Campbellsville Fire-Rescue was dispatched to a report of a drowning on Sunday, June 4, 2023 around 5:30pmET at Green River Lake State Park. Upon arrival, firefighters secured the scene, interviewed the witnesses and deployed public safety divers. It was determined that a 37-year-old male was underwater and unaccounted for.

At approximately 6:30pmET, rescue efforts switched to a recovery operation. Sonar operations, dive operations and ROV operations was conducted until the early morning hours with no success due to the large amount of bottom debris. 

During todays operations, personnel conducted side scan operations and located a potential target and was confirmed with KYFW tow-fish sonar. Special operations divers deployed to the target locating the missing subject in 32 feet of water in heavy brush. 

No other civilian injuries were reported. One special operations diver did sustain a minor laceration during dive operations that required stitches.

The drowning is being investigated by Kentucky Fish & Wildlife and the Taylor County Coroner's Office.  

Firefighters Responding: 17

Responding Apparatus: Rescue 1, Squad 1, Squad 2, Squad 3, TSAR 1, Marine 1, Marine 2 and Chief

Assisting Agencies:

Campbellsville Taylor County 911 Center

Campbellsville Taylor County EMS

Taylor County Fire Department

Taylor County Sheriff Office

Taylor County Coroner's Office 

Ky Fish and Wildlife

Kentucky State Park Ranger

US Army Corps of Engineers and

Russell County Rescue Squad

Campbellsville, KY - On Friday, June 2, 2023, Gov. Andy Beshear joined local officials from Taylor County and leaders from INFAC North America, an automotive manufacturer that specializes in cables, antennas, horns, actuators and electric vehicle (EV) battery system assemblies, to break ground on the company's expansion in Campbellsville, which will create 220 Kentucky jobs with an investment of at least $53 million.

Taylor County Judge/Executive Barry Smith is encouraged to see a quality company expand its existing business in the community.

"This is a great day for Campbellsville and Taylor County," said Judge Smith. "We are excited to have INFAC expand in our community. INFAC's huge capital investment is a testimony to the excellent work ethic of our people."

Campbellsville Mayor Dennis Benningfield noted the strong local workforce and future potential this investment brings to Campbellsville.

"We are very excited to see the expansion of INFAC in Campbellsville," said Mayor Benningfield. "I want to thank them for making this large investment. Their decision to expand in Campbellsville speaks to the strength and dedication of their local workforce. We look forward to their future growth potential and the effect on our local economy."

Ron McMahan, executive director and CEO of Team Taylor County, is excited to see the job opportunities created by the project.

"We are honored to have INFAC expand their existing manufacturing facility in Campbellsville," said McMahan. "Their capital investment and job creation will have a tremendous economic impact on our community. It is always a great honor to have an existing business grow their presence in Taylor County."

"Our economy is only as strong as the companies that continue to invest and believe in what Kentucky has to offer," said Gov. Beshear. "INFAC North America has been a key contributor to the commonwealth's manufacturing sector for 15 years and will now play a role in supporting our rapidly growing EV industry. I want to thank company leadership for their continued presence and investment in Taylor County and look forward to their success in Campbellsville for many years to come."

The expansion project, located at the company's existing facility in Campbellsville, comes in response to growing customer demand to boost growth in North America and increase the company's global competitiveness. The $53 million investment will see the company add 125,000 square feet to its existing 110,000 square feet building for increased manufacturing capabilities. Additionally, the project will create 220 quality, full-time jobs for Kentuckians. This project marks the second expansion by INFAC North America at their Campbellsville facility since it was established in 2008.

"Since the opening of INFAC North America in Campbellsville, Kentucky, we've always been very happy with the excellent workforce and supportive local and state organizations," said INFAC Chairman Ohe Gil Choi. "When the time came for the next investment and expansion to prepare for INFAC North America, there were many options to consider, but it was an easy decision for us to invest in Campbellsville because we already knew how easy it would be to work with the local government, both at the state and county level, and how good the teamwork would be with the diligent, hardworking people of Taylor County."

