The next Chamber Monthly Luncheon will be held Thursday, February 13^t, 2025 at the Taylor County Extension Office, 1143 South Columbia Avenue. Campbellsville, KY. The featured speaker will be Taylor County Judge-Executive Barry Smith with the annual State-of-the-County update.

The February Luncheon is sponsored by the Taylor County Fair Association. Lunch will be catered by Brothers Restaurant and served at 12 noon Eastern Time. Advance tickets by reservation for the Luncheon are $15. Tickets at the door will be $17. 

RSVP by email peggy@campbellsvillechamber.com or call the Chamber Office at 270-465-8601. RSVP by 4 p.m. on Monday, February 10^th. It is very important to pre-register in order for the Chamber to get an accurate estimate for the caterer.

FRANKFORT, Ky., Jan. 27, 2025 – The Administrative Office of the Courts launched its scam alert webpage today to help protect Kentuckians from payment scams, including those involving fake arrest warrants and missed jury service. The webpage went live today during the Federal Trade Commission’s Identity Theft Awareness Week.

Explore the scam alert webpage and bookmark it to check back for alerts anytime at https://kcoj.info/CourtsScamAlert.

The new webpage aims to help the public stay informed of common fraud schemes, offers tools to help citizens protect themselves and provides an outlet for reporting fraud and getting further assistance. Among the resources on the webpage are a video about tactics criminals use to scam people to get money and personal information, a link to jury service information by county, a fraud fact and tip sheet, and contact information for reporting scams.

Administrative Office of the Courts
The Administrative Office of the Courts is the operations arm for the state court system and supports the activities of nearly 3,300 employees and 412 elected justices, judges and circuit court clerks. As the fiscal agent for the state court system, the AOC executes the Judicial Branch budget.

FRANKFORT, KY (Jan. 27, 2025) -This evening (Monday), Sen. Max Wise, R-Campbellsville, will make his first appearance as Senate majority floor leader on Kentucky Educational Television’s Kentucky Tonight program.

He will join host Renee Shaw and a panel of fellow legislative leaders, including Senate Minority Caucus Chair Reggie Thomas, D-Lexington; House Speaker Pro Tem David Meade, R-Stanford; and House Minority Whip Lindsey Burke, D-Lexington, to discuss part two of the 2025 legislative session.

What: KET’s Kentucky Tonight featuring Senate Majority Floor Leader Max Wise
 

When: 8:00pmET (7:00pmCT) Monday, Jan. 27
 

Watch: Tune in live at //KET.org/live or check your local listings for KET.

Viewers may join the conversation during the program by emailing kytonight@ket.org, using the message form on the KET website, or calling 1-800-494-7605. Please include your first and last name and your town or county.

Kentucky Tonight provides a platform for in-depth discussions on pressing public issues. After broadcast, programs are typically available on KET.org and via podcast on Apple iTunes or Google Android, within 24 hours.

803 South Columbia Avenue

01-22-2025

Call Received 1800

On Scene 1805

Control 1809

Leaving Scene 1845

Campbellsville Fire-Rescue was dispatched to a report of a structure fire at unknown area on South Columbia Avenue. Upon arrival, firefighters found a tractor on fire in a hoop barn with fire exposure to the hoop barn. Firefighters extinguished the fire and provided overhaul. No firefighter or civilian injuries were reported. 

Firefighters Responding: 16

Responding Apparatus: Engine 4 and Engine 1

Assisting Agencies:

Campbellsville Taylor County 911 Center

Taylor County Fire Department 

COLUMBIA, Ky. (January 21, 2025) - Kentucky State Police (KSP) Post 15 Troopers investigation into a reported assault leads to the arrest of an Adair County man.  

On January 18, 2025, at 5:23 A.M. CT, KSP Post 15 received a report of an assault at a residence on Kellyville Road in Adair County. The preliminary investigation revealed that Tyron Vanarsdale, 50, of Columbia, and his girlfriend were involved in a domestic altercation. Mr. Vanarsdale entered his vehicle and went to leave the property with his girlfriend standing near his vehicle. As Mr. Vanarsdale was leaving, he struck his girlfriend with his vehicle and left the property. The victim was transported to the hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

As a result of the preliminary investigation, Tyron Vanarsdale was arrested and charged with the following charges:

• Assault 2nd Degree 
• Wanton Endangerment 1st Degree
• Leaving the Scene of an Accident - Failure to Render Aid 

Mr. Vanarsdale was lodged in the Adair County Detention Center. Trooper Trey Binder continues his investigation of this case.

NASHVILLE, TN - The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers today (Friday, Jan. 17th) announced that it will waive day use fees at its more than 2,800 USACE-operated recreation areas nationwide in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, January 20.

