Kentucky State Police continue an investigating into the death of a 58-year-old man in Casey County.
The Casey County coroner says the man’s body was found Thursday, May 14, at a home on Elmore Hill Road in Liberty.
Officials say the body has been sent to Frankfort for an autopsy to determine the cause of death.
The investigation is ongoing.
Applications for Livestock Forage Disaster Program (FLP) expected to be available soon at the Farm Service Agency...
FRANKFORT, Ky. (May 15, 2026) — In conjunction with National Safe Boating Week, May 16-22, 2026, the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources reminds boaters and motorists to be safe as they get out on the water and roads during the upcoming Memorial Day weekend.
Simple safety precautions help to minimize injuries and incidents. Kentucky Fish and Wildlife game wardens suggest the following tips when heading out on the water:
Wear a Life Jacket: Kentucky law requires each occupant of a boat to have ready access to a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket that properly fits each person. Children younger than 12 must wear an appropriately fitting life jacket at all times while in the open portion of a boat that is underway. Life Jacket Loaner Stations, available in a growing number of locations across the state, allow boating parties to borrow life jackets temporarily. Make wearing a life jacket a habit for the boat operator and passengers.
Use an Engine Cut-Off Switch: It only takes a second for something to go wrong when operating a powerboat. Using an engine cut-off switch is vital when unexpected emergencies happen, such as the boat operator or a passenger being thrown overboard. Automatically shutting down the engine can prevent injuries from a boat propeller or from striking other boats.
Boat Sober: Every year, alcohol is the leading cause of injuries and accidents on Kentucky waterways. Oftentimes, this leads to individuals leaving the lake and driving under the influence (DUI), putting everyone on the roadways in danger. Operating a vehicle or boat under the influence (BUI) is extremely dangerous, impairs judgment and reaction time, and is illegal.
Take a Safe Boating Course: Boaters should familiarize themselves with Kentucky boating laws, regulations and navigation rules before heading out. While everyone can benefit by taking an easy online Boater Education Class, Kentucky law requires that youth 12 to 17 years old and unaccompanied must complete a boater safety course.
Double Check Boating Equipment: Don’t assume that boat equipment is still on board and in working order after the winter. Be sure to check the working condition and presence of all safety gear. Replace batteries and any equipment that may be missing or in poor working order.
Be Aware of Surroundings: Operator inattention and improper lookout are contributing factors in many boating accidents. Always stay focused and alert while operating a vessel. Pay attention to water traffic, water levels, obstacles and swimmers in the water. Watch for signage and warnings regarding low-head dams or other dangers. Be aware that these dangers may not be marked.
Stay Weather Aware: Check the weather forecast and be prepared for changing conditions. Sudden storms or rough waters can pose significant dangers. Always have a reliable means of communication onboard to receive weather updates.
File a Float Plan: Provide boating plans with someone ashore before getting on the water. File a Float Plan with a friend or family member detailing the day’s itinerary and all the people going out. In the event of an emergency, this information can be crucial for rescuers.
The Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Waterbodies Search webpage shows that Kentucky has many lakes and streams on which to enjoy fishing and boating. Waterbodies may be affected by low and high waters given weather conditions or engineering work, so boaters are advised to check the status of boat ramps before leaving the house. Conditions may vary between waterbodies, which may cause a closure to some ramps but not others.
Kentucky Fish and Wildlife game wardens will be patrolling the state's waterways over Memorial Day weekend to check boaters for legal and safety considerations, including life jackets, boat registration, watercraft safety and possible impairment. The U.S. Coast Guard and other law enforcement agencies will also be patrolling Kentucky waters.
For emergencies, call 911. For assistance while on the water call 800-25-ALERT (800-252-5378) or contact a local law enforcement agency or nearest Kentucky State Police post. Marine channel 16 can be used to contact a local marina.
The Fish Boat KY smartphone app, available for iOS and Android, allows boaters to buy a fishing license, find directions to local lakes, read fishing reports, learn about regulations, find fish stocking schedules, locate the nearest boat ramp and more. Download the app at Fish Boat KY App on the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife website (fw.ky.gov) or search for “Fish Boat KY” in your preferred app store.
Additional boating information can be found on Kentucky Fish and Wildlife’s website at Boating - Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife. The department’s 2026-2027 Kentucky Fishing and Boating Guide also provides basic boating information, including regulations, and can be viewed online or printed to keep in a boat or other type of vessel.
Of final note, Kentucky boat registrations expire April 30 each year, so owners who haven’t already done so must renew them through their county clerk’s office.
