Arby's is bringing its signature roast beef and curly fries to Columbia, taking over the former Kentucky Fried Chicken location on Dohoney Trace.

City Hall announced that local owner Manish Malhotra will begin renovations on the building within the next few weeks.

“We are excited about Arby’s being in Columbia, and the partnership that they will have with our community and the continued growth in our town,” said Mayor Hoots.

Operating under Inspire Brands, Arby’s has more than 3,000 locations worldwide. The City of Columbia will release further details regarding the opening timeline as they become available.

The Adair County Sheriff’s Department handled 818 emergency 911 calls and a busy slate of public safety duties in September 2026, according to the agency's monthly report.

During the month, deputies worked 20 traffic accidents, responded to 12 domestic abuse cases, addressed 22 animal complaints, and assisted 15 stranded motorists, alongside 4 alcohol or drug-related incidents.

Enforcement efforts yielded 38 arrest warrants served, 5 new criminal cases opened, and 14 criminal citations issued.

Judicial operations kept the department heavily engaged with 280 hours of court security provided, 72 civil process papers and 52 subpoenas served, 12 criminal summonses handled, and 9 out-of-county transports completed.

For further information, contact the Sheriff’s Department at 424 Public Square in Columbia or call (270) 384-2776.

BREAKING: ESCAPED WHITLEY COUNTY INMATE CAPTURED | Kentucky State Police say troopers captured Charles Blake Randle around 9 tonight.

He now faces charges of first-degree escape, first-degree assault of a police officer and attempted murder.

Authorities in Kentucky are actively searching for 42-year-old Charles Blake Randle, an inmate considered armed and dangerous who recently escaped from the Whitley County Detention Center.

Randle was awaiting trial on severe charges, including first-degree rape, first-degree sexual abuse, and incest.

Physical Description:
Race/Gender: White male
Height: 6 feet, 1 inch
Weight: Approximately 190 pounds
Hair/Eyes: Brown hair and hazel eyes

Anyone with information regarding Randle's current whereabouts or who sights him is urged to immediately contact their local law enforcement agency or Kentucky State Police Post 911 at 606-878-6622.

2026 Downtown Days lineup...

Kentucky saw a surge in voter registration last month ahead of the midterm elections, with more than 12,300 new voters added to the rolls in September, according to Secretary of State Michael Adams.

State Board of Elections data shows the 12,380 new registrations marked the highest monthly total recorded since 2024. Independent and third-party additions outpaced both major political parties during the month.

Overall voter registration totals remain heavily divided between the two major parties. Republicans account for 48% of the statewide electorate with 1,626,732 registered voters, while Democrats make up 41% with 1,373,500 voters. Voters affiliated with third parties or registered as independents total 388,992.

JAMESTOWN, Ky. — Safe Harbor Jamestown has promoted longtime employee Robby Bell to the position of General Manager.

Bell brings a decade and a half of hands-on experience to his new leadership role, having first joined the marina staff as a dockhand in 2010. Over the past 16 years, he has worked his way up through various operational facets of the facility, contributing to key projects such as the construction of the front row and assisting with daily dock management.

Most recently, Bell served as Marina Manager, where he oversaw the Ship’s Store, fuel dock, and boat rental operations.

Reflecting on his tenure, Bell noted that the marina has long felt like a second home, shaped by the strong relationships he has built with boaters and staff alike. His passion for the lake environment and working on the water initially drew him to Safe Harbor Jamestown, a commitment that leadership says positions him well to guide the facility into its next chapter.

COLUMBIA, KY. (10/04/2026) The Battle of Highway 55 trophy is returning to a familiar place -- Lindsey Wilson University.

The Lindsey Wilson football team played with all the qualities of a tight-knit family on the university's Family Weekend as the No. 12 Blue Raiders came back from three deficits to outlast No. 9 Campbellsville (Kentucky) University 30-21 in the annual Battle of Highway 55 on Saturday, Oct. 3, before a near-capacity crowd at Parnell Family Stadium.

Lindsey Wilson improved to 5-1 overall and 1-0 in the Mid-South Conference; Campbellsville fell to 4-1 overall and 0-1 in the conference.

Lindsey Wilson's balanced offensive attack was led by senior running back Davontaye Saunders of Eminence, Kentucky, who ran for a game-high 175 yards and two touchdowns and amassed a game-high 205 yards of offense; junior quarterback Tate Rice of Manchester, Kentucky, who threw for 214 yards and a touchdown; and sophomore kicker Jadan Burns of Gadsden, Alabama, who recorded a trio of field goals, including a game-long 42-yard kick with 1:52 left in the fourth quarter that helped put the game on ice.

Lindsey Wilson held Campbellsville to a season-low 193 passing yards, but the Tigers outgained the Blue Raiders 403 to 400 in total offensive yards.

The Lindsey Wilson defense, however, rose to the occasion when it mattered most. Lindsey Wilson allowed only two Campbellsville scores the five times the Tigers' offense crossed the Blue Raiders' 20-yard line, and the Lindsey Wilson defense intercepted Campbellsville quarterback Justyce Law four times, including twice by LWU senior defensive back Howie Gant of Louisville, Kentucky.

Lindsey Wilson has beat Campbellsville in 10 of their last 11 games to lead the series 12-5.

The Blue Raiders' next game is against No. 24 Georgetown (Kentucky) College at 1:30 p.m. CT on Saturday, Oct. 10, at Parnell Family Stadium.

