The Columbia Police Department was dispatched to a parking lot in reference to an assault that occurred on Saturday, September 12, 2026 at approximately 10:49pmCT. Upon arrival, officers investigated the incident involving a male juvenile victim. The juvenile was not injured during the incident.

Chance R. Burton, 27, of Columbia, KY was arrested at the scene without incident and charged with Assault 4th Degree (No Visible Injuries) and Robbery 2nd Degree. He was lodged in the Adair County Regional Jail.

Columbia Police Officer Dustin Bunch made the arrest. He was assisted by Columbia Police Officer Colton Nunn.

All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

The Adair County Fiscal Court will meet in special called session Friday, September 18, 2026 at 9amCT in the basement of the Adair County Annex, 424 Public Square, Columbia, KY. The public is invited to attend and observe. There will be no public comments since this is a special called meeting.

AGENDA

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

PRAYER

CALL TO ORDER

ROLL CALL     

1. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
2. DISBURSEMENTS-PAYROLL FOR SHERIFF’S STAFF
3. LINE TO LINE-POSTAGE FOR TAX BILLS
4. ADJOURN

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Sept. 15, 2026) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear signed an executive order establishing the Team Kentucky Medical Debt Relief Program, which will provide relief to more than 130,000 Kentuckians from $250 million in medical debt.

“Medical debt isn’t a choice – it’s what people are faced with after a serious accident, cancer diagnosis and more. Relieving this debt is the right thing to do to help Kentuckians who are overwhelmed by these extreme costs, which can cripple families for years, if not a lifetime,” said Gov. Beshear. “That’s especially true when medical debt results in bad credit, which can prevent families from securing the American Dream of owning a home. Unpredictable challenges shouldn’t be a barrier for a better future, and today we’re taking steps to help make sure that isn’t the case.”

Through his executive order, Gov. Beshear directed $2.5 million to Undue Medical Debt, a national nonprofit that has erased more than $49 billion in debt nationwide. The nonprofit acquires medical debt from participating hospitals and collection agencies, relieving debt for a fraction of the cost. For Kentucky, the breakdown equals $100 erased for every $1 spent.

“We’re proud to partner with Gov. Beshear and Team Kentucky to lift the financial and emotional burden of medical debt for families across the commonwealth,” said Undue Medical Debt Vice President of Government Initiatives Courtney Werpy Story. “No one chooses to get sick, get injured or face financial hardship simply because they needed healthcare. Thanks to this partnership, more than $103 million in medical debt has already been erased for over 46,000 Kentuckians, with letters arriving in mailboxes starting next week – one less bill to carry and one less source of stress. We hope this relief encourages Kentuckians to re-engage with the healthcare system, and we’re grateful for Gov. Beshear’s leadership as we continue this work.”

There is no application process for the Team Kentucky Medical Debt Relief Program, and debt relief cannot be requested. Eligible Kentuckians will receive an official medical debt relief letter from Team Kentucky and Undue Medical Debt. The letter will notify recipients of what debts have been erased and from which creditors. No further action is required of Kentuckians who receive a letter; however, it is recommended that the letter is kept for proof of debt erasure.

Beginning this week, the first 46,000 qualified Kentuckians will have up to $100 million in medical debt erased. Official debt relief letters will go out in the mail beginning next week to notify individuals included that some or all of their medical debt has been erased.

Joining the Governor for the announcement was Melissa Henry, a Kentuckian whose severe, chronic back pain led to multiple surgeries and appointments that loaded up thousands of dollars in medical debt. Henry shared how having a portion of that debt erased helped her move forward and find hope.

“No one chooses to get sick, and there is no shopping around to compare prices. Like thousands of other Kentuckians, I was opted into medical debt by illness and accident. Trying to focus on getting better, I had to choose between keeping the lights on and food in the fridge or trying to pay down the debt. It was a painful distraction keeping me from focusing on recovery. That debt followed me and affected my credit for years. It made it harder to buy a car, qualify for a mortgage; every loan I got had a higher interest rate. I delayed going back to the doctor even when I should have,” Henry said. “Undue Medical Debt erasing my debt gave me hope. Hope that there are people and companies that care more about human lives than money. Hope that someday no one will have to make an impossible choice because they can’t afford medical care.”

