On Thursday, July 16, 2026, Russell County Search & Rescue responded to a mutual aid request for 7 individuals stranded on an island near Rock House Bottom after rising water cut off their access to the shore.

Crews arrived on scene and safely transported all 7 individuals back to the bank before the situation escalated. No injuries were reported.

Rising water can happen fast, and what starts as a fun day on the river can turn into an emergency in a matter of minutes. If you’re heading out on the water, keep an eye on conditions, wear a life jacket, and let someone know your plans.

Great work by everyone involved today. This is exactly why mutual aid partnerships matter — many hands make quick, safe work possible.

Jamestown Mayor Regena Hinton has details on the meeting...

Superintendent Jason Faulkner tells Wave News what took place at the meeting...

FRANKFORT, Ky. (July 16, 2026) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear provided updates on a budget surplus and property tax rate decrease for the commonwealth, as well as economic development, transportation funding, efforts to clean up and redevelop brownfields, affordable housing, Recovery Ready Communities, the Kentucky Women’s Cancer Screening Program, the 988 suicide and crisis lifeline, Pre-K Pilot Programs and Disability Pride Month. The Governor named Owen County native John Brumback as this week’s Team Kentucky All-Star following Brumback’s recognition as the Best Bank Pool Player in American History by the Best in Billiards.

7th Consecutive Budget Surplus, Property Tax Rate Decrease
Following a report from the Office of the State Budget Director that General Fund receipts for fiscal year 2026 saw a 1.7% increase, marking the seventh consecutive budget surplus for the commonwealth, Gov. Beshear recognized the opportunities this provides the state, including for the General Assembly to address some of its budget cuts to critical programs like the Department for Community Based Services, Medicaid, senior meals and more. The report is unexpected good news after the official budget estimate in December 2025 called for a $156 million revenue shortfall. For more, see the full release.

In more good news, the Governor announced the commonwealth’s real property tax rate has dropped for the sixth consecutive year, decreasing to 10.3 cents per $100 of assessed value in 2026, which will help Kentucky families save money when prices are too high.

Economic Development
Gov. Beshear highlighted continued economic success across the commonwealth as two Kentucky counties were recognized in the top 20 per capita and one county in the top 20 for total projects in Site Selection magazine’s rankings of America’s Best Counties released this week.

Last week, Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman joined local officials and leadership from Zotefoams to cut the ribbon on the $13.8 million expansion of the company’s North American headquarters in Walton. This year also represents Zotefoams’ 25th anniversary of its operations in Northern Kentucky.

Funding for Transportation Upgrades
Gov. Beshear announced that Team Kentucky has secured three federal grants totaling $73 million to increase designated truck parking spaces at rest areas, replace the historic Singing Bridge in downtown Frankfort and expand Paducah’s main riverport. The funding is made available through the U.S. Department of Transportation. The Governor also thanked Kentucky’s congressional delegation for their support in the state’s receiving the funding.

Click here for a Good News update on the Singing Bridge project.

Funding To Clean Up and Redevelop Brownfields
Gov. Beshear announced that six Kentucky communities and agencies are set to receive $11.5 million in grant federal funding to assess, clean up and redevelop “brownfields” – industrial and commercial properties that are known or suspected to contain contaminants.

New Affordable Housing
Gov. Beshear provided an update on affordable housing that Team Kentucky is supporting across the commonwealth. In Western Kentucky, Team Kentucky is partnering with the Kentucky Housing Corp. to provide over $200 million to build nearly 1,000 rental units. This is the single largest housing announcement in Kentucky’s history. These funds are helping build 11 developments across four counties, all of which are now under construction. At one of the developments, Echo Trail in Bowling Green, the first building is available for leasing this month.

In Eastern Kentucky, Team Kentucky is supporting eight high-ground communities that are planned to provide more than 500 new homes out of the flood plain. At Skyview in Perry County, nearly 30 of the almost 100 planned homes are complete. Two Kentuckians closed on homes at Skyview today with more closings to come soon. Two of the high-ground communities are complete: Thompson Branch in Letcher County and the Wayland Community in Floyd County.

Recovery Ready Communities
To continue the work that has led to Kentucky’s four straight years of declines in overdose deaths, Gov. Andy Beshear announced today that Meade, Pike and Wolfe counties are now certified as Recovery Ready Communities. More than 2.2 million Kentuckians now have access to enhanced addiction treatment and recovery services across 42 counties certified as Recovery Ready.

