smithtr@lindsey.edu or 270-384-8511.
 

The Adair County High School Marching Band brought home the top honor Saturday at the Governor's Gold Cup Marching Band Festival in Elizabethtown, earning the title of Chuck Smith Grand Champion.

Performing this year's production, "Out of the Shell," the Adair County Band delivered an outstanding performance and dominated the preliminary competition. The band earned first place in Class AAA, first place in percussion, first place in color guard and first place overall.

Adair County continued its success in finals, earning caption awards for Color Guard, Percussion, Musical Performance, General Effect and Visual Performance, with a tie with Taylor County in Visual Performance.

The achievement is especially meaningful for a program that has long embraced the traditional theme "Eyes With Pride." That phrase represents the pride generations of Adair County band members have carried onto the field while representing their school and community.

This year, that tradition of pride was displayed through "Out of the Shell," as students showcased their talent, discipline, creativity and dedication.

The Grand Champion award capped a tremendous day for the students, directors and staff who have dedicated countless hours to preparing this year's production.

But the season is far from over.

The Adair County Marching Band will be back in competition this Saturday at LaRue County High School for the Lincoln Invitational. Fresh off their Grand Championship in Elizabethtown, the band will take the field once again with "Out of the Shell," looking to build on the momentum of an outstanding performance.

The community is encouraged to continue supporting these talented students as they represent Adair County and carry on the tradition of "Eyes With Pride."

Congratulations to the Adair County Marching Band on an incredible Grand Championship—and best of luck at the Lincoln Invitational this Saturday!

 

 

Brandon Welch, an enginer with Ken-Virons Engineering who is the consultant firm for the city of RS on their water line replacement/upgrade project, spoke at the recent meeting of the Russell Springs City Council... 

 

 

 

A 13-year-old Russell Springs boy was seriously injured Saturday evening when his horse was struck by a vehicle on KY 80.

According to the Russell County Sheriff’s Office, Emanuel Yoder was riding near Goose Creek Hill around 7:30 p.m. when he was hit by a westbound vehicle driven by 53-year-old John Gosser.

Yoder was thrown from the horse and taken by Russell County EMS to Russell County Hospital with serious injuries. Gosser was not injured, but the horse had to be euthanized due to severe injuries.

 

 

A Russell Springs man was airlifted Sunday afternoon following a 2-vehicle collision at the intersection of U.S. 127 North, Jericho Road, and West Kentucky 76.

 

According to the Russell County Sheriff’s Office, J.L. Stargle was turning left when his Chevrolet S-10 was T-boned by an overtaking Ford F-250 driven by Jose’ Carmona of Nicholasville.

 

Mr. Carmona and his passenger were not injured. Mr. Stargle was extricated from his vehicle by Russell Springs firefighters and EMS before being taken to Russell County Hospital and subsequently airlifted. His passenger, Diane Radford, sustained minor injuries and was treated at the scene.

 

Photos courtesy of Russell Springs Fire Department 

 

 

 

FRANKFORT (Sept. 11, 2026) – The Kentucky Agricultural Finance Corp. (KAFC) approved 12 agricultural loans totaling $1,926,125 for projects across the Commonwealth at its monthly board meeting.

 

Agricultural Infrastructure Loan Program (AILP)

Three Agricultural Infrastructure loans totaling up to $285,000 were approved. Loan recipients were in Breckinridge ($75,000), Marion ($60,000) and Monroe ($150,000) counties.

 

KAFC participates with lenders to provide financing to producers making capital expenditures for agricultural projects through the AILP. Eligible projects include permanent farm structures with attached equipment that improves the profitability of farming operations. Producers may be eligible for up to $250,000 not to exceed 50 percent of the project.

 

Beginning Farmer Loan Program (BFLP)

Nine Beginning Farmer loans totaling up to $1,641,125 were approved. Loan recipients were in Adair ($90,000, $107,000, and $135,000), Franklin ($250,000), Madison ($200,000), Marion ($146,000), Monroe ($250,000), Russell ($250,000), and Union ($213,125) 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.

 

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.

 

 

A boil water advisory is in effect for Cooper Road in Russell Springs until further notice due to a water main break. The Russell Springs Water Dept. apologizes for the inconvenience and appreciates your patience while repairs are completed. 

 

Superintendent Michael Ford shares what took place...

 

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
• 39 violations

Community Assistance:

• 28 motorists assisted
• 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...