To qualify for the program, one must be a resident of Kentucky who owes at least 5% of their annual income for outstanding medical bills or earns at or below 400% of the federal poverty level, which is around $100,000 for a family of three.

For Additional Information
Relieving medical debt provides a fresh start for hardworking families who have lost their financial stability through no fault of their own. For more information on the Team Kentucky Medical Debt Relief Program, visit MedicalDebtRelief.ky.gov.

The boil water advisory for Harbor Springs Road through the end of Scotts Chapel Road, including all side roads, has been lifted. Water is safe for normal use.

The Lindsey Wilson University community will celebrate America's living document on September 17, 2026, with a roundtable discussion of the U.S. Constitution. The roundtable will be followed by a special bell-ringing ceremony to celebrate the oldest government blueprint still in use in the world.

At the roundtable, a trio of Lindsey Wilson professors will discuss the Constitution, each bringing the perspective of their respective academic discipline to the discussion: criminal justice professor Casey McGowan '14, political science professor Mattew Powers and history professor Lucas Somers.

The roundtable will be held at 3pmCT on Thursday, September 17, 2026, in the Thomas D. Clark Reading Room of the Katie A. Murrell Library. The event is sponsored by the Lindsey Wilson History Club in partnership with the Jane Lampton Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution in Columbia. It is free and open to the public.

Following the roundtable discussion, a bell-ringing ceremony will be held at the Alumni Victory Bell on the Campus Quadrangle, celebrating the day the Constitution was signed in 1787 by 39 delegates at the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia. The document was ratified by the states the following year, and it took effect in 1789.

Officially designated as Constitution Day and Citizenship Day by the federal government since 2004, September 17 is a federal observance that recognizes the adoption of the Constitution and those who have become U.S. citizens.

Somers said he hopes that Lindsey Wilson's celebration of Constitution Day will help people appreciate some of the document's nuances as well as clear up misconceptions about it.

"I want them to take away from the roundtable discussion what the Constitution is and what it isn't," said Somers. "I also hope that people will be able to better understand what the Constitution means to them."

Other events being held on campus to celebrate the Constitution include a voter-registration drive and a display about the Constitution in the Katie A. Murrell Library, which is located in the Holloway Building.

Because 2026 is a celebration of the semiquincentennial of the Declaration of Independence, the Lindsey Wilson event on Sept. 17 will also remind people of the differences between the two documents, both of which serve as a cornerstone of the republic.

"We want students to distinguish between the two," said Somers.

The RCHS SBDM Council meeting will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 16th...

Date Issued:  9/15/26

Time Issued: 10:45amCT

A BOIL WATER ADVISORY is in effect for all consumers on Butler Branch Road and all side roads. 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 Tourism Director Danielle Wilson discussed this year's Poker Run that was held this past weekend, and how they spent the time promoting Russell County...

A Russell County jury has convicted a local man on felony charges stemming from explicit messages sent to a teenager over social media.

Zachary Grider, of Russell Springs, was found guilty in Russell Circuit Court of using electronic means to induce a minor to engage in sexual activity, a Class C felony.

The conviction follows a December 28, 2024 arrest by Kentucky State Police. Investigators determined Grider used social media to send sexually explicit messages to a 15-year-old victim. 

Following the guilty verdict, the jury recommended a 7½-year prison sentence. Formal sentencing by the circuit judge is scheduled for November 24, 2026.

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Sept. 14, 2026) — The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources continues to implement strategies during the fall hunting seasons designed to monitor and prevent the spread of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD).

The strategies are designed to both limit the introduction of CWD from other states and to alert wildlife officials to any new detections of the infectious disease, which is always fatal to white-tailed deer, elk and other members of the deer family.

Strategies include:

• A special antlerless-only season in the CWD Surveillance Zone
• Restrictions on transporting deer carcasses
• Restrictions on the use of certain types of feeders
• And sampling requirements, in some cases mandatory

“Kentucky continues to work hard in the fight against CWD,” said Ben Robinson, director of Wildlife for the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. “Every decision made is aimed at ensuring we maintain a quality deer herd for our children and grandchildren.”

Kentucky’s CWD Surveillance Zone currently includes 23 counties in four distinct areas where CWD was detected either in Kentucky or nearby in a bordering state. The counties are Ballard, Breckinridge, Calloway, Carlisle, Casey, Fulton, Graves, Hardin, Henderson, Hickman, Laurel, Lincoln, Marshall, McCracken, McCreary, Meade, Pulaski, Rockcastle, Russell, Union, Wayne, Webster and Whitley.