Kentucky Women’s Cancer Screening Program
The Governor announced that the Kentucky Women’s Cancer Screening Program is receiving a 22% increase in funding from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This program provides breast and cervical cancer screening and diagnostic services at no cost to those who qualify. The number of women screened by the program has increased steadily since 2022. Visit the Kentucky Women’s Cancer Screening Program website to learn more.

Four Years of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline in Kentucky
The Governor recognized the four-year anniversary of the launch of the 988 suicide and crisis lifeline in Kentucky. In 2022, the Beshear administration implemented the easy-to-remember, three-digit mental health crisis hotline, which is available 24/7. Since then, trained counselors have answered over 155,000 calls, 33,000 text messages and 19,000 online chats from Kentuckians.

Team Kentucky has 14 in-state call centers – and staff at these centers answer the phone at an average rate of 25 seconds, which is 10 seconds faster than the national average. There has also been a 100% increase in calls routed to in-state community mental health centers since the launch of 988.

“These numbers represent thousands of people supported – and possibly, lives saved,” said Gov. Beshear. “I want to thank the team members at our community mental health centers who answer these calls, take the time to talk to our people, make referrals for services and make follow-up calls to ensure people know someone cares. Mental health is just as important as physical health. If you are struggling, you are not alone, and Team Kentucky is here to support you.”

Pre-K Pilot Programs
On Tuesday, Gov. Beshear announced the expansion of the Pre-K Pilot Programs to Franklin County Schools and Glasgow Independent Schools, bringing the total school districts served through the program to four. Since May, the Governor and his administration have increased childcare access for nearly 3,000 additional children across the commonwealth through two major announcements.

Disability Pride Month
The Governor recognized July as Disability Pride Month. This coincides with the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, which was signed into law on July 26, 1990. The Governor was joined by team members from the Department for Aging and Independent Living and the Department for Behavioral Health, Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities.

“Team Kentucky has made it a priority to ensure that people with disabilities have equal and accessible opportunities in healthcare, education, housing and more,” said Gov. Beshear. “Every single person should have the support they need to thrive.”

Team Kentucky All-Star
The Governor named Owen County native John Brumback as this week’s Team Kentucky All-Star following Brumback’s recognition as the Best Bank Pool Player in American History by Best in Billiards.

“Over the years, Kentuckians have proven their talent on the national stage. And now, one Kentuckian is being recognized in the world of billiards,” said Gov. Beshear. “Congratulations to John Brumback for this outstanding recognition and congratulations on being named this week’s All-Star.”

The following press release is from the Russell County Coroner's Office...

*****UPDATE*****

The scene is safe. Anyone asked to evacuate earlier can return to their residence. We would like to thank everyone for their cooperation and understanding. Highway 127 is now open.

Law enforcement personnel are currently on scene in the area of Basket Factory Road due to a barricaded suspect.

Highway 127 is closed between Telephone Drive and Woolen Mill Road and will remain closed until further notice.

Motorists are strongly urged to avoid the area, seek alternate routes, and follow all directions from law enforcement.

Updates regarding the situation and roadway closures will be provided as they become available. Please follow the Jamestown Police Department for the latest information.

Russell County Middle School is in the process of selecting its next principal, and your input is important. The School-Based Decision Making Council is seeking your feedback to help guide this important decision. All responses will be carefully reviewed and considered and will be collected anonymously.

Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts.

Link to Survey:  https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/RCMS2026


NOTE: The survey will close at 4:00 PM on Thursday, July 23rd.
 

Columbia, KY – Adair County Ambulance Service is proud to announce it has been awarded a Rural Health Transformation Crisis to Care: EMS Training Equipment Grant in the amount of $438,418.00. This significant investment will strengthen emergency medical education in south-central Kentucky and position the service to become a regional leader in EMS training. The grant will fund the purchase of advanced EMS training equipment, including high-fidelity patient simulators (mannequins) and high-fidelity patient simulation technology. These systems provide realistic, immersive training experiences that allow EMTs, paramedics, nurses, and other
healthcare professionals to practice complex medical emergencies in a safe learning environment before responding to actual patients.

Director Chad Wheet said the award represents more than an investment in equipment—it is an investment in the future of rural healthcare.

