You're invited to the Ribbon Cutting on Friday, Nov. 13th at 12:00pmCT...

FRANKFORT, KY (Nov. 10, 2026) — Modern gun deer hunting season opens Saturday, Nov. 14, 2026, and runs through Sunday, Nov. 29. Deer hunters have been afield since September with the opening of archery and crossbow seasons, but these 16 days comprise Kentucky’s biggest hunting season annually.

Boasting strong deer populations across the state, Kentucky offers many hunting opportunities for new and experienced hunters to provide a sustainable source of lean protein for the table or for food banks. Hunters reported harvesting more than 145,000 deer last year, down slightly from nearly 150,000 in 2024-2025, with modern gun season accounting for the most deer harvested annually.

“The opening weekend of modern firearms deer season is one of the most anticipated times of the year for many hunters across Kentucky,” said Ben Robinson, director of the Wildlife Division for the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. “The 2026 calendar has the season opening later than normal but we still anticipate a strong harvest statewide.”

Kentucky Fish and Wildlife offers a wealth of resources to assist new and experienced hunters alike. Learn about public lands available for hunting, season dates, licenses needed and more by going online to fw.ky.gov and searching under the keywords, “Deer Hunting.” View the 2026-2027 Fall Hunting and Trapping Guide online and download or print the guide as a resource to use in the field.

Following are tips for making the most of a trip afield:

LICENSES AND PERMITS

Hunting licenses and permits may be purchased online at Kentucky Fish and Wildlife’s website (fw.ky.gov) and at authorized license agents throughout the state. Licenses are available for residents and non-residents, youth and senior/disabled. A statewide or youth deer permit is also required for all license types. For season dates, detailed license requirements and other hunting regulations, visit the Deer Hunting section of the department’s website or view and download the 2026-2027 Fall Hunting and Trapping Guide.

HARVEST LIMITS

Kentucky is divided into four deer zones, based predominantly on the deer density of the counties in each region. Each zone has different method of take restrictions and harvest limits for antlerless deer, however a hunter may take only one buck a year in the state, regardless of zone. Consult the hunting guide for more information on the zone being hunted.

HARVEST MORE DOES

Hunters are encouraged to harvest more does this season, particularly in Zone 1 and 2 counties, to help improve overall herd health. A hunter may harvest an unlimited number of antlerless deer in Zone 1 using the statewide permit and additional deer permits. A hunter may harvest up to four antlerless deer in Zone 2.

Adequate doe harvests are critical for maintaining balanced, healthy deer populations. A balanced buck-to-doe ratio means a more intense rut chasing bucks that are more likely to reach their potential. Fawns are born in a more concentrated window improving recruitment. A balanced deer population helps reduce over-browsing, agricultural issues, and keeps roadways safer.

HARVEST REPORTING

Immediately upon recovery of a harvested deer, a hunter must fill out a harvest log consisting of game species, sex, county and date on the back of the hunting license or elsewhere and kept in their possession. Before midnight, each harvest must be reported to Kentucky Fish and Wildlife, even if the hunter is license exempt. Hunters can report their harvest by calling the department’s telecheck number at 1-800-245-4263, or by using the online My Profile portal at fw.ky.gov.

CHRONIC WASTING DISEASE (CWD)

Special restrictions apply to deer harvested in the CWD Surveillance Zone. Ballard, Breckinridge, Calloway, Carlisle, Casey, Fulton, Graves, Hardin, Henderson, Hickman, Laurel, Lincoln, Marshall, McCracken, McCreary, Meade, Pulaski, Rockcastle, Russell, Union, Wayne, Webster and Whitley counties are under carcass transportation and baiting restrictions in an effort to monitor and contain CWD. Hunters in Henderson, McCreary, Pulaski and Wayne counties also must take their harvested deer to a staffed check station or use a CWD Sample Drop-Off Site the first three days of modern gun season, Nov. 14-16.

Deer hunters outside the CWD Surveillance Zone can aid Kentucky Fish and Wildlife’s monitoring efforts by donating the heads of legally harvested and telechecked deer for free testing and aging through the voluntary CWD Sample Drop-Off Sites or CWD Sample Mail-In Kits.