The waiver covers fees for boat launch ramps and swimming beaches. The waiver does not apply to camping and camping-related services, or fees for specialized facilities (group picnic shelters) and events. Other agencies that manage recreation areas on USACE lands are encouraged, but not required, to offer the waiver in the areas that they manage.

Visitors are encouraged to contact USACE lake and river projects before visiting to ensure recreation areas are open. More information can be found at www.corpslakes.us.

The MLK Day fee waiver began in 2023 to honor the life and legacy of Dr. King, a national leader of the 1950s-1960s Civil Rights movement who continues to inspire the pursuit of civil rights today. MLK Day is the only federal holiday designated as a day of service to encourage all Americans to volunteer to improve their communities.

USACE also offers other fee-free days throughout the year to mark days of celebration and commemoration, including the USACE birthday; Juneteenth National Independence Day; Veterans Day; and National Public Lands Day.

The Nashville District welcomed over 23 million visitors in 2024 to its 10 lakes, 281 recreation areas and 1,760 campsites at 25 campgrounds. These lakes include Lake Barkley, Lake Cumberland, Laurel River Lake, and Martins Fork Lake in Kentucky; Cheatham Lake, J. Percy Priest Lake, Old Hickory Lake, Cordell Hull Lake, and Center Hill Lake in Tennessee; and Dale Hollow Lake in both Kentucky and Tennessee.

To discover a USACE Nashville District recreation site nearest you, please visit the district’s website at https://www.lrd.usace.army.mil/About/Districts/Nashville-District/ or www.recreation.gov.

COLUMBIA, Ky. (January 17, 2025) – Kentucky State Police (KSP) Post 15 Troopers have made an arrest in an ongoing sexual abuse investigation in Adair County. 

The preliminary investigation began on January 16, 2025, when KSP Troopers received a report that Nathan Rybicki, 21, of Columbia, was sending sexually explicit messages through social media platforms to a 15-year-old juvenile. Troopers also discovered that Mr. Rybicki had engaged in inappropriate sexual contact with the juvenile. As a result of the investigation, Troopers obtained information leading to the arrest of Mr. Rybicki, charging him with Rape 3rd Degree, Sodomy 3rd Degree and Procuring or Promoting the Use of a Minor by Electronic Means.

Mr. Rybicki was lodged in the Adair County Detention Center. Trooper Codie Ford is leading the investigation, which remains ongoing.

On Saturday morning at 7:37am Columbia/Adair-Knifley Fire Departments were dispatched to 5798 Knifley Road on a report of a structure fire.

Big Dawg News has learned that upon arrival firefighters found a residential two story home with fire coming out of the second story windows.

The fire quickly contained the fire to the second floor of this residence which received extensive damage.

The cause of this fire is unknown.

No injuries were reported at the time of the incident. 

Campbellsville Fire-Rescue was dispatched to a report of a residential house fire at 218 Wickliffe Avenue just after 10am this morning. Upon arrival, firefighters found moderate smoke coming from the roof on all sides. Firefighters extinguished the fire, searched for occupants and provided overhaul. The cause of the fire was related to a flu fire extending into the structural components of the house. No firefighter or civilian injuries were reported. 

Firefighters Responding: 12

Responding Apparatus: Engine 4, Engine 1, Engine 2, Truck1 and Chief 

Assisting Agencies:

Campbellsville Taylor County 911 Center

Kentucky Utilities

ATMOS

A Taylor County Grand Jury has returned indictments against several people. Indictments are legal accusations and do not determine guilt or innocence.

The delay in the mail continues in the Campbellsville, Lebanon, Greensburg and Columbia area, Big Dawg News has learned that the recent winter storm has shut down the main mail operation in Louisville stopping most all mail deliveries, the problem is not a problem of the local post offices, but a problem of getting people to work at the Louisville distribution center after nearly  9” inches of snow fell.

Big Dawg news has also learned many loads of mail are just sitting in Louisville waiting to be sorted and shipped into the Big Dawg area, once the mail jam is over local post office will be slamed with back logged mail and it will still take a few extra days to get the mail delivered.

CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. (January 7, 2025) - Kentucky State Police (KSP) Post 15 Troopers arrested an Adair County man last night on drug trafficking charges after a vehicle pursuit.

On January 6, 2025, at 10:26 P.M. EST, a KSP Trooper attempted to perform a traffic stop on a 2018 Ford Escape on Blue Hole Road in Taylor County for a traffic violation. The vehicle did not stop when the Trooper activated his emergency equipment, and a pursuit ensued. The pursuit continued onto Crooked Creek Road in Adair County, concluding when the vehicle left the roadway and entered a field. Upon termination of the vehicle pursuit, the operator exited the vehicle and fled on foot. After a short foot pursuit, Troopers apprehended the individual, identified as Bradley Dale Streeval, 46, of Knifley. 