"This grant gives us the opportunity to build something that will benefit not only Adair County but our entire region," said Wheet. "Our vision is to establish Adair County Ambulance Service as a regional EMS training site where first responders and healthcare providers can receive advanced, realistic simulation training close to home. Rural agencies often face challenges accessing this level of education, and we want to help bridge that gap." Wheet also credited the dedication of the agency's employees for helping make the grant award
possible. "This achievement would not have been possible without the hard work and commitment of some truly outstanding employees," Wheet said. "Their willingness to invest countless hours in planning, developing ideas, and supporting the grant application demonstrates their commitment to improving emergency medical care throughout our region. This is a team accomplishment, and I couldn't be prouder of what we've achieved together."

The new simulation equipment will allow providers to train for a wide variety of medical emergencies, including cardiac arrest, trauma, pediatric emergencies, respiratory failure, obstetrical complications, mass casualty incidents, and other high-acuity events. By recreating realistic patient scenarios, providers can improve clinical decision-making communication, leadership, and teamwork in an environment that mirrors real-world emergencies. Looking ahead, Adair County Ambulance Service plans to pursue additional grant opportunities to expand the program even further.

"Our long-term goal is to develop a mobile simulation training program," Wheet added. "By bringing this technology directly to EMS agencies, fire departments, hospitals, and healthcare organizations across rural Kentucky, we can eliminate travel barriers and make high-quality training more accessible. We believe every first responder, regardless of where they serve, should have access to the same advanced educational opportunities."

The grant represents a major step toward building a sustainable regional training program that will improve provider readiness, strengthen partnerships among emergency services, and ultimately enhance patient care throughout the Commonwealth. Adair County Ambulance Service remains committed to innovation, professional development, and delivering exceptional emergency medical services. Through strategic investments in education and collaboration, the agency continues to advance its mission of providing the highest standard of care to the communities it serves while helping shape the future of rural EMS.

On Thursday, July 16, 2026, VFW Service Officer Doc Cook will be at Columbia VFW Post 6097 beginning at 10:00amCT. This service is available to any veteran needing help with a claim. Please bring your recent paperwork from the VA for any other claims. If you wish to apply for admission into the VA system, bring a copy of your DD-214.

Remember, this is for any veteran or spouse. Should you have any questions or concerns about your eligibility, "Doc" is the man you need to see. All it will cost you is a little time as the service is absolutely free. 

VFW Post #6097 is located at 500 Greenhills Road, Columbia, KY.

As part of the rehabilitation of the spillway gates at Wolf Creek Dam, both lanes of US 127 across the Dam will be closed  Thursday, July 23, 2026 from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Message boards will be placed at predetermined sites to provide additional information.

Accommodations will be made for emergency and school traffic as required.

American Bridge will turn off the message boards when the road can be opened should it not require the full duration.

7 days prior to the closure the message boards will show:

Screen 1        Screen 2          

US 127 @       Closed

Wolf Creek      July 23

Dam                8 AM- 4 PM

Day of the closure the boards will show:

Screen 1         Screen 2              

US 127            XX Miles (distance dependent on where board is placed)

Closed             Ahead   

FRANKFORT, Ky. (July 14, 2026) – The Kentucky State Police (KSP) invites Kentuckians to pull up a seat and join the conversation with the launch of its new podcast, Trooper Talk. Each episode will give listeners an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the agency through candid conversations with the men and women who serve while also offering crime prevention tips, public safety insights and information about career opportunities with KSP.

Trooper Talk will feature officers and employees from across the state, with two 20-plus-year veterans hosting the debut episode. Trooper Corey King, Post 16 Henderson, joins Trooper Scottie Pennington, Post 11 London, to pull back the curtain on their journeys as state troopers.

“Trooper Talk goes beyond the flashing lights and headlines to talk about the people behind the badge,” Trooper King said. “Every member of the Kentucky State Police has a story to tell – what inspired them to serve, the challenges they've faced, and the moments that have shaped their careers. Through real conversations, we hope listeners gain a better understanding of who we are and why serving Kentucky means so much to us.”

Future episodes will expand to highlight historic solved cases and revisit current cold cases – showcasing KSP’s investigative successes while encouraging the public to share information that could help bring long-awaited answers to unsolved cases.

Episode one of Trooper Talk, “Shining the Brass,” is available today on KSP's website, Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Episodes will be released every other Tuesday, with episode two, “The Great Honey Bun Fail,” being available July 28.

The Beshear-Coleman administration’s top priority is the safety of all Kentuckians. The Governor’s public safety actions are creating safer communities and a better Kentucky.