HUNTER EDUCATION

Valid proof of hunter education certification is required for hunters born in 1975 or later. For new hunters without hunter education certification, a free one-year exemption permit is available. This permit allows a person to hunt as long as they are accompanied in the field by an adult who is hunter education-certified or born before 1975. Learn more on the department’s Hunter Education webpage.

KENTUCKY DEER & ELK APP

Introduced to Kentucky’s deer and elk hunters last year, the Kentucky Deer & Elk App allows users to see public land property boundaries, locate local processors and taxidermists, keep a digital copy of their license and get more information about the county they are hunting. This app is available for free download from the Apple App and Google Play stores.

SHOOT FOR SAMPLES

Until Jan. 18, 2027, every hunter who submits samples for CWD testing through a CWD Sample Drop-off Site or through a CWD Sample Mail-in Kit will be entered into the Shoot for Samples Giveaway. Hunters can enter the giveaway as many times as the bag limits allow. Prizes range from gift cards to gear thanks to the following sponsors – Copperhead Guns and Range, FirstChoice Firearms, and the Kentucky Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers.

VENISON DONATION SERVICES

Kentucky Hunters for the Hungry and Boone Brothers are excellent options for hunters who want to contribute to conservation and harvest additional does, but don’t need the meat themselves. Both organizations process and distribute venison to people in need in the communities where the deer were harvested.

FIGHT POACHING

Suspected illegal activity may be anonymously reported to Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Law Enforcement by using the “KFWLaw” smartphone app available for free download from the Apple App and Google Play stores. Tips can also be submitted by texting the keyword “KFWLaw” along with a message to 847411 (tip 411) or by calling 800-25-ALERT.

More information on any of these subjects may be found by visiting the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife website (fw.ky.gov). For questions, contact the department’s Information Center at 800-858-1549, or at info.center@ky.gov, weekdays 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (ET), except holidays.

Another boil water advisory from Columbia/Adair Utilities District...

The Russell County Board of Education has called a special meeting for Friday, Nov. 13, 2026, to address key academic planning items and recognize an outstanding local teacher.

The meeting will take place at 8:00 a.m. CT in Room 114 (Door 10 entrance) at the Russell County Schools Auditorium/Natatorium Complex, located at 2167 US-127 in Russell Springs.

A highlight of the agenda will be the formal recognition of Mr. Jason Davidson, a teacher at Russell County Middle School who recently received the Lilly and Mark Kurtz Educator Award.

Board members are also scheduled to conduct a comprehensive review of the 2025–2026 end-of-year assessment results, discuss ongoing school and district improvement planning, and receive an overview of Kentucky's new accountability system.

The meeting agenda includes two designated opportunities for public comments, along with standard opening procedures including the Pledge of Allegiance, a prayer, roll call, and agenda adoption.

Date Issued: 11/10/2026

Time Issued: 3:30pm

A BOIL WATER ADVISORY is in effect for all consumers on Short Street, Adair Avenue, and Spring Drive. The advisory has been issued due to a main line break.

Following such an event, the potential exists for bacteriological contamination of the water supply therefore this Boil Water Advisory has been issued as a precautionary measure.

Until further notice, boil all water used for drinking and cooking, bringing the water to a rolling boil for three minutes before using.

This advisory will remain in effect until the situation has been corrected and test results have shown the water to be of an acceptable quality.

For more information concerning the Boil Water Advisory, contact Bradley Miller at Columbia Adair Utilities District, 270-384-2181.

The Columbia Adair Chamber of Commerce has officially announced the details for the upcoming Christmas Home Tour 2026. Scheduled for Sunday, December 6, 2026, the festive event will invite community members to tour four distinct local homes across Columbia and Adair County from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM CST. Attendees are welcome to begin the tour at any of the featured locations.

This year's featured properties and homeowners include:

1. Luke & Morgan Sandusky: 146 Derby Drive, Columbia
2. Sandy Conover: 201 Fortune Street, Columbia
3. JD & Ellen Zornes: 705 Glenmary Drive, Columbia
4. Southern Nest Realty: 126 Will Walker Rd, Columbia

Tickets are $10 per person (aged 13 & older) and can be purchased either in advance or at the door. Advance tickets are available by scanning the QR code provided on event materials, though sales tax and processing fees will apply.