Established in South Korea in 1969, INFAC specializes in the manufacture of automotive components such as control cables, solenoids, antennas, actuators and horns. Recently, the company expanded into the field of eco-friendly technology, adding EV battery and electrification-control systems to its list of products. In September 2008, the company established INFAC North America with its first production facility in the United States, located in Campbellsville. The company quickly outgrew the initial space in Taylor County and added an additional 110,000-square-foot assembly, manufacturing and warehouse facility in 2013.

To encourage investment and job growth in the community, the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority (KEDFA) in January 2023 preliminarily approved a 15-year incentive agreement with the company under the Kentucky Business Investment program. The performance-based agreement can tax incentives based on the company's investment and annual job and wage targets.

By meeting its annual targets over the agreement term, the company can be eligible to keep a portion of the new tax revenue it generates. The company may claim eligible incentives against its income tax liability and/or wage assessments.

In addition, INFAC North America can receive resources from Kentucky's workforce service providers. Those include no-cost recruitment and job placement services, reduced-cost customized training and job-training incentives.

Local and state officials gathered on Friday, June 2, 2023 for the dedication of the Rep. John "Bam" Carney Memorial Highway, which connects New Columbia Highway 55 to New Lebanon Road US 68. The project was started in the 1980s by former mayor Robert L. Miller, and years later, "Bam" Carney helped make this bypass a priority (and now a reality).

The new highway was dedicated Friday morning by Governor Andy Beshear, State Representative Sarge Pollock and Senator Max Wise. Bam's mother, June Carney and his son Ethan, unveiled the official sign.

Campbellsville Fire-Rescue was dispatched to a report of a drowning Wednesday afternoon at the Green River Lake State Park, upon arrival, firefighters found an unresponsive not breathing adult male on the shore with CPR in progress. CFD and CTCEMS initiated advanced life support care and transported the victim up a steep cliff to the medic unit.

The victim was identified as Noucho Vinsette Zentian age 43 of Elizabethtown Ky, Zentian was pronouced dead by the Taylor County Coroners Office.

No firefighter or any other civilian injuries were reported. The incident occurred at 3:42pm and is being investigated by the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife. 

Motorcycle versus deer accident was investigated Tuesday evening by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, sheriff Jimmy Clements told 99.9 The Big Dawg that his department received a call of the accident on Manton Road approximately (4) miles north of Loretto, responding deputies found that Joel K. Roberts (43) of New Haven had been operating a southbound 2003 Harley Davidson motorcycle when a deer ran onto the roadway and collided with his motorcycle, Roberts was ejected from the motorcycle and sustained a serious head injury. Marion County EMS treated Roberts at the scene prior to transport by medical helicopter to U of L Hospital where he died yesterday.

Deputy Sheriff Chris Jewell and Ben Lancaster investigated. Marion County Rescue and Loretto Fire assisted at the scene.

Campbellsville Fire - Rescue was dispatched to a report of a vehicle in the water with confirmed entrapment. Upon arrival, a special operations diver preformed a bounce dive locating the vehicle approximately 50' from the shore and in 12' of water.

The diver was able to was able to remove the victim identified as 69-year-old Rodney Dale Lewis of Buffalo, Kentucky from the drivers side door and brought to shore where CTCEMS initiated advanced life support procedures. Mr. Lewis succumbed to his injuries at the Taylor Regional Hospital Emergency Room.

Special operations diver then performed a secondary search of the vehicle and rigged the vehicle for removal for the wrecker service. No firefighter or any other civilian injuries were reported.  

Rodney Dale Lewis of Buffalo was pronounced deceased by the Taylor County Coroners Office.

A Taylor County man was arrested after leading the police on a chase Thursday afternoon, sheriff Dickie Benningfield told 99.9 The Big Dawg that deputy Andrew Regan attempted to stop Joshua Skaggs age 40 of Campbellsville when Skaggs fled, a brief stand off occurred in the Smith Ridge area, with Skaggs being armed with a gun, it was later discovered the gun was a BB gun, Skaggs was taken into custody and charged with fleeing police, reckless driving and lodged in the Taylor County Jail.