The 2025 Crime in Kentucky report, released last month, showed the second consecutive decrease in reports of serious crime in the commonwealth. From 2024 to 2025, reports of serious crime decreased by 8.14%.

Since Gov. Beshear took office, more than 2,700 officers have graduated from one of Kentucky’s law enforcement training academies. As of the beginning of this month, 1,876 officers have graduated from the Department of Criminal Justice Training Basic Training Course and 307 have graduated from the Kentucky State Police Training Academy.

To continue increasing the amount of law enforcement officers protecting the commonwealth and to support the work of KSP, the Governor recently signed Senate Bill 102 to make it possible for retired KSP troopers appointed to Trooper R Class or commercial vehicle enforcement to return and serve the agency within specific timeframes. 

In April, Team Kentucky broke ground on the Department of Criminal Justice Training’s new Madisonville campus. When completed, the $50 million project will house two buildings – a 42,800-square-foot classroom and administration building providing learning space, offices and recruit showers and changing areas, as well as a 30,625-square-foot high bay building, which will house an open training area, additional classroom space and gym equipment. The recently passed 2026-2028 state budget also allocates $13.1 million to construct a driving track at the new facility. The General Assembly did not include the full $64.8 million requested by the Governor in his executive budget proposal to construct both a driving track and an indoor firing range at the Madisonville facility. 

For four straight years, overdose deaths have decreased in Kentucky. In 2025, the commonwealth saw 22.9% fewer overdose deaths than the year prior. 

Since Gov. Beshear took office, fewer Kentuckians have returned to prison after their release. For two years in a row, recidivism rates in the commonwealth have decreased, meaning that nearly 70% of those released from state custody have not returned. 

In December, the Governor joined KSP and first responders in Mayfield to bring local agencies onto the new Kentucky State Police radio system. In his 2026-2028 executive budget proposal, Gov. Beshear requested funding to finish the project and ensure statewide coverage. The budget recently passed by the General Assembly did not provide the funding needed.

Last September, Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman joined KSP to break ground on a new, state-of-the-art Drivers’ Skills Pad at the agency’s training academy in Frankfort. The $2.7 million project will provide troopers, officers and cadets with a facility dedicated to safely practice and refine advanced driving techniques. 

In April of last year, Gov. Beshear was joined by members of the Cash family, the Kentucky law enforcement community and the Department of Criminal Justice Training to officially open the doors to the new law enforcement training facility named in honor of Jody Cash, who lost his life in the line of duty. The facility is a 42,794-square-foot facility with a 50-yard, 30-lane firing range designed for officers to learn intensive and specialized training that will support training all of Kentucky’s law enforcement agencies. 

As the Governor recommended in January 2022, $12.2 million was included in the state budget for KSP to purchase body cameras, which is the first time in the commonwealth’s history that funding has been allocated for this much-needed expense. 

For more information about KSP’s commitment to creating a better Kentucky by making the commonwealth’s streets safer, communities stronger and the nation more secure by providing exceptional law enforcement, 

The City of Russell Springs Utilities has issued a Boil Water Advisory for Hwy. 1870 beginning at 558 Hwy. 1870 to the Adair County line, including all side roads.

Until further notice, customers in the affected area should bring all water used for drinking, cooking, making ice, brushing teeth, and food preparation to a rolling boil for at least 3 minutes before use.

The City will notify residents as soon as the advisory has been lifted. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

The Adair Counry Board of Education met last evening in executive session for the yearly evaluation of Superintendent Jason Faulkner. The Board praised Faulkner for his performance as Superintendent. 

Wave News spoke to Supt. Faulkner following the meeting...

Russell County Judge Exec. Randy Marcum spoke to Wave News about the projects... 

The projects include work on West Sulphur Creek Road, South Todd Road, Half Acre Road, Beech Ridge Road, Pumpkin Creek Road, Decatur Road, Armilous Road, Sugar 2 Road, Bates Road, East West Wilson Road, Lakeway Hills, and two sections of Ramsey Creek Road.

On Sunday, July 12, 2026 the Adair County Sheriff's Office conducted a traffic stop that led to a drug arrest.
 

