FRANKFORT, KY (April 25, 2024) - Sen. Max Wise, R-Campbellsville, and Rep. Amy Neighbors, R-Edmonton, have secured millions of dollars supporting local projects in Adair County over the next two years.

Included in House Bill (HB) 1, which leverages $2.7 billion from the state’s $3.7 billion budget reserve trust fund to support transformative one-time projects across the commonwealth, the Adair County Fiscal Court will receive $1 million to support facility improvements at the Adair County Historic Courthouse.

A provision of HB 1 proposed by Wise and the Senate placed $450 million from the BRTF into the state’s biennial road plan, HB 266.

Neighbors and Wise helped secure over $4.3 million for planning, designing, obtaining rights-of-way, utility work, and construction of various projects in the county including

• Over $2.6 million to improve safety and mobility along KY Highway 55 near Doc’s Market,
• $940,000 to install a turning lane on KY Highway 55 at Betty’s OK Country Cooking,
• $700,000 to provide access to Green River Commerce Park along KY Highway 55 to promote economic growth, and
• $58,000 to install guardrail on KY Highway 1702 in 2026.

House Joint Resolution (HJR) 92 provides $264,000 to support the county's priority efforts to resurface Coffey Road Bird, Road and Lancaster Street.

Additionally, HJR 91 includes scheduled projects and anticipated needs for the remaining four years of the six-year highway construction plan. Find HJR 91 HERE. Adair County-specific projects can be found on page 2.

The 2024 Legislative Session concluded on Monday, April 15.

On the morning of May 2, 2024 Adair County High School, in conjunction with several community first responders, will stage an activity for Adair County High School students that will involve a staged car accident. The activity, entitled Operation 10-46 - which is emergency personal radio communication code for an automobile accident with injuries, will take place at the Adair County Middle School Football field. The purpose of this activity is to reinforce the importance of smart decisions in and around prom weekend. Distracted and impaired driving is a concern across age levels, and organizers feel that this activity will drive home the importance of making good decisions, staying away from drinking or impaired driving, and never texting while behind the wheel. Each of these poor decisions can have dire consequences and Operation 10-46 will communicate this in a very real manner.

Please be prepared to hear sirens in and around Adair County Schools campus on the morning of May 2^nd. There will be a variety of emergency personnel involved in and around the automobile accident scene. Medical evacuation helicopters will also be landing on campus as well.

The morning’s events will conclude with a Ghost Out program at ACHS. Once again, this very real and emotional program aims to show the importance of making good decisions and how wrong decisions can impact lives forever. Ann Young, which has been pivotal in planning this year’s Operation 10-46, says, “With summer activities and prom approaching, Adair County High School hopes to promote safe driving and educate students on the hazards of impaired driving. Operation 10-46 and the Ghost Out program educates students on the dangers of driving and the impact that car accidents can have on their lives.”

Adair County High School Prom is scheduled for Saturday, May 4^th.

1. James Combs Jr. - Possession of Methamphetamine and Drug Paraphernalia
2. Jessica Hensley - Possession of Methamphetamine and Drug Paraphernalia
3. Ashley McGuffin - Trafficking in Fentanyl, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Controlled Prescription Not In Original Container.

COLUMBIA, KY. – For the third consecutive year, Lindsey Wilson College will cap off its largest class in school history at spring commencement, April 26 - 27. 

Lindsey Wilson's commencement celebration, the 119th in school history, will be held over two days. 

The first ceremony will take place at 6:00pmCT on Friday, April 26, 2024 in Biggers Sports Center. The Friday evening event will recognize students who attended LWC via the graduate hybrid program. To accommodate the large crowd, graduates have been allotted tickets for guests in attendance.

The second ceremony will take place at 10:00amCT on Saturday, April 27, 2024 in Biggers Sports Center. The Saturday morning event will recognize students who attended LWC on the A.P. White Campus in Columbia. To accommodate the large crowd, graduates have been allotted tickets for guests in attendance.