For a map of the surveillance zone (and information on CWD restrictions), see Kentucky Fish and Wildlife’s website at fw.ky.gov/CWD or the 2026-27 Kentucky Hunting and Trapping Guide.

THE FOLLOWING REGULATIONS ARE IN EFFECT FOR THE 2026-27 DEER HUNTING SEASON:

SPECIAL ANTERLESS HARVEST:  A four-day season, Sept. 25-28, 2026, will allow hunters in CWD Surveillance Zone counties also located in Deer Zones 1-3 to take antlerless deer. Firearms, bows or crossbows may be used during this season but only antlerless deer may be harvested. Zone bag limits apply, as do mandatory sampling requirements described below.

The season is double the length of last year’s two-day CWD Antlerless Season, when 576 deer were harvested in 14 counties in the CWD Surveillance Zone as it existed at the start of the 2025-26 season.

CARCASS TRANSPORT RESTRICTIONS: Chronic Wasting Disease, which is caused by misfolded proteins, is spread by deer via contact with infected bodily fluids (such as saliva, blood, spinal fluid, urine and feces) or through contaminated food, soil and water. It can be spread by live deer as well as by the movement of carcasses and high-risk carcass parts. To block the spread of the disease, the following restrictions are in place:

• Hunters can bring into Kentucky from other U.S. states or Canadian provinces only the following parts from any member of the deer family (deer, elk, moose, or caribou, etc.): deboned meat, antlers, antlers attached to clean skull cap, clean skulls, clean teeth, hides and finished taxidermy products. It is illegal to transport whole carcasses or high-risk parts (head, intact skull or skull cap with brain material, or spine).
• Hunters who harvest a deer inside Kentucky’s CWD Surveillance Zone can take only the following parts outside the zone: Deboned meat, antlers and antlers attached to a clean skull cap, clean skulls and teeth, hides, and finished taxidermy products. It is illegal to take whole deer carcasses and high-risk parts, including head, intact skull or skull cap with brain material, or spine outside the zone.

BAITING/FEEDING RESTRICTIONS: The baiting of deer is allowed with restrictions in the CWD Surveillance Zone. Hunters may use grain, corn, salt, minerals or other attractants intended to be ingested. However, contact-style feeders (such as troughs, funnels, gravity feeders without spreading capabilities, etc.) are prohibited.

Feeders such as troughs and funnel feeders are considered contact-style feeders because they encourage deer to come into close contact at a single point, increasing the risk of CWD transmission through contaminated body fluids and feces. Broadcast feeders are allowed because they scatter out the feed, spreading out the deer and potentially reducing direct contact. Hunters may still use scent attractants and deer urine products.

Note: Feeding and baiting are illegal on public lands at all times.

SAMPLING REQUIREMENTS: As part of monitoring efforts, Kentucky uses a variety of strategies to collect samples of harvested deer for CWD testing. Within the CWD Surveillance Zone, requirements depend on the season and county and may include mandatory in-person checks of harvested deer and mandatory drop-offs of deer heads or submission of a sample. Requirements apply to all hunters, including landowners, youth and license-exempt hunters.
 

• Mandatory drop-offs: Testing is mandatory for deer harvested during the special antlerless season Sept. 25-28, 2026. This requirement applies no matter what method of take is used. Hunters must drop off that deer’s head to an unstaffed CWD Sample Drop-off Site or submit a sample using a CWD Sample Mail-In Kit. To request a mail-in kit, go to the CWD Sample Mail-In Kit webpage. Hunters can request a kit ahead of the season.

A list of sites as well as instructions can be found on page 14 of the fall hunting guide or online at the CWD Sample Drop-off Sites webpage.

Note: Hunters in Zone 4 CWD Surveillance Zone counties – McCreary and Whitley – cannot use a firearm during those four days, are not restricted to antlerless deer, and do not have to drop off samples for testing.

• Mandatory check: All deer harvested during the first three days of modern firearms season (Nov. 14-16, 2026) in Henderson, McCreary, Pulaski and Wayne counties must be taken by the hunter to a staffed CWD check station in those counties. Stations will be open 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time. See the hunting guide or go online for the locations of the two staffed CWD check stations in each of those four counties. Hunters will need their Telecheck confirmation number, license information and harvest location (see the note below).
• Voluntary sampling: In CWD Surveillance Zone counties other than those four counties, Kentucky Fish and Wildlife staff will be at various processors during weekends of the modern firearms season asking hunters for voluntary samples.