On Thursday, May 18, 2023 at 5:10 p.m. Campbellsville Police received a call of an auto collision with injuries on Kentucky 55 in the area of John Deere. 

A 2007 Harley Davidson motorcycle operated by 22-year old Ethan Sapp of Campbellsville was traveling northbound on Kentucky 55 in the area of John Deere.  According to witnesses, a vehicle in front of Sapp abruptly applied their brakes, at which point Sapp laid his motorcycle over causing it to slide across the southbound lanes of traffic. 

Sapp was transported to Taylor Regional Hospital by Campbellsville Taylor EMS and later flown to the University of Louisville Hospital in Louisville.

Date: Thursday, May 18, 2023             Time: 5:10 p.m.

Location: Kentucky Highway 55 in the area of John Deere

Agencies Involved: Campbellsville Police, Campbellsville Fire, Campbellsville Taylor-County EMS,  

Investigating Officers: Sgt. Adam Davis

Attorney General Daniel Cameron has won the Republican primary for Kentucky governor and will face Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear in November. Cameron was endorsed by former President Donald Trump and emerged victorious from a 12-candidate field that included former United Nations Ambassador Kelly Craft and state Agriculture Commissioner Ryan Quarles. Cameron would be the state’s first Black governor if elected. The race now shifts to the general election in November, when Beshear will face a tough reelection bid in the Republican-dominated state. The contest will test the strength of a popular Democratic governor who has forged an identity as consoler in chief.

A Taylor County man suffered a heart attack early Sunday morning while driving himself to the hospital.

 99.9 The Big Dawg news has learned that 57 year old John Kevin Simmons of Campbellsville suffered the massive heart attack and died behind the wheel on Lebanon avenue just before colliding with a tree about a 1000 feet from Taylor Regional Hospital.

The Taylor County Coroners office pronounced Simmons dead at the scene.

Campbellsville Police investigated

Early voting starts Thursday in Kentucky for the May primary election, early voting will take place Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 8am until 4pm at the Taylor County Fire Department on Greensburg Road in Campbellsville.

On Friday, May 5, 2023 at 5:29pmCT, Adair County 911 started receiving multiple calls of a 3-vehicle collision with injuries 2 miles north of Columbia. 

Campbellsville Police arrested a man on a warrant charging him with felony assault in regards to an incident on April 9th at the Skill Arcade in the Central Plaza, Chief Shannon Wilson told 99.9 Big Dawg News... 22-year old Jericho Ramsey of Campbellsville was arrested and is in custody after causing serious physical injuries to 35 year old Dustin Burton of Campbellsville.  Burton was airlifted to University of Louisville Hospital and remains in critical condition. 

Investigating Officers:  Det./Sgt. Nelson Bishop & Officer Ethan Ellis

Chief Shannon Wilson

On April 23, 2023 at 12:45am, Campbellsville Police Department responded to Dixie Pawn and Gun on Main Street, for a possible burglary in progress. Officer’s determined a male subject had forced entry through the rear of the business. The male subject left the business with three firearms. A short time later, Officer Chris Milby located the subject in the area. The male subject was identified as Joshua K Wilson. Wilson had all three firearms in his possession. Wilson was lodged in the Taylor County Detention Center. He was charged with Burglary 1^st, Alcohol intoxication in a public place, Public intoxication, and possession of burglary tools.

Agencies Involved: Campbellsville Police Department

Investigating Officers: Officers Chris Milby and Jeremy Burton  

Green County Emergency Services were dispatched on Friday to the Pleasant Valley community to an accident involving a back hoe loader, 99.9 The Big Dawg learned that when officials arrived on the scene they found 71year old Gary Caven unresponsive. 