The third ceremony will take place at 2:00pmCT on Saturday, April 27, 2024 in Biggers Sports Center. The Saturday afternoon event will recognize students who attended LWC online or at one of the community campus off-site locations.

A total of 588 degrees will be conferred for the 2024 spring class. That number includes 226 undergraduate degrees and 362 graduate degrees. Combined with the 642 degrees awarded at LWC's winter commencement ceremony, the Lindsey Wilson Class of 2024 will be a record 1,230 graduates – the most in the 120-year history of The United Methodist-affiliated college. To put that number into perspective, the College awarded a record 743 in 2023. 

The ceremony will be shown on closed-circuit television in the Norma & Glen Hodge Center for Discipleship, 402 Helen Flatt Drive. The ceremony will also be available via live stream on the Lindsey Wilson College YouTube channel. Go to www.lindsey.edu/commencement for access to the free streaming event.  

For more information about LWC's 2024 spring commencement ceremony, contact the LWC Registrar’s Office at registrar@lindsey.edu or 270-384-8025. 

There is a boil water advisory for East Highway 80 in Russell Springs starting at Dowell Road, extending to Fairview Church Road. The advisory includes S. Thorton Road, Autumn Dr., Stonebrook Drive, Jesse Drive, Bolin Road, West Road, Wade Road and Roy Drive. Until further notice, boil all water used for drinking & cooking purposes for at least 3 mintues. The advisory was issued due to a line repair.

The Center for Rural Development in Somerset, KY has selected Adair County students Justin Loy and Kelsay Breeding to attend the 2024 Rogers Scholars Youth Leadership Program.

Justin Loy is the son of Michael and Robin Loy of Columbia. Kelsay Breeding is the daughter of Steven and Lindsay Breeding of Greensburg. Justin and Kelsay, both sophomores at Adair County High School, will join 100 high school students from 45 Kentucky counties this summer for the 27th annual Rogers Scholars Program. This is a record number of students and the largest class to ever attend the program.

A Tennessee man was arrested Tuesday in Cumberland County on a Sex Abuse charge with the Victim being under 12 years old.

William Rowe, 38, of Lafayette, Tennessee was arrested by Columbia Police Officer Burton and charged with Sexual Abuse, 1st Degree, Victim under 12 Years of Age. He was lodged in the Adair County Regional Jail.

HODGENVILLE, Ky. (April 23, 2024)- The Kentucky State Police (KSP) is investigating a fatal collision involving a Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) contract worker that occurred in LaRue Co. Tuesday morning.

On Tuesday, April 23, 2024 at approximately 9:00anET, Kentucky State Police Post 4 was requested by LaRue Co. Dispatch to investigate a fatal collision that occurred involving a van and a highway worker near the 3100 block of Old Elizabethtown Road (KY 210). The preliminary investigation reveals that Henry T. James, 74, of Louisville, was operating a 2000 GMC Savana eastbound on Old Elizabethtown Road when he entered a portion of the roadway that was reduced to one lane due to routine maintenance operations. James failed to observe Blake Barnes, 22, of Elizabethtown, a KYTC contracted worker, who was in the eastbound lane of the roadway flagging traffic before he was struck by James. 

Barnes was pronounced deceased at the scene by the LaRue Co. Coroner’s Office. James reported no injuries to officials. 

The affected portion of Old Elizabethtown Road was closed for several hours to allow troopers to reconstruct the collision. KSP was assisted at the scene by the LaRue Co. Sheriff’s Department, LaRue Co. Coroner, LaRue Co. Fire Department, and the LaRue Co. EMS. The collision remains under investigation by reconstructionist Det. Kevin Dreisbach. 

A Russell County Grand Jury has returned several indictments; one Russell Co. man indicted for rape and other sex abuse charges involving a minor under 12 years of age. Lisa Clark has details...