Participants will have the opportunity to get their tickets punched at each home to enter a grand prize drawing, as well as register at individual locations for additional door prizes. Additionally, complimentary refreshments will be provided courtesy of Southern Nest Realty. 

Local residents seeking help with home heating and cooling costs can access relief through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), administered across the region by the Lake Cumberland Community Action Agency (LCCAA).

The program features two main avenues of support: a Subsidy Component, which provides direct payments toward electric, gas, or bulk fuel bills during specific enrollment windows, and a Crisis Component, which offers emergency relief for households facing disconnect notices, critically low fuel levels, or extreme weather conditions.

Applications are handled locally through outreach offices in each county:

Adair County: (270) 384-2147

Casey County: (606) 787-9209

Clinton County: (606) 387-5880

Cumberland County: (270) 864-4386

Green County: (270) 932-7324

McCreary County: (606) 376-2608

Pulaski County: (606) 679-6203

Russell County: (270) 343-4565 or (270) 866-4565

Taylor County: (270) 465-6554

Wayne County: (606) 348-8481

For general inquiries, the LCCAA Central Administrative Office in Jamestown can be reached at (270) 343-4600 or online at lc-caa.org. Residents may also call the statewide Kentucky LIHEAP hotline at 1-800-456-3452 or the Community Action Referral Line at 1-800-244-2275.

The Kentucky State Police Foundation and Don Franklin Family have announced the successful conclusion of the Operation 369 Memorial Fund, raising $40,930 to honor the memory of Trooper Hayden Phillips and support his young family.

The fundraising initiative was launched with a specific, heartfelt mission: helping Trooper Phillips’ sons keep their father’s truck. Thanks to overwhelming community support and a generous $20,000 matching contribution from the Don Franklin Family, the fund surpassed its original financial target.

"Goal Exceeded. Mission Accomplished," the Kentucky State Police Foundation shared in a thank-you message to the public.

The funds raised will directly benefit Trooper Phillips' children and family, providing meaningful support in the wake of his service to the Commonwealth. 

Russell County Public Library has been selected as one of the inaugural recipients of the Kentucky Public Library Association (KPLA) Mini-Grant Program. The library was chosen for its proposed project, "The Makery Refresh," which aims to update and improve the library's existing makerspace.

The KPLA Mini-Grant Program is a new initiative designed to reinvest association resources directly into member libraries, supporting projects that strengthen library services and benefit local communities. Russell County Public Library is one of 16 libraries across Kentucky to receive funding in this first round of grants, which totals $45,000 statewide.

"We are incredibly grateful to KPLA for selecting our proposal," said the Library Director. "The Makery Refresh project will allow us to modernize our makerspace, making it even more accessible and valuable to our community. This grant will help us better support the creativity and learning of our patrons."

The funding will be used to procure new equipment, update technology, and reorganize the makerspace to better accommodate the needs of diverse users. The goal of "The Makery Refresh" is to make the space a vibrant, cutting-edge hub for innovation, creation, and learning for people of all ages in Russell County.

For more information about Russell County Public Library and "The Makery Refresh" project, please visit the library's website or follow them on social media.

Adair County Athletics has officially ushered in a new era for its football program with the appointment of Aaron Peck as Head Coach.

Known for his hard work, dedication, and deep ties to the local community, Coach Peck takes the helm with a strong vision for the team's future. Program leaders highlighted his passion for the game and commitment to developing student-athletes both on and off the field.

With deep roots in the program, Peck steps into the role ready to build on the school's gridiron tradition and push the Tribe toward new success.

"A new era begins today," the athletic department announced. #RollTribe

Russell County Judge Executive Randy Marcum shared his thoughts on data centers locating in the county following Monday's fiscal court meeting...

Judge Marcum says there has been some interest shown in locating in the county

The Columbia Planning & Zoning Commission will meet on Thursday, November 12, 2026 at 6:00 PM at City Hall.