Bradley Steeval was arrested and lodged in the Taylor County Detention Center. Mr. Steeval was charged with the following charges:

• Fleeing or Evading Police - 1st Degree (Motor Vehicle)
• Fleeing or Evading Police - 1st Degree (On Foot)
• Trafficking Controlled Substance - 1st Degree (Methamphetamine)
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
• Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon
• Wanton Endangerment - 1st Degree (Police Officer) (4 Counts)
• Criminal Mischief - 2nd Degree
• Speeding 26 or More Over Speed Limit
• No Seat Belt
• And other traffic violations

The case remains under investigation by Trooper Daniel Smith. Trooper Smith was assisted by other KSP Troopers, Kentucky Fish and Wildlife, Taylor County Sheriff’s Office and the Adair County Sheriff’s Office.

FRANKFORT, Ky., Jan. 5, 2025 – The public can check for court closures and schedule changes on the Kentucky Court of Justice website as the commonwealth experiences inclement weather this winter.

Weather-related closures and scheduling adjustments for judicial centers/courthouses in each county are determined locally by the chief circuit judge in consultation with the chief district judge and circuit court clerk. To check for closings and schedule changes, see the top of the Kentucky Court of Justice homepage at kcoj.info/KCOJhomepage.

For more information and to verify the operating hours of a judicial center/courthouse not listed on the homepage, please contact the circuit court clerk’s office in that county at kcoj.info/Counties.

As of this writing, the Administrative Office of the Courts is scheduled to operate on its regular schedule Monday, Jan. 6. If there are any changes, the AOC will issue an additional news release.

Administrative Office of the Courts
The AOC in Frankfort is the operations arm of the state court system. The AOC supports the activities of nearly 3,300 court system employees and 412 elected justices, judges and circuit court clerks. As the fiscal agent for the state court system, the AOC executes the Judicial Branch budget.

DUNNVILLE, Ky. (January 5, 2025) – Kentucky State Police (KSP) Post 15 in Columbia investigated an animal cruelty complaint reported in Casey County on Saturday, January 4, 2025. As a result of the investigation, fifty-four individuals have been charged for their involvement in the incident yesterday morning in the Dunnville community of Casey County. 

On January 4, 2025, at 11:10 A.M. EST, KSP Post 15 received a call from an individual stating an organized chicken-fighting event was currently active at a property on Riffe Creek Road. Troopers responded to the property and made contact with numerous individuals involved in a chicken-fighting event.

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Jan. 3, 2025) – Team Kentucky highway crews are geared up ahead of a forecast winter storm. Significant impacts, including hazardous driving conditions, are expected across much of the state beginning Sunday morning, Jan. 5, and continuing into Monday, Jan. 6. Travel impacts could extend beyond Monday due to ongoing cold temps. Kentuckians are encouraged to avoid non-essential travel, and exercise caution if on the roads by driving distraction-free and slowing down.

“When we receive a warning of significant and impactful weather, we want Kentuckians across the state to be prepared,” said Gov. Andy Beshear. “The same way state highway crews have their plans in place, I want to encourage every Kentuckian to do the same by monitoring the weather, avoiding unnecessary travel, and packing an emergency car kit.”

The National Weather Service (NWS) forecasts a winter storm will bring a mix of snow, ice and freezing rain across Kentucky with moderate ice accumulations anticipated in portions of the state, especially the north central region. Ice increases the risk of tree damage and power outages, which can further complicate travel and delay emergency response times.

“As this storm has continued to evolve and increase in expected severity, our crews will be relying on the public to avoid unnecessary travel so they can keep roads passable for emergency personnel. The threat of ice will elevate dangerous road conditions and increase the likelihood of downed tree limbs which pose a greater challenge to the state's snowfighting and emergency crews,” said Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Secretary Jim Gray.

KYTC maintains most roads, streets and bridges that are part of the State Highway System, including interstates, parkways, and U.S. route designations. KYTC operates on a four-tier priority system to keep people and commerce moving in the most effective way.

Emergency Car Kit Suggested Items For Drivers

• First aid kit
• Extra coat, gloves, and blankets or sleeping bag
• Non-perishable food and water
• Baby formula, diapers, wipes
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• Portable phone chargers
• Pet food, water, leash, bowl
• Medications
• Ice scraper and jumper cables
• Shovel, and a bag of sand or litter

What to Do if Traffic Signals are Not Working:

• Flashing yellow, proceed with caution
• Flashing red, treat as a stop sign
• No signal lights, treat as a 4-way stop

What to Do When a Downed Power Line is on the Roadway:

• Never touch or drive over a fallen power line; report the issue to the power company
• If a power line has fallen on your vehicle, STAY INSIDE, do not exit, and call 911
• Assume all downed power lines are live and DO NOT attempt to move

Visit snowky.ky.gov for snow and ice resources, like priority route maps, tips and highway district updates.