Questions on boating, regulations, education and more may be directed to the agency’s information center at 800-858-1549, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (ET) weekdays, excluding state holidays.
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Unemployment rates fell in all 120 counties between March 2025 and March 2026, according to the Kentucky Center for Statistics (KYSTATS), an agency within the Kentucky Education and Labor Cabinet.
Woodford County recorded the lowest jobless rate in the commonwealth at 3.5%. It was followed by Todd County, 3.6%; Fayette and Scott counties, 3.7% each; Campbell, Franklin, Jessamine and Oldham counties, 3.8% each; and Boone, Caldwell, Carroll, Graves and Kenton counties, 3.9% each.
Everyone's Invited
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Today (Thursday, May 14th) the City of Columbia, along with the Adair County Fiscal Court and the Columbia-Adair County Chamber of Commerce, was pleased to host Representative Amy Neighbors and Senator Max Wise for a legislative update session at the historic Trabue-Russell House in Columbia.
At the session, they spoke about the work that has been done in Frankfort over the past few months while the Legislature was meeting. Specific recognition was given to the $184,000 which had been designated in the State Budget for improvements at the Trabue-Russell House.
Other recognition was given to Rice Drive, Watson Street and Burkesville Loop, all of which are City street projects that will receive state funding.
L-R: Rep. Amy Neighbors, Mayor Pamela Hoots, Trey Stephens, Senator Max Wise, and Chief Evan Burton
Adair County Judge Executive Larry Russell Bryant announced today (Thursday, May 14, 2026) that Adair County secured $1,339,000.00 in County Priority Projects Program (LARP - Local Assistance Road Program) funding to support critical road improvements throughout the county.
The roads awarded funding for resurfacing include: Jay Wheeler Road, Gennie Hill Road, Yellow Hammer Road, Allen schoolhouse Road, Huntington Way, Burkesville Loop, and Dunneville Road.
“These funds make a tremendous difference for the people of Adair County and help us continue improving the safety and quality of our roadways,” Bryant says. “I am so thankful to State Senator Max Wise and State Representative Amy Neighbors for working with us to secure these funds for our roads in Adair County.”
Bryant also recognizes the efforts of his staff in helping make the funding possible.
“I want to thank my Deputy Judge Executive Bridget Compton for the long hours put in behind the scenes to get this money,” Bryant says. “Her dedication and hard work are instrumental throughout this process.”
Adair County Judge Executive Larry Russell Bryant also congratulates the Trabue Russell House for receiving $184,000.00 from the state budget for improvements to the historic property.
“We appreciate the Trabue Russell House for hosting such a wonderful legislative update event,” Bryant says. The morning refreshments—chicken, waffles, and fresh fruit—were wonderful, especially while surrounded by the beauty of the rose and lavender garden.”
Bryant also congratulates the Breeding Fire Department and Columbia Fire Department for receiving $216,000.00 from the state budget for a shared vehicle that strengthens emergency response efforts across the community.
Additionally, Bryant sends his gratitude to Mayor Hoots for including Adair County in the legislative event and congratulates the City of Columbia on receiving recognition for projects involving Rice Drive, Watson Street, and Burkesville Loop.
“One of the highlights of the morning was seeing Amy Neighbors and Max Wise recognize the heroic efforts of three Adair County Sheriff’s deputies: Deputy Wall, Deputy Brockman, and Deputy Durbin,” Bryant says. “After the horrific event that occurred just a few weeks ago, we are so grateful to still have these brave officers here with us today.”
Additional details regarding project timelines and road improvement schedules will be announced as plans are finalized.
For more information, contact the Adair County Judge Executive’s Office
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The Local Assistance Road Program (LARP) is a new state funding initiative created by House Bill 546 in the 2025 Kentucky General Assembly session. It is administered by the Department of Rural and Municipal Aid (DRMA) within the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) and is designed to help cities and counties secure state funds for road rehabilitation, resurfacing, and improvement projects.
The Adair County Clerk’s Office will be open tomorrow (Friday, May 15, 2026). Clerk Lisa Greer says they appreciate your patience and understanding as cleanup efforts continue. Please be advised that the office is extremely loud due to the dehumidifiers currently in use.