FRANKFORT, Ky. (April 22, 2024) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear announced continued momentum within the state’s manufacturing sector as leaders at EPC-Columbia Inc., an industry-leading plastic injection molding company, will be expanding the company’s manufacturing operation in Lebanon with a $3.6 million investment creating 21 full-time, Kentucky jobs.

“The manufacturing sector is a staple of Kentucky’s booming economy,” said Gov. Beshear. “Having companies already established here in the commonwealth choosing to expand and grow their operations is a critical component of the state’s continued economic success. EPC-Columbia is providing quality job opportunities for Marion County and the surrounding community, and I congratulate the company on this exciting next step.”

The expansion project will see the company add 40,000 square feet to its manufacturing facility in Marion County, bringing its total operating space to nearly 300,000 square feet. The additional room will allow for increased manufacturing operations, office space and equipment to meet growing customer demand. The investment will add 21 full-time jobs, bringing the company’s total Kentucky employment to 430.

“We are extremely excited to be expanding our operations and continue working within the Marion County community,” said Reza Kargarzadeh, president of EPC-Columbia. “I want to thank everyone who made this project possible, including the hard-working, dedicated employees of EPC-Columbia, local officials and the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development. We are thrilled to enter this next chapter as a company and look forward to continuing to provide quality products and services to our customers around the world.”

Founded in 1994, EPC is an industry leader in plastic injection molded products, with services that include injection molding, two-shot injection molding, vacuum forming, cast skin, urethane foaming and painting. EPC serves major industries that include automotive, commercial and consumer appliance, aerospace, off-road heavy equipment, agriculture and forestry, scientific and medical sectors. Today, the company has 560 injection molding machines ranging from 30 to 3,300 tons and 16 manufacturing facilities. EPC operates in Alabama, Florida, Iowa, Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri, Wisconsin, Michigan, Ohio, South Carolina, Canada and Mexico.

Marion County Judge/Executive David Daugherty looks forward to celebrating this exciting opportunity for EPC and the community: “We are thrilled about the additional employment opportunities this expansion project will bring to Marion County. We appreciate EPC’s vision for continued growth in our community and look forward to celebrating this milestone with the company.”

Lebanon Mayor Gary Crenshaw highlighted the economic impact the expansion will bring to the area: “EPC’s expansion is another addition to the economic engine that continues to thrive in Marion County. The additional investment in capital and jobs add to the vibrant progressive vision we project as a community.”

Brooklyn Leep, Marion County economic development director, noted the continued support and commitment by EPC within the community: “We welcome this exciting news for our community as EPC expands its operations, bringing new opportunities and economic growth to our community. We appreciate their continued investment and commitment to Marion County.”

EPC’s investment and job creation build on the best four-year period for economic growth in state history.

Since the beginning of his administration, Gov. Beshear has announced more than 1,000 private-sector new-location and expansion projects totaling over $30.6 billion in announced investments, creating more than 52,500 jobs. This is the highest investment figure secured during the tenure of any governor in the commonwealth’s history.

The robust job creation has been accompanied by rising wages across the commonwealth. The average incentivized hourly wage in 2022 and 2023 topped $26 in consecutive years for the first time.

Gov. Beshear has announced some of the largest economic development projects in state history, which have solidified Kentucky as the electric vehicle battery production capital of the United States: Ford Motor Co. and SK On’s transformative $5.8 billion, 5,000-job BlueOval SK Battery Park in Hardin County; AESC’s $2 billion, 2,000-job gigafactory project in Warren County; Toyota’s $1.3 billion investment in Scott County; and INFAC North America’s $53 million investment in Taylor County, among others.

The Governor’s administration also secured the largest General Fund budget surplus and Rainy Day Fund, as well as the most jobs filled in state history. Last year, Kentucky set the record for the longest period with the lowest unemployment rates in state history.

Kentucky also secured rating increases from major credit rating agencies Fitch Ratings and S&P Global Ratings, and Moody’s Investors Service upgraded Kentucky’s credit outlook from stable to positive.

