FRANKFORT, Ky. (June 25, 2026) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear announced further momentum within the state’s site and building development efforts as more than $6.1 million was approved to support future investment and job creation in Cumberland, Fayette, Madison, Russell and Scott counties through the Kentucky Product Development Initiative (KPDI).

“Our continued investment in site and building development initiatives is helping continue the economic momentum we are seeing across our commonwealth,” said Gov. Beshear. “Congratulations to these communities on their approvals. I look forward to seeing the future investment, economic growth and jobs they will help secure.”

The Burkesville-Cumberland County Industrial Development Authority is planning a multiphase development project in the Cumberland River Industrial Park. Phase 1 includes installation of waterlines and hydrants, sanitary sewer systems and manholes, gas line infrastructure, roadway construction, stormwater systems and associated site development activities. Phase 2 includes additional utility extensions (water, sewer and gas), roadway construction, stormwater infrastructure and site preparation necessary to expand the available industrial sites. The $1.4 million project was approved for nearly $1.3 million in state support.

The Central Kentucky Business Park Authority was approved for state funding to help with site preparation, infrastructure extension and improvement efforts at the Triple Crown Business Park located off Farristown Industrial Road. The Triple Crown Business Park, a regional business park located in Berea, has support from the city of Berea, Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government, Madison County Fiscal Court and Scott County Fiscal Court. The $5 million project was approved for over $4 million in state funding.

The Russell County Fiscal Court is considering purchasing 67 acres of industrial land that will enable the Russell County Industrial Development Authority (RCIDA) to market and attract new industries. Phase 1 was previously approved by the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority (KEDFA) in March. The RCIDA is now moving ahead with Phase 2 of the project, which involves the construction of an access road into the property that would provide immediate connectivity to U.S. Highway 127 and connect the property to the existing Industrial Complex. The over $1.4 million project was approved for nearly $789,000 in state support.

Currently, $35 million is available for projects entering the due diligence stage in the latest round of KPDI. The projects have been reviewed by a third-party, independent site selection consultant, which evaluated, scored and submitted project recommendations to the Cabinet for Economic Development. The cabinet will consider each project and complete the final stage of due diligence for a recommendation of funding approval by KEDFA in the coming months.

Including projects approved last month that use remaining funds, the two rounds of the previous iteration of the initiative have seen 152 approved projects statewide for over $147 million in funding. Including local contributions, these projects have generated nearly $638 million in investments in Kentucky’s sites and buildings portfolio.

To date, 51 companies have located on pilot PDI and KPDI funded sites, totaling over $5.7 billion in capital investment and creating over 7,400 new jobs.

The initiative is a collaboration between the Cabinet for Economic Development and the Kentucky Association for Economic Development (KAED). It provides state support for potential upgrades to sites and buildings across the commonwealth to ensure Kentucky remains a prime location for growing companies across all industry sectors.

Terri Bradshaw, president and CEO of KAED, noted the importance of the state's speed-to-market initiatives: “Kentucky’s continued economic development success depends on our ability to have investment-ready sites and infrastructure available when opportunities arise. KPDI helps communities take proactive steps to strengthen their competitiveness and better position themselves for future projects. These investments are critical not only for attracting new industry, but also for supporting long-term growth and opportunity across the commonwealth.”

To date, Gov. Beshear and the Kentucky General Assembly have allocated up to $220 million in funding for the initiative.

Site and building development projects are first evaluated by an independent consultant based upon all facets a prospective company would consider, from workforce availability, access to all infrastructure and detailed information on costs associated with development.

Learn more about KPDI at kpdi.ky.gov.

Investment in site development throughout Kentucky furthers what has been the best six-year period for economic growth in state history.

Since the beginning of his administration, Gov. Beshear has announced more than 1,300 private-sector new-location and expansion projects totaling over $50 billion in announced investments, creating more than 70,000 jobs. This is the highest investment figure secured during the tenure of any governor in the commonwealth’s history and $29 billion more than the next highest total.

Gov. Beshear has announced some of the largest economic development projects in state history, which have solidified Kentucky as the battery capital of the United States: AESC’s $2 billion, 2,000-job gigafactory project in Warren County; Ford Motor Co.’s $2 billion, 2,200-job commitment in Louisville, as well as its $2 billion, 2,100-job project at the Kentucky 1 plant in Hardin County; Shelbyville Battery Manufacturing’s $712 million investment, creating 1,572 jobs in Shelby County; and Toyota’s $1.3 billion investment in Scott County, among others.