A Herndon Ky man was injured after an accident Thursday morning on New Columbia Road, highway 55 at Joe Kerr Road in Taylor County, sheriff Dickie Benningfield told 99.9 The Big Dawg News that Kevin Hancock age 50 became choked behind the wheel and lost control of his 2021 Peterbilt and left the roadway and was ejected. Hancock was taken to Taylor Regional Hospital, the accident was investigated by Paul Pinson with the Taylor County Sheriff Department. 

A shooting at Anderson’s Pizzeria in Columbia on Campbellsville road is being investigated by police, Big Dawg News has learned that a fight broke out inside restaurant-bar, the brawl ended outside when a resturant employee was attempting to break up the fight and was shot, one other person was shot during the incident the injured were taken to the hospital and at least three people were arrested and lodged in the Adair County Jail after being arrested at the scene, the investigation continues, the case will go to the Adair County Grand Jury.

A shooting at Anderson’s Pizzeria in Columbia on Campbellsville road is being investigated by police, Big Dawg News has learned that a fight broke out inside restaurant-bar, the brawl ended  outside with one man shot three times and airlifted to an out of town hospital, one other person receive a head injury at the scene. at least three people were arrested and lodge in the Adair County Jail, the investigation continues.

FRANKFORT, Ky. (April 12, 2023) – Gov. Andy Beshear announced that on Monday, President Joe Biden approved his initial request for federal aid to assist with recovery efforts in 76 counties adversely affected by severe storms in early March.

“We thank the President and the federal government for once again coming to the aid of our commonwealth in the wake of severe weather,” Gov. Beshear said.

All reported storm damage from the 76 counties has been verified by Kentucky Emergency Management and validated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency to confirm eligibility based on county-specific thresholds. Several counties are still undergoing the verification and validation process. Once damage assessments are complete and eligibility is determined, additional counties may be added to the federal declaration.  

Federal funding is available to the commonwealth, eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes, flooding, landslides and mudslides.

The counties covered by the initial approval are Adair, Allen, Anderson, Barren, Bourbon, Breckenridge, Bullitt, Butler, Caldwell, Calloway, Carlisle, Casey, Christian, Clark, Clay, Crittenden, Cumberland, Daviess, Edmonson, Estill, Floyd, Franklin, Gallatin, Garrard, Grant, Graves, Grayson, Green, Hancock, Hardin, Harrison, Hart, Henry, Hopkins, Hickman, Jackson, Jessamine, Johnson, LaRue, Laurel, Lee, Lincoln, Livingston, Logan, Lyon, Madison, Marion, Marshall, Martin, McCracken, McLean, Meade, Menifee, Metcalfe, Monroe, Muhlenberg, Nelson, Nicholas, Ohio, Owen, Owsley, Powell, Robertson, Rockcastle, Simpson, Spencer, Taylor, Todd, Trigg, Trimble, Union, Warren, Washington, Webster, Whitley and Wolfe.

On March 3, the Governor declared a state of emergency in advance of severe storms that were forecast to cross the commonwealth. The storms, which produced violent thunderstorms, dangerous winds, flooding and several small tornadoes, killed five Kentuckians.

More information regarding the federal response can be found on the FEMA website.

The Taylor County Sheriffs Department investigated a two vehicle collision Tuesday morning on highway 210, sheriff Dickie Benningfield told 99.9 The Big Dawg News that an auto operated by Jackson Stinnett of Mt. Sherman was making a turn onto Noe Road when his vehicle was struck from behind by an auto driven by Amy Wilson of Campbellsville, both Stinnett and Wilson received minor injuries and refused medical transport,

the accident was investigated by Deputy Josh Patrick with the Taylor County Sheriffs Department.

UPDATE: Kentucky State Police Investigate Russell County Murder

UPDATE: While on routine patrol, Trooper Jake Smith saw a male individual walking on US 127 in Casey County that matched the description of Lee Maynard.  Trooper Smith stopped and made contact with the individual and identified him to be Mr. Maynard.  The warrant for Murder was served on Mr. Maynard.  Mr. Maynard was arrested and lodged in the Russell County Detention Center.  