Outside the CWD Surveillance Zone, testing is free and voluntary. Hunters can have their deer tested by dropping off its head at a CWD Sample Drop-off Site or by requesting a CWD Sample Mail-in Kit. Hunters who submit a head or sample for CWD testing using these two methods will be entered into the Shoot for Samples giveaway.

Hunters should be aware that they will need to provide a general harvest location when taking a deer for CWD testing. This information is critical for monitoring CWD over time and will not be shared publicly. The information is general in nature – i.e. a one-mile-square box on a grid – and thus won’t identify any hunter’s “spot.”

Hunters can find the grids online ahead of their hunt on the Know Before You Go webpage. To find their hunting spot, hunters can either type the address or enlarge the map, then click on that location. The grid ID appears as a seven-character number that includes two letters and five numerals. Hunters can also find their grid number using the KY Deer & Elk App available on Apple and Android.

For questions or to get more information about CWD, go online at the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Chronic Wasting Disease webpage or contact the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Information Center by emailing [email protected]or calling (800) 858-1549 during office hours, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Eastern) weekdays.

The public can report sick or dead deer (and elk) by filling out an online form at Report Wildlife Disease or by contacting the Information Center.

There is a boil water advisory for Lakeway Drive in Russell Springs, KY starting at the intersection of Highway 127 to 570 Lakeway Dr., Cade Rd., Lake Trail Landing and Thrasher Court. Until further notice, boil all water used for drinking and cooking, bringing the water to a rolling boil for 3 minutes. 

The advisory is due to a water main break associated with the City’s ongoing water line replacement project.

Residents in the affected area should boil all water used for drinking, cooking, brushing teeth, and food preparation until the advisory is lifted.

An emergency response unfolded in Pulaski County on Sunday night when a three-vehicle collision at a busy intersection sent multiple people to the hospital.

First responders were dispatched to Traffic Light 25—the intersection of Highway 27 and Highway 914—following reports of a severe crash. Firefighters from the Burnside Fire Department had to perform an extrication to free one trapped victim through the rear hatch of their vehicle.

Somerset-Pulaski County EMS transported four individuals from the scene to the hospital. The extent of their injuries has not yet been released.

Russell County Judge Executive Randy Marcum talked with Wave News following the Monday morning meeting...

COLUMBIA, KY. (09/14/2026) Members of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6097 in Columbia are joining forces with Lindsey Wilson University to give veterans and their immediate family members a helping hand with higher education.

The post's members and friends have started the VFW Post 6097 Endowed Scholarship at Lindsey Wilson.

The need-based VFW Post 6097 Endowed Scholarship is open to an immediate family member of a U.S. military service member who died in the line of duty, known as a Gold Star family; a recipient of the Purple Heart, another military valor award or a recipient's immediate family members; a combat veteran; or a veteran's immediate family members.

Recipients of the scholarship are expected to maintain a minimum 3.0 grade point average on a 4.0 scale.

VFW Post 6097 Commander Russell Lunsford said he got the idea for the scholarship when he and his wife, Janice, supported an endowed scholarship of the late Lindsey Wilson Hall of Fame men's basketball coach Don Green, who Lunsford played for.

"It's an opportunity for us to help veterans with their higher education, their spouses and their children," said Lunsford, who is a 27-year Army veteran.

The VFW Post 6097 already sponsors college scholarships for graduates of Adair and Russell County high schools, but Lunsford said the post wanted to start a scholarship connected to Lindsey Wilson.

"The guys really like the idea of doing it," he said.

Lunsford, who attended Lindsey WIlson from 1969-70, gave former post Commander Joe Hare credit for helping turn the scholarship from an idea into reality.

"Joe had a big hand in it," said Lunsford. "He's how I get a lot of things done."

Hare said he was glad to play a part in creating the scholarship.

"A scholarship to help any veteran is a legacy well left by any of us," said Hare, a Vietnam War combat Army veteran who received the Purple Heart and attended Lindsey Wilson in 1968. "I said if this is a way we can help veterans, then that's what we need to do."