In February, the Governor announced Kentucky once again set an all-time record for products shipped globally, with $50.6 billion in exports in 2025, representing a 5.65% increase over 2024.

Unemployment rates fell in all 120 counties between December 2024 and December 2025.

The Governor’s administration also secured the largest General Fund budget surplus and Rainy Day Fund. In 2023, Kentucky recorded over 2 million jobs filled for the first time ever and has stayed above that number ever since.

In addition, Kentucky has secured rating increases from major credit rating agencies Fitch Ratings, S&P Global Ratings and Moody’s Investors Service.

Earlier this year, Site Selection magazine ranked Kentucky in the top five nationally and second in the South Central region for economic development projects per capita in its 2025 Governor’s Cup rankings. In June, Area Development magazine awarded the commonwealth a Silver Shovel designation in its 2025 Shovel Awards, which highlight states for attracting high-value investment projects that will create a significant number of new jobs in their communities.

Gov. Beshear also announced a new initiative, called New Kentucky Home, to increase economic investment, attain and attract talent, and increase tourism across the state.

Information on Kentucky’s economic development efforts and programs is available at NewKentuckyHome.ky.gov. Fans of the Cabinet for Economic Development can also join the discussion at facebook.com/CEDkygov, on Twitter @CEDkygov, Instagram @CEDkygov and LinkedIn.

Morgan Sanitation has received a call about a customer getting a text message requesting payment on a bill from the Morgan Sanitation office. They want the public to know that they DO NOT solicit payment via text message. This is a scam, so please don't send any money or give out any personal information to the scammer!

On Thursday morning, June 25, 2026 at 10:30amCT, the Jamestown Fire Department was dispatched to a wheat field on fire on the 127 Bypass and Hwy 92.

First units on the scene found a fast moving fire. Engine 3, Tanker 62, and Brush 5 made a quick stop, burning about 5 acres. The fire was caused by a hay baler. Quick thinking of the equipment operator dumping a roll bale and others moving tractors and a combine, prevented other equipment from getting damaged.

Jamestown had 12 firefighters on scene for just over an hour.

The Columbia Police Department was dispatched to a complaint of possible child abuse and neglect on Wednesday, June 24, 2026 at approximately 11:46amCT at a residence in Columbia.

Upon arrival, Columbia Police Officers made contact with the grandparents, a parent, children, and other family members at the residence. During the investigation, officers discovered that four juvenile children had allegedly been locked inside a bedroom for extended periods of time.

As a result of the investigation, Columbia Police Officers arrested:

Layton Ziegler, 38, of Columbia – Criminal Abuse 2nd Degree – Child 12 or Under

Kelcie C. Wendry, 29, of Columbia – Criminal Abuse 2nd Degree – Child 12 or Under

Jennifer Akins, 52, of Columbia – Criminal Abuse 2nd Degree – Child 12 or Under

Ziegler, Wendry, and Akins were transported to the Adair County Regional Jail.

The investigation and arrests were conducted by Officer Trent Williams and Sergeant Trevor Foster. Assisting with the investigation was Assistant Chief Drew Conn, the Adair County Sheriff’s Office, and Adair County Child Protective Services.

The Columbia Police Department encourages the public, “If you see something, say something.” Anyone with information regarding criminal activity is encouraged to contact the Columbia Police Department Crime Tip-Line, Cally’s Line, at (270) 378-2259. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Make Plans to Help! 

One of the big topics at yesterdays Adair County Fiscal Court meeting was Data Centers.

Several of those in attendance at the meeting had come to voice their concerns with the possibility of the centers locating in the community. The court members seemed to agree with those that spoke before the court against them. It seems that as with the city of Columbia further debate will take place and ways to control and keep the centers out of the community are a priority. Even possible Zoning was brought up a way to prevent them.

The court members will review what information they have and further discussion will be held in the near future on the centers.

COLUMBIA, KY (06/23/2026) Courtney Carter, one of Kentucky's leading voices in college sport and higher education, has been named to lead Lindsey Wilson University's sport performance program.

Carter - who brings nearly two decades of experience in higher education, sport management instruction and college athletics research - will oversee Lindsey Wilson's sport performance major, which is the first in Kentucky and the second in the nation.

The program is designed to document, assess and strengthen learning that occurs through collegiate sport participation, giving student-athletes an academic framework for understanding what they learn through practice, training, competition, rehabilitation and team membership.