Who: Kentucky State Police (KSP) and the family of Trooper Hayden Phillips

What: KSP will provide a livestream of Trooper Hayden Phillips’ funeral through this link.

When: Sunday, October 4, 2026, at 12 p.m. CST

Where: E.A. Diddle Arena, 1605 Avenue of Champions, Bowling Green, KY

Lake Cumberland State Resort Park is bolstering its culinary and hospitality operations, announcing a recruitment push for several permanent state government positions within its food service division.

Park officials are looking to fill key roles centered at the park’s popular Rowena Landing Restaurant, aiming to attract enthusiastic and dependable professionals who want to build careers in the hospitality industry.

The open positions feature state employee benefits, career growth potential, and the unique backdrop of working inside one of Kentucky’s premier resort parks.

The current state postings include:  
Park Chef 1 (Job #2605231): Targeted at culinary professionals with a background in quality food preparation, kitchen leadership, and high-standard guest service.
Cook 1 (Job #2605248): Focused on meal preparation, maintaining strict food quality standards, and ensuring smooth kitchen operations.
Cook 2 (Job #2605240): A role dedicated to preparing a diverse menu, assisting with daily kitchen execution, and upholding rigorous sanitation, cleanliness, and guest service protocols.
Park Worker 1 (Job #2605232): Seeking a motivated team leader focused on driving exceptional customer service experiences at Rowena Landing Restaurant.

Employment with Kentucky State Parks comes packaged with a comprehensive state benefits framework, including health, dental, and vision insurance options, paid time off, retirement plans, and employee discounts.  

Applicants interested in joining the team can review specific job duties, qualifications, and submit applications online through the Kentucky Personnel Cabinet Careers portal at careers.ky.gov.

The body of 31-year-old William "Levi" Bell, a missing Green County man last seen in mid-September, was discovered Thursday evening in Columbia.

A landowner found the remains at approximately 5 p.m. on property situated between Bomar Heights and the Adair Veterans Memorial Highway. Investigators had previously tracked Bell in the area on September 20 via trail camera footage and a nearby business's security camera.

Robin Lewis, coroner-elect, confirmed the recovery to the Community Voice. The remains have been transported to the medical examiner’s office to establish an official cause of death, though authorities have indicated that foul play is not suspected at this time.

Story from Community Voice (Sharon Burton) 

The Columbia City Council will hold its regular monthly meeting on Monday, October 5, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. at City Hall.

The highlight of the upcoming session is a scheduled closed-door executive session. Under KRS 61.810(1)(g), the council plans to enter a private discussion concerning a specific business proposal and potential economic development. State law permits closed sessions for these talks when open discussion could jeopardize the siting, retention, or upgrading of a business entity.

In addition to the executive session, the council's agenda includes approving minutes from the September 8 regular meeting, receiving reports from the mayor and council members, and an opportunity for public comments, limited to three minutes per speaker or organization.

A Russell Springs man was injured Thursday morning after being struck by an SUV while crossing a downtown street.

According to the Russell Springs Police Dept., James Withers was walking in a designated crosswalk when he was hit by a 2017 Jeep Patriot driven by Betty Ellis, also of Russell Springs.

The report states that Ms. Ellis was turning from Jamestown Street onto Main Street when she failed to see Withers in the crosswalk.

MEDIA ADVISORY: 
Kentucky State Police Release Arrangements and Procession Route for Trooper Hayden Phillips

Visitation - Saturday, October 3, 2026
Location: Living Hope Baptist Church, 1805 Westen Street, Bowling Green, KY 42104
Time: 10:00 a.m. -  6:00 p.m. CST

Funeral – Sunday, October 4, 2026
Location: E. A. Diddle Arena, Western Kentucky University Campus, 1605 Avenue of Champions, Bowling Green, KY 42101
Time: 12:00 p.m. CST

Interment (immediately following the funeral)
Location: Fort Williams/ Glasgow Municipal Cemetery, 303 Leslie Ave, Glasgow, KY 42141

Procession Route: (Traffic Advisory)
Citizens are welcome to show their support to the Family of Trooper Hayden Phillips by staging along the procession route. 
The funeral procession will travel from E.A. Diddle Arena, 1605 Avenue of Champions, Bowling Green, to Glasgow Cemetery, 303 Leslie Avenue, Glasgow, using the following route:
• Depart E.A. Diddle Arena and proceed onto Avenue of Champions.
• Turn right onto University Boulevard.
• Continue as University Boulevard becomes Kentucky Street.
• Continue along the US-68 corridor through Bowling Green toward Louisville Road and KY-446 East.
• Continue onto KY-446 East toward I-65.
• Merge onto I-65 North.
• Take Exit 43 onto the Louie B. Nunn Cumberland Parkway toward Glasgow/Somerset.
• Continue east on the Louie B. Nunn Cumberland Parkway.
• Take Exit 8 toward KY-3600 / KY-90 / Glasgow / Cave City.
• Turn left onto KY-3600 (Glasgow Outer Loop).
• Turn right onto New Bowling Green Road / West Main Street.
• Continue on West Main Street.
• Turn right onto Leslie Avenue.
• Proceed to Glasgow Cemetery, 303 Leslie Avenue, Glasgow, Kentucky.

State Police Safety Checkpoints 

Photo from our friends at the Times Journal 

From Police Chief Evan Burton