In March, Site Selection magazine ranked Kentucky third nationally and first in the South Central economic development projects per capita in its 2023 Governor’s Cup rankings. Previously, Site Selection placed Kentucky first in the South Central region and top 5 nationally in its 2023 Prosperity Cup ranking, which recognizes state-level economic development agencies for their success in landing capital investment projects.

Gov. Beshear announced a “Supply Kentucky” initiative with the goal of boosting job growth, reducing costs and providing more security in the supply chains of our Kentucky companies.

To encourage investment and job growth in the community, the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority (KEDFA) preliminarily approved a 15-year incentive agreement with the company under the Kentucky Business Investment program in March. The performance-based agreement can provide up to $350,000 in tax incentives based on the company’s investment of at least $1 million and annual targets of:

• Creation and maintenance of 21 Kentucky-resident, full-time jobs across 15 years; and
• Paying an average hourly wage of $20.42, including benefits across those jobs.

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, EPC-Columbia 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.

For more information on EPC-Columbia, visit epcmfg.com.

A detailed community profile for Marion County can be viewed here.

Information on Kentucky’s economic development efforts and programs is available at CED.ky.gov. Fans of the Cabinet for Economic Development can also join the discussion at facebook.com/CEDkygov, on Twitter @CEDkygov, Instagram @CEDkygov and LinkedIn.

Banners will start being hung in mid-May in honor of Veterans in Columbia/Adair County. The dedication service for the banners will be held during Memorial week.

Veterans are from the Vietnam War, Korean War, World War I, World War II, and Active Duty:

• Phillip Gaskins   
• Derek Cundiff    
• Randall Jones    
• Joe Payne          
• Leland Grant     
• Wallace Alexander 
• Bobby Kimbler   
• Bernard Dunn   
• Sammy Hughes  
• Charlie Morrison 
• James Abell         
• John Burr             
• Paul Smith          
• Michael Callison      
• Orvis Grider          
• Travis Giles            
• Vince Giles            
• Ronald Burton       
• Brad Scholl             
• Joe Spires               
• Tommy Corbin       
• C.W. Grant             
• Bernard Janes        
• William Coy Turner  
• Joe Hare                       
• Ronnie Holt                 
• Russell Arnold               
• Walter Gene Hoots    
• Shane Lee Pollard           
• Harvey Dean Nash          
• William E. (Tootie) Corbin 
• William J. Burton               
• Ray G. Willis                      
• Charles Caldwell               
• Ronald Edwards                
• Eldridge Bragg                  
• James King                         
• Pamela King                      
• Leon Huff                           
• Benjamin Hadley             
• Sammy King                      
• Edwin Downey                
• Billy Fletcher                    
• Noel Hayes                      
• Hindman Loy                    
• John William Guillion       
• William O. Pendleton       
• Billy Sullivan                       
• Edward Grider                   
• Vernon Williams                
• William F. Keys                  
• Caleb Arnold                      
• Ronald Goetz                     
• Arlin Wheet                       
• George Claywell               
• Jordan Baker                      
• James Smallwood               
• John D. Lowe III                   
• William Phelps                      
• Herman Chelf                      
• William Feese                      
• Lucian Edwards                   
• Raymond Curry
• Francis McGowan
• Stanley Jones
• Clay Thomas Moore
• Wilburn Cheatham
• Ronald Cheatham
• Garold Russell
• James Gaskins
• Tom Andrew
• Willie Ray Foster
• Stevie Foster Graves Sr.
• Larry D. Huckaby
• Walter Ray Graves
• Ples T. Grimsley
• Ray Partin
• Larry T. Antle
• Danny D. Kearney
• Kenneth Bryant
• Robert Gossett
• Clifton Hadley
• Phillip Keltner
• Jimmie Dale Cox
• John W. Arnold
• William Billy Spoon
• Leonard Price Cheatham
• Felton Fudge
• James Wolford Grant
• Tommy Lee Scott
• Radius Brown
• Charles L. Cole
• Clay Jones
• Thomas A. Turner and
• Leslie Land

On Monday night, April 22, 2024, CPD Officer Elliot Smith located and took a subject into custody with an active warrant on Burkesville Street. During the process of arrest, the subject was found to be in possession of suspected narcotics.