"It's exciting to be on the ground floor of this dynamic new academic program," said Carter. "This program gives students a way to study what they are already living every day through sport. It helps them understand how sport is science, how sport is education and how sport is art."

An emerging academic discipline

Sport performance is an emerging academic discipline that transforms the athletic experience into a rigorous form of academic study by giving student-athletes a way to turn competition into deeper learning.

"Sport performance recognizes that sport is more than competition," said Carter, who is one of the founding members of the national Sports Major Collective, which advocates for the sport performance major. "It is a place where students experience leadership, failure, resilience, ethical decision-making, teamwork and identity formation. This major gives them the tools to study, document and assess that learning."

Carter said the new major is especially focused on preparing students for careers in the multi-trillion-dollar global sports industry, while also preparing graduates for careers beyond sport.

"This major is the study of science, psychology, ethics and leadership," said Carter. "Those disciplines prepare students to work in the expanding global sports industry, but they also prepare students for the corporate world because many of the qualities valued by employers are developed through sport performance."

Grounded in theories of integrative learning, embodied pedagogy, ethical reasoning, intercultural competence and teamwork, sport performance provides students an academic framework in which they critically reflect on their practice, training, rehabilitation and competition experiences.

Connecting experiences to theory

Lindsey Wilson's 120-hour bachelor of arts degree includes 11 core courses, or 33 hours, and four electives, or 12 hours, that draw on the disciplines of business, communication, English, history, physical education, psychology, recreation, tourism and sport management, sport performance, and women's and gender studies.

The program will also include four practicum-style courses with 90 hours of structured participation and 750 minutes of classroom-based instruction, which mirror expectations of clinicals, internships and performance practicums in the university's other academic programs.

"Student-athletes have this concrete experience as members of a team, and in the major they are given the opportunity to reflect on and make meaning of that experience," said Carter, who played softball in college. "They do not just participate in sport, they study it. They connect their experiences to theory, data and research, and then use that feedback to grow as athletes, students and future professionals."

Before coming to Lindsey Wilson, Carter was an instructor of sport management at Campbellsville University, where she taught a variety of courses that included sport marketing, sport ethics, stress management, principles for wellness and psychology of sport.

Her research focuses on student-athlete success and retention, culturally responsive teaching and advising, and the sociology of sport.

Carter has presented at regional and national conferences. A Kentucky native, she earned a bachelor's degree in English from Centre College and a master's degree in physical education with a sport management emphasis from Eastern Kentucky University. She is pursuing a doctorate in sport management at Troy University.

FRANKFORT, KY (June 23, 2026) - Sightings of black bears have recently been occurring in neighborhoods, backyards, urban areas, and even on dash cams and doorbell cameras in areas of Kentucky not accustomed to seeing many of them. Biologists and game wardens with the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources want the public to know that this is normal bear behavior and encourage the public to learn more about Kentucky bears to better understand and live safely with them.

In late spring and early summer, young male black bears get pushed out of areas where they were raised in eastern Kentucky by older and more dominant male bears for mating season. These juveniles may wander up to several weeks or more into unfamiliar territory in search of food, good habitat and prospective mates before instinctively returning to the mountains by the fall. Bears can travel 20 miles or more in a day if left undisturbed, and Kentucky bears have been suspected of traveling as far away as Missouri in recent years.

“This is the time of year when young male bears are usually spotted outside of their normal home range in the mountain counties of eastern Kentucky,” said John Hast, Bear Program coordinator for Kentucky Fish and Wildlife. “These young bears are just juveniles and are easily scared and confused causing them to wander into populated areas because they don’t yet know any better. They may hide during the day and leave the area at night only to be reported being seen again a county or two away within a couple of days. Residents should keep their distance, remove all food sources and let the bear move on when he feels safe to do so.”

Black bears have a natural fear of people and dogs, and adverse encounters are extremely rare. Never approach or feed a bear and keep a safe distance away. If a bear is posing an immediate danger, a person should yell and wave their arms to look more threatening to scare him off or call local law enforcement immediately.

Residents of an area where a bear has been spotted should secure their garbage in a garage or other building, not leave pet food outside, and clean and securely store barbecue grills. These are all best practices in general for people to prevent problems with wildlife. Also, people should not use bird feeders in bear range or in areas where they have been recently observed. It is a violation of Kentucky law to feed bears or knowingly leave unsecured food available for them to consume.

The national website BearWise.org was established to help people live responsibly with bears. This easily-remembered website offers information and solutions to help individuals and communities coexist with bears, whether bears are just visiting or are permanent neighbors.