Lunsford said he likes that the VFW Post 6097 Endowed Scholarship also received contributions from area residents who are not military veterans.

"Anyone can contribute to it," he said. "It's such a great way to honor a member of the family or a friend who was a veteran and had a big influence on your life."

For more information about the Lindsey Wilson VFW Post 6097 Endowed Scholarship, contact LWU Director of Annual Giving Travis Smith '05 at [email protected] or 270-384-8511.
 

The Adair County High School Marching Band brought home the top honor Saturday at the Governor's Gold Cup Marching Band Festival in Elizabethtown, earning the title of Chuck Smith Grand Champion.

Performing this year's production, "Out of the Shell," the Adair County Band delivered an outstanding performance and dominated the preliminary competition. The band earned first place in Class AAA, first place in percussion, first place in color guard and first place overall.

Adair County continued its success in finals, earning caption awards for Color Guard, Percussion, Musical Performance, General Effect and Visual Performance, with a tie with Taylor County in Visual Performance.

The achievement is especially meaningful for a program that has long embraced the traditional theme "Eyes With Pride." That phrase represents the pride generations of Adair County band members have carried onto the field while representing their school and community.

This year, that tradition of pride was displayed through "Out of the Shell," as students showcased their talent, discipline, creativity and dedication.

The Grand Champion award capped a tremendous day for the students, directors and staff who have dedicated countless hours to preparing this year's production.

But the season is far from over.

The Adair County Marching Band will be back in competition this Saturday at LaRue County High School for the Lincoln Invitational. Fresh off their Grand Championship in Elizabethtown, the band will take the field once again with "Out of the Shell," looking to build on the momentum of an outstanding performance.

The community is encouraged to continue supporting these talented students as they represent Adair County and carry on the tradition of "Eyes With Pride."

Congratulations to the Adair County Marching Band on an incredible Grand Championship—and best of luck at the Lincoln Invitational this Saturday!

Brandon Welch, an enginer with Ken-Virons Engineering who is the consultant firm for the city of RS on their water line replacement/upgrade project, spoke at the recent meeting of the Russell Springs City Council... 

A 13-year-old Russell Springs boy was seriously injured Saturday evening when his horse was struck by a vehicle on KY 80.

According to the Russell County Sheriff’s Office, Emanuel Yoder was riding near Goose Creek Hill around 7:30 p.m. when he was hit by a westbound vehicle driven by 53-year-old John Gosser.

Yoder was thrown from the horse and taken by Russell County EMS to Russell County Hospital with serious injuries. Gosser was not injured, but the horse had to be euthanized due to severe injuries.

A Russell Springs man was airlifted Sunday afternoon following a 2-vehicle collision at the intersection of U.S. 127 North, Jericho Road, and West Kentucky 76.

According to the Russell County Sheriff’s Office, J.L. Stargle was turning left when his Chevrolet S-10 was T-boned by an overtaking Ford F-250 driven by Jose’ Carmona of Nicholasville.

Mr. Carmona and his passenger were not injured. Mr. Stargle was extricated from his vehicle by Russell Springs firefighters and EMS before being taken to Russell County Hospital and subsequently airlifted. His passenger, Diane Radford, sustained minor injuries and was treated at the scene.

Photos courtesy of Russell Springs Fire Department 

FRANKFORT (Sept. 11, 2026) – The Kentucky Agricultural Finance Corp. (KAFC) approved 12 agricultural loans totaling $1,926,125 for projects across the Commonwealth at its monthly board meeting.

Agricultural Infrastructure Loan Program (AILP)

Three Agricultural Infrastructure loans totaling up to $285,000 were approved. Loan recipients were in Breckinridge ($75,000), Marion ($60,000) and Monroe ($150,000) counties.

KAFC participates with lenders to provide financing to producers making capital expenditures for agricultural projects through the AILP. Eligible projects include permanent farm structures with attached equipment that improves the profitability of farming operations. Producers may be eligible for up to $250,000 not to exceed 50 percent of the project.

Beginning Farmer Loan Program (BFLP)

Nine Beginning Farmer loans totaling up to $1,641,125 were approved. Loan recipients were in Adair ($90,000, $107,000, and $135,000), Franklin ($250,000), Madison ($200,000), Marion ($146,000), Monroe ($250,000), Russell ($250,000), and Union ($213,125) counties.

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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.

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 [email protected].