In addition to the outstanding warrant, 59-year-old Brian White of Columbia was also charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance (Cocaine). He was lodged in the Adair County Regional Jail.

Officer Smith was assisted by CPD Sgt Justin Cross.

Jeffrey Kerr, 28, of Dunnville, KY was arrested by KSP Trooper Harper on Monday night. Kerr was charged with Failure to Wear Seat Belt, No Registration Receipt, No Registration Plates, Failure to Produce Insurance Card, Failure of Owner to Maintain Required Insurance, Possession of a Controlled Substance, 1st Degree, 1st Offense (Meth), Possession of Marijuana, Drug Paraphernalia - Buy/Possession, and Operating Motor Vehicle Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance. He was lodged in the Russell County Detention Center.

Here's the 2024 Russell County Fair schedule of events...

The Jamestown boil water advisory includes all of Wesley Circle off of Harbor Springs Road. Boil all water used for drinking and cooking purposes for at least 3 minutes.

Tyler McKinney was sworn in today as a Police Officer for the City of Columbia by Mayor Pamela Hoots. He is scheduled to attend the Police Academy.

Congratulations to Officer McKinney from 92.7 the Wave!

CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. (April 22, 2024) – On April 21, 2024 at approximately 4:12 P.M. EST, Kentucky State Police (KSP) Post 15 Troopers responded to a two-vehicle injury collision on KY 55 in Taylor County.

The preliminary investigation revealed that Allen Glen Yates, age 60 of Columbia, was traveling north on KY 55 in a 2002 Ford F-150. Mr. Yates crossed the centerline of the roadway and entered into the southbound lane of KY 55, colliding in a head-on manner with a 2021 Nissan Rogue traveling south on KY 55. The Nissan Rogue was operated by Tracy York-Murrell, age 39 of Columbia.

Ms. York-Murrell was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Taylor County Coroner. A passenger in Ms. York-Murrell’s vehicle, Cameron Murrell, age 33 of Columbia, was transported to the University of Louisville Hospital for treatment of severe but non-life-threatening injuries. Mr. Yates was also transported to the University of Louisville Hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. A passenger in Mr. Yates’ vehicle, Karen Bishop, age 67 of Columbia, was transported to the University of Louisville for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

KSP Post 15 Troopers were assisted at the scene by the Taylor County Sheriff's Office, the Campbellsville Police Department, the Campbellsville Fire Department, Taylor County Fire and EMS, Taylor County Rescue, the Taylor County Coroner’s Office, and the Kentucky State Highway Department. The collision remains under investigation by Senior Trooper Brandon Roark.

According to the newly released ag census, the economic impact of agriculture boomed in 2022, reaching over $100 million in market value of products sold compared to just $69 million in 2017. Livestock, including poultry, beef, and dairy, increased by $32 million, while grain crops increased by about $4 million.

While the market value of agriculture products increased, both farmland acres and the number of farms decreased by 17% and 7%, respectively. Adair County ranked 2nd in Kentucky for milk sales and 9th for beef sales.

This story from our friends at columbiamagazine.com.

Rachael Grimsley, age 21, was arrested by Officer Williams of the Columbia Police Department on Sunday afternoon on charges of Speeding 23 mph Over Limit and Operating on a Suspended or Revoked Operator License. She was lodged in the Adair County Regional Jail.

Dorothy Taylor, 39, of Columbia was arrested by Officer Bates of the Columbia Police Department on Sunday night, on charges of Non-Payment of Court Costs, Fees or Fines and Resisting Arrest. She was lodged in the Adair County Regional Jail.