“Learning a little more about black bears will help keep any encounter in perspective and can ease any fears a community may have,” Hast said.

In Kentucky, hunting bears is regulated and limited to defined seasons in the established bear zones in eastern Kentucky to ensure a sustainable and healthy population.

For more information about black bears, visit the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Black Bears webpage on its website at fw.ky.gov, or visit BearWise.org. Bear sightings may be reported to the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Information Center at info.center@ky.gov, or at 1-800-858-1549, Mondays-Fridays, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., except holidays.

A boil water advisory is in effect for Cowan Road and Marcum Road in Jamestown, KY. There's also a boil water advisory for Tall Timbers Road to the end of Scott's Chapel Road, including all side roads.

Please boil all water used for drinking and cooking purposes, bringing the water to a rolling boil for at least 3 minutes. The advisories are in effect until further notice.

Adair County School Superintendent Jason Faulkner shares what took place at Monday evening's meeting...

Kentucky State Police Post 15 has released details regarding a two-vehicle collision on North Highway 127 on Sunday evening.

Police say it happened just after 5:30pmCT near the intersection of North Hwy 127 and Damron Creek Road when a Honda Civic, operated by 38-year-old Zulma Medina of Russell Springs, was traveling north on Hwy 127 and attempted to make a left turn onto Damron Creek Road. Medina turned into the path of a Jeep Wrangler traveling south, being driven by 63-year-old Paul “Todd” Wilson of Russell Springs.

Medina and a juvenile passenger were flown to a Lexington hospital for treatment of their injuries. A passenger in Wilson’s vehicle, 51-year-old Stacy Wilson, was transported to Russell County Hospital for treatment and was later released.

KSP Trooper Zach Giles is in charge of the investigation.

Due to the success American Bridge has had during today’s full closure of US 127 Road Closure at Wolf Creek Dam, next week’s closure is not required.

The closure requested for Monday, JUNE 29th is cancelled. The message boards will remain off/blank until the next closure date is confirmed. 

Just before 9:00amCT on Monday morning, the Jamestown Fire Department was dispatched to a vehicle fire at 1590 Hwy 832. O/S Engine 3 found a “feedlot “ truck fully involved, about 50 feet from a barn. Though the truck was a total loss, there was no damage to the barn or contents.

The JVFD had E-3, T-62, and T-4 O/S for about an hour, with 9 personnel responding. No injuries were reported; the cause of fire is unknown at this time.

The Adair Fiscal Court will meet on Tuesday, June 23, 2026 at 4:30pmCT at the Adair Annex basement meeting room.

AGENDA

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
PRAYER
CALL TO ORDER
ROLL CALL
                                
 1.  APPROVAL OF AGENDA
 2.  APPROVAL OF MINUTES 
         A.) Regular Called Meeting-May 26, 2026
         B.) Special Called Meeting-June 11, 2026
 
 3.  DISBURSEMENTS
 4.  REPORTS

         A.)  SHERIFF’S REPORT
         B.)  ROAD DEPARTMENT REPORT
         C.)  G.R.A.S. REPORT
         D.)  COMMITTEE REPORTS
         E.)  JAIL REPORT & JAIL BUDGET PRESENTATION
 
 5.  TREASURER 
         TREASURER’S REPORTS
         TREASURER’S MONTHLY REPORT

 6.  BUDGET TRANFERS
         A.)  LINE TO LINE TRANSFER
         B.)  FUND TO FUND TRANSFERS
                                                           
 7.  BUDGET AMENDMENT
 8.  COURT ORDERS
 9.  READING OF ROADS

10. ACTION ITEMS:                                   
         A. PERMISSION TO BEGIN PROCESS FOR DISSOLUTION OF HOSPITAL INCLUDING APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION AND PERMISSION TO ADVERTISE