On the night of April 5, 2023, at approximately 9:49 P.M. CST, Kentucky State Police (KSP) Post 15 received a call from Russell County 911 Center.  Russell County Sheriff’s Department requested investigative assistance regarding finding a deceased male inside a residence on Fox Lane in Jamestown.

KSP Troopers and Detectives responded to the scene and learned Charles Maynard, age 22 of Jamestown, had suffered fatal injuries from apparent gunshot wounds.  KSP launched an investigation and determined that Charles Maynard had been shot by his brother, Lee Maynard age 18 of Jamestown.  Lee Maynard fled from the scene prior to law enforcement’s arrival at the residence. 

An arrest warrant has been issued for Lee Maynard charging him with Murder.  Lee Maynard was last seen wearing blue jeans and a dark-colored sweatshirt and is considered armed and dangerous.

Anyone with information in regards to Lee Maynard’s whereabouts is urged to contact KSP Post 15 in Columbia at (270)-384-4796 or our hotline at (800)-222-5555.  Callers may remain anonymous when providing information pertaining to this case.

Detective Zach Scott, assisted by other KSP Troopers and Detectives, is continuing the murder investigation.

# # #

Lee Maynard

On 03/26/2023 Campbellsville Emergency Services were dispatched to a vehicle vs. pedestrian injury accident on Lebanon Avenue near Wildflower Drive. Through investigation Officers determined Eugene Lewis of Campbellsville stepped from the side of the roadway into the lane of travel of George Lapradd of Campbellsville. Lapradd attempted to avoid striking Lewis, but was unable to and struck Lewis with the side of his vehicle. Lewis was airlifted to University of Louisville Hospital for treatment for his injuries. Lewis is listed in critical, but stable condition.

The fire alarm sounded in Greensburg late Friday night, the location was the 1930's courthouse on Court Street, Greensburg Fire Chief Lawrence Gupton told 99.9 The Big Dawg News that the courthouse was struck by lightning during a thunderstorm causing a small fire in the Green County Sheriffs Department, wiring in the sheriffs department along with radio equipment received damage, the courthouse was closed Saturday due to the weather related incident. The alarm time was around 11:30pm ct.

Edmonton, Ky. (March 22, 2023) – The Kentucky State Police in Columbia received information from the Pulaski County dispatch of a strong armed robbery and theft of a vehicle from inside Somerset at approximately 10:34 a.m. CT.  The vehicle is a black Kia Soul and last seen on the parkway traveling west.  

Trooper Jamie Heller along with other Troopers from Columbia Post were given the vehicle information to attempt to locate on the parkway.  Heller was able to locate the vehicle traveling west on the parkway at a high rate of speed.  When Heller attempted to stop the vehicle, the driver identified as 32 year-old Matthew Cole of Madison, TN refused to stop and accelerated to speeds over 100 mph.  During the pursuit, Cole stopped his vehicle in the roadway and shifted to reverse ramming his vehicle into the front of Heller's police Tahoe.  Cole continued west where troopers with Columbia Post were able to successfully use tire deflation devices. Cole ran the vehicle off the right side of the parkway through a fence into a field.  Cole was taken into custody after a short foot pursuit.  Cole was lodged in the Adair County Jail and charged with the following:

1. Speeding 26 mph or greater
2. Reckless Driving
3. Operating on a Suspended License
4. Fleeing or Evading Police 1st Degree (Motor Vehicle)
5. Fleeing or Evading Police 2nd Degree (On Foot)
6. Resisting Arrest
7. Assault 3rd Degree Police Officer
8. Wanton Endangerment 2nd Degree
9. Recovery of Stolen Property
10. Armed Robbery 1st Degree
11. Theft of a Motor Vehicle over $10,000

Trooper Jamie Heller is investing and was assisted by units with the Kentucky State Police Columbia, Metcalfe County Sheriffs Office and EMS