AGENDA

1. MOTION TO APPROVE MINUTES FROM SEPTEMBER 10, 2026
2. DISCUSS SOLAR PANEL ORDINANCE
3. DISCUSS DATA CENTERS

CITIZENS COMMENTS:  LIMIT 3 MINUTES PER CITIZEN OR ORGANIZATION.

MOTION TO ADJOURN

The Columbia–Adair County Fire Department was dispatched at approximately 6:32 a.m. Sunday morning to 1008 Greensburg Street in response to a residential structure fire.

Upon arrival, firefighters found a two-story residence fully engulfed in flames. Crews immediately began fire suppression efforts and were able to contain the fire to the original structure, preventing it from spreading to surrounding areas. The residence was deemed a total loss.

The cause of the fire remains unknown at this time. No injuries were reported in connection with the incident. There were 15 firefighters on scene for approximately 2 hours.

Mutual Aid: Breeding Fire Department

Agencies Assisting: Adair County E911 Center, Adair County Ambulance Service, Columbia Police Department, Adair County Sheriff’s Office, Kentucky Utilities, Kentucky Red Cross

Press release from the Columbia Police Department...

The meeting is set for 3:30 p.m. CT (4:30 p.m. ET) in the room above the pool at the Russell County Schools Auditorium/Natatorium Complex, located at 2167 Hwy 127 in Russell Springs. Attendees should enter through the main front lobby doors.  

During the session, committee members will review KRS 158.070 guidelines governing school calendars, explore calendar planning options for the 2027–2028 academic year, and discuss survey and input options for community feedback. The agenda also includes a period for public comments.  

School officials noted that this is a meeting of the District Calendar Committee and not a formal meeting of the Russell County Board of Education.  
 

The Adair County Sheriff’s Office recently shared a message of appreciation to Tractor Supply Co. following a $250 financial contribution toward the upcoming Shop with a Sheriff Christmas program.

According to the sheriff's office, community partnerships play a vital role in supporting local children and families throughout the holiday season. The generous donation will directly assist law enforcement efforts to brighten the holidays for families in need across Adair County.

Department officials expressed gratitude for the continued backing from local businesses, highlighting how contributions like Tractor Supply Co.'s help make a meaningful difference in the community.

The Russell County Fiscal Court will hold its regular meeting on Monday, November 9, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.  

The meeting agenda covers several key local matters, including standard department reports from the detention center and the sheriff's office. Fiscal court members are also set to review the treasurer’s monthly settlement report and address a proposed fund transfer of $100,000.00 from the general fund to the jail fund.  

Additionally, the court will hear a presentation from the Russell County Conservation District regarding the DAR program and vote on two resolutions: Resolution 26-12 concerning the LCADD Hazard Mitigation Plan and Resolution 26-13 regarding an ambulance paramedicine grant. Other items on the agenda include board appointments for the ambulance and extension boards, road changes, and any other business brought before the court.  

It was a championship-caliber weekend for Russell County cheerleading, with both the high school and middle school squads delivering stellar performances to punch their tickets to state.

On Saturday in Owensboro, the Russell County High School cheerleaders captured the Coed Traditional Division title at the KHSAA Region 2 Competition. The squad added a strong 3rd-place finish in the Large Game Day Division, successfully qualifying for the KHSAA State Championships in both categories.

The momentum carried over to Sunday in Glasgow, where the Russell County Middle School cheerleaders competed in the KAPOS 4th Region Competition. The middle school squad claimed 1st place in the Medium Traditional Division, securing their own berth at the State Championships.

Both state tournaments are scheduled to take place this coming December, with the high school teams heading to state competition and the middle school squad advancing to Corbin.

A Casey County jury has found Phillip Bruce Hadley of Columbia guilty of second-degree manslaughter in the shooting death of his son, Jordan Hadley.

After approximately four and a half hours of deliberations on Friday evening, jurors returned the guilty verdict and recommended a 5-year prison sentence.

The shooting happened on January 13, 2026 at a residence in Adair County on S Hwy 55. Investigators said Hadley told police he shot his adult son with a .40-caliber handgun following confrontations and arguments earlier that day. Jordan Hadley later died at T.J. Sampson Hospital.

Bruce Hadley claimed self-defense during the trial, which was moved to Casey County because of a shortage of qualified jurors in Adair County.