         B. CONSERVATION DISTRICT REQUEST FOR DEAD ANIMAL FUNDS
         C. ADAIR COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY BUDGET PRESENTATION
         D. OPIOID CONTRACT COMMUNITY VOICE
         E. OPIOID CONTRACT ADAIR PROGRESS
         F. PERMISSION FOR JUDGE TO SIGN THE REVISED EVENT CONTRACT FOR 4TH OF JULY FIREWORKS
         G. REVIEW ROAD BIDS AND POSSIBLY AWARDMENT
         H. SHERIFF BUDGET AMENDMENT
         I. PITNEY BOWES CONTRACT DISCUSSION FOR COUNTY CLERK
         J. COMMERCIAL BUILDING INSPECTOR REQUEST
         K. PERMISSION TO WITHDRAW FROM TRIS PHARMA LAWSUIT
         L. PERMISSION FOR EARTHCACHE TO PUT EDUCATIONAL MARKERS ON HISTORIC COURTHOUSE
         M. PYE-BARKER QUOTE TO FIX THE FIRE ALARM IN THE ANNEX BUILDING
         N. ADAIR COUNTY EMS APPROVED AND SIGNED BUDGET
         O. SECOND READING OF FY 2026-2027 ADAIR COUNTY BUDGET
         P. PAM DAILEY AND LORA MORGAN REQUEST TO BE ON AGENDA TO DISCUSS DATA CENTERS
         Q. STATUS OF FISCAL COURT MINUTES
         R. REVIEW AND POSSIBLE AWARDMENT OF JAIL INMATE PHONE BIDS
         S. PERMISSION TO ACCEPT AND SIGN KNIGHT’S TECHNOLOGY MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT
         T. PERMISSION FOR SHERIFF TO SURPLUS THREE VEHICLES
         U. PERMISSION TO RENEW SONIC WALL CYBERSECRITY WITH KNIGHTS TECHNOLOGY
         V. PERMISSION FOR JUDGE TO SIGN 911 PHONE SOFTWARE UPGRADE GRANT
 
11. OTHER BUSINESS
12. PUBLIC COMMENTS
13. ADJOURN

Kentucky State Police (KSP) Post 15 Troopers responded to a two-vehicle injury collision on KY 61, near Blue Ridge Circle, in Adair County, just after 4:30 P.M. CDT yesterday afternoon.

The preliminary investigation revealed that Wayne Werth, 56, of Columbia, was traveling south on KY 61 in a 2018 Cadillac XT5.  Mr. Werth crossed the centerline and entered the northbound lane of KY 61 into the path of a 2008 Jeep Liberty traveling north on KY 61, operated by a 16-year-old juvenile.  The juvenile attempted to avoid the collision by steering maneuvers but was unable to do so.  

Wayne Werth and the 16-year-old juvenile were both pronounced deceased at the scene by the Adair County Coroner.  

KSP Post 15 Troopers were assisted at the scene by the Adair County Sheriff's Office, Adair County Fire/EMS, and Adair County Coroner’s Office.  Senior Trooper Trevor Sagrecy is investigating the collision.
 

The Adair County School Board will have a Special Called Meeting on Monday, June 22, 2026 at 5:00 PM at the Adair County Board of Education, 1204 Greensburg Street, Columbia, KY.

AGENDA
1. Call to Order
2. Pledge of Allegiance
3. Prayer
4. Approval of Agenda
5. Approval of Consent Agenda

5.1. Approval of Minutes
5.2. Approval of Treasurer's Report
5.3. Approval of Payment of Bills
5.4. Approval of Pledge of Collateral
5.5. Permission to apply and submit approval of Federal Assurances for all Federal Grants
5.6. Approval of emergency certification to hire an Adair County High School English teacher
5.7. Acknowledgement of 2026-2027 Indirect Cost rates
5.8. Approval of the 26/27 renewal of the student accident insurance policy in the amount of $56,349.59
5.9. Acknowledgement of Personnel Action

6. Superintendent's Report
7. Approval to create an additional Home Hospital teacher position
8. Approval of KSBA Annual Policy and Procedures updates
9. Approval of Revision of the District's Capitalization Policy and Purchasing Procedures
10. Approval of Monthly Financial Statements
11. Approval to surplus buses
12. Building and Grounds Updates
13. Adjournment

The Columbia-Adair County Fire Department was dispatched at approximately 6:15 a.m. on Thursday morning to 665 Marlo Campbell Road in response to a reported structure fire.

Upon arrival, firefighters found a shed-style building fully engulfed in flames, with the fire having spread to a nearby mobile home. Crews quickly initiated an aggressive fire attack on the mobile home and were able to contain the fire to the original shed structure and the adjacent residence.

The cause of the fire remains unknown at this time. No injuries were reported. A total of 11 firefighters responded to the scene and remained on location for approximately two hours.

Agencies Assisting: Adair County E911 Center, Adair County Ambulance Service, Adair County Sheriff’s Office, Taylor County RECC, and Kentucky Red Cross

53-year-old Donald Auberry has been indicted for defrauding families...

Jamestown Mayor Regina Hinton spoke to Wave News followng Thursday's City Council meeting...