FRANKFORT, Ky. (May 14, 2026) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear announced additional steps he’s taking to provide relief to Kentucky families as prices continue to rise due to the war in Iran. The Governor also provided updates on the distribution of weather-alert radios to keep Kentucky kids safe, the launch of the state’s 10th electric vehicle fast-charging site, upgrades to the state’s driver licensing system, carbon monoxide safety efforts, investments to improve access to the arts, and grants to reduce waste and keep Kentucky communities clean. He highlighted May as Military Appreciation Month and Mental Health Month and proclaimed next week as Public Works Week in Kentucky. The Governor named Kentucky families, medical professionals and advocates fighting childhood cancer as this week’s Team Kentucky All-Stars.
Steps To Lower the Cost of Fertilizer and Support Kentucky Small Businesses
Following last week’s announcement on steps to lower regular and diesel gas prices, Gov. Beshear announced further action he is taking to combat rising costs. Today, the Governor sent a letter to Kentucky’s congressional delegation calling for their support of the Homegrown Fertilizer Act, which would reduce fertilizer costs for farmers, reduce dependence on foreign fertilizer and provide grants and low-interest loans to expand production and storage capacity here in the United States.
“My job is to help Kentucky families,” said Gov. Beshear. “Every dollar I can put back in the pockets of Kentuckians is one dollar more for the things that matter.”
Gov. Beshear also discussed an executive order he signed this week creating the Team Kentucky Council on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, which will help provide guidance on how Kentucky can best support small businesses. The council includes 15 leaders from across the commonwealth with expertise in small business.
Weather-Alert Radios for Youth Camps
Ahead of summer, Gov. Beshear announced that Team Kentucky has worked with local Emergency Management offices to secure weather-alert radios for 34 youth summer camps to keep children, counselors and staff safe from severe weather. The radios were donated by Estill County following the end of the Chemical Stockpile Emergency Preparedness Program, which closed out after destruction of the chemical weapons arsenal at the Blue Grass Army Depot in 2023.
Team Kentucky continues working with local officials and summer camps to determine the need for additional radio disbursement. To request a weather-alert radio for your camp, contact Stay Alert Camps Program Manager Charlie Harris through Kentucky Emergency Management at charlie.harris@ky-em.org or 502-607-5707.
Driver Licensing
Last month, Gov. Beshear announced that a new, modernized driver licensing system and online portal will be launching this June, providing online services that help reduce wait times at regional offices and minimize paperwork. The Governor reminded Kentuckians that all Driver Licensing Regional Offices will close June 4-5 to transfer systems. Offices will reopen Monday, June 8, operating under the new platform. Walk-in hours will be available from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. through June 18 to allow for a smooth transition.
This effort builds on recent steps Team Kentucky has taken to improve the licensing experience and decrease wait times for Kentuckians. Statewide average walk-in customer times have dropped to just 14 minutes, down from 49 minutes in April 2025.
Expansion of Kentucky’s Electric Vehicle Charging Network
The Governor announced this week marked the launch of Kentucky’s 10th electric vehicle fast-charging site at Casey’s in Bowling Green. The new site joins those in Berea, Campton, Glasgow, Grayson, Hazard, Morehead, Paducah, Richmond and Sparta that have been completed through the federally funded National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program administered by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. The EV Charging Program aims to expand the network of EV chargers across the state.
“Team Kentucky knows that EVs are no longer the technology of the future, they’re here now,” said Gov. Beshear. “Families and businesses shouldn’t have to travel our state and worry about where their next charge is coming from, and with our steadily expanding charging network, they won’t have to.”
Military Appreciation Month
Gov. Beshear recognized May as Military Appreciation Month. This recognition builds on efforts by Team Kentucky to support military members and their families. Gov. Beshear has signed legislation to make it easier for military spouses to earn occupational licenses in Kentucky and to expand the Military Family Assistance Trust Fund.
Gov. Beshear’s administration has worked to help military families get access to quality childcare and celebrated schools who support military children through the Purple Star School Award.
Mental Health Month
Gov. Beshear continued to recognize May as Mental Health Month in Kentucky, highlighting the life-saving impact that the implementation of the 988 Lifeline has had in Kentucky. Since launching nearly four years ago, the 988 Lifeline has fielded 265,000 calls, chats and texts from Kentuckians.
Kentucky’s Statewide Carbon Monoxide Safety Initiative
During Building Safety Month, Gov. Beshear recognized building inspectors and code officers across Kentucky for their work. The Governor gave an update on Team Kentucky’s initiative, launched in January, that focuses on safety around carbon monoxide.