Formal sentencing is scheduled for December 15, 2026 at 9 a.m. before Circuit Judge Judy Vance Murphy.
 

Date Issued: 11/8/2026

Time Issued:  9:15 am

A BOIL WATER ADVISORY is in effect for customers on Brockman Keltner Rd, Dick Grant Rd and Becam Rogers Rd. The advisory has been issued due to a main line break.

Following such an event, the potential exists for bacteriological contamination of the water supply therefore this Boil Water Advisory has been issued as a precautionary measure.

Until further notice, boil all water used for drinking and cooking, bringing the water to a rolling boil for 3 minutes before using.

This advisory will remain in effect until the situation has been corrected and test results have shown the water to be of an acceptable quality.

For more information concerning the Boil Water Advisory, contact Bradley Miller at Columbia Adair Utilities District, 270-384-2181.

Russell County Hospital has been honored with a 2026 Thoroughbred Award from the Kentucky Society for Healthcare Public Relations and Marketing (KSHPRM).

The statewide award recognizes RCH’s 2025 collaboration with Kentucky Secretary of State Michael Adams to host the Kentucky Businesses Against Trafficking (KBAT) Conference.

The local training brought together area businesses, law enforcement, schools, and healthcare providers to equip community leaders with vital tools to spot and prevent human trafficking.

Quick Highlights

Award:  2026 KSHPRM Thoroughbred Award

Partner:  KY Secretary of State Michael Adams

Initiative:  2025 KBAT Conference (Human Trafficking Prevention Training)

Audience:  Local law enforcement, educators, healthcare workers, and regional business leaders

Kentucky State Police and local law enforcement agencies are actively searching for two 16-year-olds who escaped from the Woodsbend Youth Development Center late Saturday evening.

State police identified the missing teens as Matthew Wren of Whitley County and Charles Orr of Grant County.

Authorities provided the following descriptions for the two escapees:

• Matthew Wren: White male, 5'9" tall, 125 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. He has pierced ears and a piercing on the right side of his nose.
   
• Charles Orr: White male, 5'11" tall, 142 pounds, with brown hair and blue eyes. He has multiple tattoos across his hands, arms, stomach, and legs.

Both teens were last seen wearing navy short-sleeve T-shirts, navy sweatshirts, khaki pants, white socks, and black shoes.

Law enforcement strongly advises members of the public not to approach either teen if spotted, but to contact authorities immediately.

Anyone with information regarding their whereabouts is asked to call KSP Post 8 at 606-784-4127. Confidential tips can also be submitted online through the official KSP website tip form.

The Adair County Sheriff’s Office is requesting the public’s assistance with an investigation involving vandalism at Little Cake Christian Church.

The incident is believed to have occurred between 8:30 PM on Thursday, October 29th and 2:00 PM on Friday, October 30th, 2026.

Anyone who may have witnessed suspicious activity in the area, has information regarding this incident, or may have surveillance footage from the surrounding area during this timeframe is asked to contact the Adair County Sheriff’s Office. Even the smallest piece of information could be helpful to this investigation.

Call the ACSO tip line at 270-385-1155 or the non-emergency line at 270-384-6466.

Deputy Tweedy is investigating the incident.

On Wednesday, November 4, 2026 at approximately 11:09pmCT, the Adair County Sheriff’s Office responded to a single-vehicle collision on Little Cake Road involving three juveniles. ?

Preliminary investigation indicates the vehicle was traveling westbound on Little Cake Road when it traveled off the roadway onto the right shoulder and struck a tree. During the collision, two of the juveniles were ejected from the vehicle.

The driver was identified as Zach West, and the passenger was identified as Dylan Blakey.

A 4-year-old female was transported to Norton Children’s Hospital for treatment. A 2-year-old male was transported to TJ Samson Community Hospital’s Just for Kids unit, while a 9-month-old juvenile was released into the care of family members.

The investigation and response involved the Adair County Sheriff’s Office, Adair County EMS, Adair County Fire Department, and Russell County EMS.

The Sheriff’s Office reminds motorists of the importance of properly securing children in age- and size-appropriate child safety seats and ensuring all occupants are properly restrained while traveling.