John Norton, 55, of Columbia was arrested and charged with the following:

• Operating a motor vehicle under the influence 2nd offense
• Driving on DUI suspended license 2nd offense 
• Possession of a controlled substance, 1st degree, 2nd offense (methamphetamine) and 
• No registration plates

On Sunday, July 12, 2026 the Adair County Sheriff's Office responded to Neat Hollow Rd in reference to a welfare check. Deputies located a vehicle parked near the roadway with a male slumped over the steering wheel.
 

Following a roadside investigation, David Miller, age 55, of Columbia was arrested and charged with the following:

• Possession of a Controlled Substance 1st degree, 2nd offense (methamphetamine)
• Possession of a Controlled Substance 1st degree, 1st offense (cocaine)
• Drug paraphernalia - possession and 
• Tampering with physical evidence.

The Kentucky Agricultural Finance Corp. (KAFC) approved eight agricultural loans totaling $1,483,476 for projects across the Commonwealth at its monthly board meeting, including a $250,000 BFLP loan in Russell County.

Beginning Farmer Loan Program (BFLP)
Seven Beginning Farmer loans totaling up to $1,233,476 were approved. Loan recipients were in Breckinridge ($141,151 and $112,500), Clinton ($232,000), Madison ($117,500 and $130,325), McCreary ($250,000), and Russell ($250,000) counties.

The BFLP is designed to assist individuals with some farming experience who desire to develop, expand, or buy into a farming operation. Beginning farmers may qualify for financing to purchase livestock, equipment, or agriculture facilities; to secure permanent working capital; for the purchase of farm real estate; or to invest in a partnership or LLC.

Large/Food Animal Veterinary Loan Program (LFAVLP)
One LFAVLP loan totaling $250,000 was approved for a recipient in Bourbon County.

LFVALP is designed to assist individuals licensed to practice veterinary medicine in Kentucky who desire to construct, expand, equip, or buy into a practice serving large animal producers, including goat, sheep, swine, and other smaller food animals.

For more information on KAFC participation loans, contact your lender or Bill McCloskey at Kentucky Office of Agricultural Policy at (502) 382-6093 or email kafc@ky.gov.

Lake Update: One step closer. Pumping is expected to begin Monday.

This past week, crews finished fusing and laying the pipeline from the Green River and completed setting up the pump. Pumping from the river is expected to begin on Monday.

Although we’ve had some much-needed rain, our lake level is currently down 16 feet, 5 inches.

As pumping begins, those who receive their water from Lake Liberty will be under a boil water advisory for at least one week as a standard safety precaution while the new water source is introduced into the system.

For the latest and most accurate updates, continue following the City of Liberty Facebook page. As always, Thanks for your patience and support

On Saturday, July 11, 2026, your local Russell County girls are heading to the STATE TOURNAMENT in Marion County! They are making HISTORY as the FIRST 8u softball team to qualify for the state tournament. Anything they do from this point forward is literally icing on the cake; we are so proud of them! They have worked so hard every day bettering themselves and their team. This week we even put in four practices in hopes that we can show the state what some small town girls from Russell County can do.

Show them your love and support by watching them on GC tomorrow. Our first game is at 11:45amCT. Here is the link - https://web.gc.com/teams/aWEKzo9htNTI/live?pid=Copy&c=team_share_link

Let’s go Lady Lakers!!

The following is an announcement from Russell County School Supt. Michael Ford...

I am pleased to announce that Mrs. Susan Stringer has been selected as the district’s new District Assessment Coordinator.

Mrs. Stringer brings many years of experience in education, including extensive classroom teaching experience and several years of administrative experience serving as both an assistant principal and principal. She holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in mathematics and is certified in K–12 school administration.

In this district-level leadership role, Mrs. Stringer will oversee state assessment and accountability programs, coordinate personnel services, support educator certification and recruitment efforts, and serve as the district’s primary liaison for School-Based Decision Making Councils. She will also assist with school improvement initiatives, data analysis, professional learning, educator preparation partnerships, grant opportunities, and other administrative responsibilities.

Mrs. Stringer has extensive experience coordinating state and local assessments, training staff, analyzing student achievement data, supporting teachers in using assessment results to guide instruction, and ensuring compliance with state requirements. Her background in instructional leadership, personnel management, accountability, and school improvement has prepared her well for the broad responsibilities of this position.

Mrs. Stringer is committed to supporting students and staff, strengthening district operations, and helping schools use data and effective practices to improve student outcomes.

Please join me in congratulating Mrs. Susan Stringer and wishing her continued success in her new role as District Assessment Coordinator.