Since that announcement, the Beshear administration has partnered with local building personnel and the Department of Education to visit schools throughout the state to inspect heating and ventilation systems, including performing carbon monoxide readings. In these four months, 125 building inspections have been completed in 21 school districts across the state. These inspections revealed 26 potential safety issues that were corrected with minimal or no disruption to the school day, with most issues fixed the same day.
Public Works Week
Gov. Beshear proclaimed May 17-23 as Public Works Week in Kentucky. The Governor recognized the workers who improve and maintain Kentucky’s roads, water systems, public buildings and all public infrastructure across the commonwealth.
Investments To Improve Access to the Arts
The Governor announced $50,000 in funding to support arts programs that promote health, wellness and community connection. The awards will go to 12 nonprofit organizations across the commonwealth and are made available through Arts Access Assistance grants, which support nonprofit organizations that use arts-based strategies to address community needs, including mental health, recovery and social connection.
Funding To Reduce Waste and Support Clean Communities
Gov. Beshear announced $6 million in grants for projects aimed at reducing solid waste in landfills and improving the management of hazardous household waste. The funding, which comes from state dollars supported through the Kentucky Pride Fund, will be provided to municipalities, universities and fiscal courts for 68 projects across the commonwealth.
Team Kentucky All-Stars
Gov. Beshear named all Kentucky families fighting childhood cancer, as well as medical professionals and advocates, as this week’s Team Kentucky All-Stars.
This week, Gov. Beshear proclaimed May as Brain Tumor Awareness Month, May 17 as DIPG Awareness Day and May 21 as David Turner Jr. Ice Cream Day. During that event, Gov. Beshear presented $14 million in state funding to the Kentucky Pediatric Cancer Research Trust Fund. These dollars will fund research and support for Kentucky kids and their families who are battling this disease. The next request for grant applications will be available soon on the Trust Fund’s website.
In total, Kentucky has dedicated more than $45 million in state funding to childhood cancer research and family support during the Beshear administration, making the commonwealth a national leader on this issue.
The regularly scheduled Russell Springs City Council meeting for this week has been postponed and will be rescheduled for later this month.
The new meeting date and time will be announced publicly once finalized.
WAVE NEWS will let you know when the date is announced...
The Adair County High School Class of 2026 is preparing for graduation, with the official ceremony planned for 7pmCT on Friday, May 22, 2026 in the gym at Adair County High School.
A number of events will lead up to the ceremony:
Diplomas will be available for pick up from 8am-3pmCT on Tuesday, May 26th in the Front Office at Adair County High School.
Kentucky State Police (KSP) Post 15 Troopers were requested by the Green County Sheriff’s Office to respond to a two-vehicle injury collision, just after 11:30amCT Tuesday morning, on US 68 (Edmonton Road) in Green County.
The preliminary investigation revealed that Janice McKinney, 76, of Greensburg, was traveling east on US 68 in a 2009 Kia Rio. Ms. McKinney crossed the centerline and entered the westbound lane, into the path of a 2015 Hyundai Santa Fe that was being operated by 30-year-old Cody Richmond of Greensburg.
Janice McKinney was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Green County Coroner. Cody Richmond was transported to TJ Sampson Hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.
KSP Post 15 Troopers were assisted at the scene by the Green County Sheriff's Office, Kentucky Fish and Wildlife, Green County Fire/EMS, Green County Coroner’s Office and the Kentucky State Highway Department. Senior Trooper Brandon Roark is investigating the collision.
A false alarm ordinance was passed on Monday by the Russell County Fiscal Court. Judge Executive Randy Marcum explains more about it…
2026 Columbia-Adair County Chamber Award Winners
Volunteer
Stacy Hatcher Bishop
First Responder
Preston Gaskins
Agriculture
Farmers Mkt Square
Business Professional Man
Matthew Loy
Business Professional Woman
Beth Blankenship
Small Business
North Century Pharmacy
Large Business
Priceless IGA
Community Enhancement
Mike Watson
Educator
JR Thompson
Employee
Shelby Hatcher
Health Advocate
O’Shaughnessy Frazier
The date for the road closure at Wolf Creek Dam has changed. It will not be closed on June 2, 2026. Instead, it will be closed on May 27, 2026.
As part of the rehabilitation of the spillway gates at Wolf Creek Dam, both lanes of US 127 across the Dam will be closed on Wednesday, May 27, 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 closure, message boards will show:
Screen 1 Screen 2
US 127 @ Closed
Wolf Creek May 27
Dam 8AM- 4PM
Day of closure, the boards will show:
Screen 1 Screen 2
US 127 XX Miles (distance dependent on where board is placed)
Closed Ahead
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